Quick answer
ADHD (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder) is an ongoing pattern of inattention, and sometimes hyperactivity or impulsivity, that starts in childhood and can continue into adulthood. In adults it often shows up as disorganization, procrastination and trouble with tasks and projects, or as strain at work and in relationships. Anxiety, depression and sleep problems can look similar or come along with it, so a careful evaluation matters. Treatment can reduce symptoms and improve day-to-day functioning.
Key takeaways
- ADHD starts in childhood. For an adult diagnosis, symptoms need to have started before age 12, even if no one noticed them then.
- In adults, it often looks like disorganization, procrastination and trouble finishing tasks, not just restlessness.
- Anxiety, depression and sleep problems can look like ADHD or come with it, which is why a careful evaluation matters.
- Two non-stimulant medications are FDA-approved for ADHD in adults: atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine (Qelbree).
What adult ADHD looks like
ADHD is an ongoing pattern of inattention, hyperactivity or impulsivity, or a mix of these, that gets in the way of daily life. Everyone has these moments sometimes. In ADHD they're frequent, they've been there for a long time, and they cause real problems at home, at work or in relationships.
Symptoms usually continue into adulthood, but they can look different than in childhood. Adults often learn to cover for them, so they can be less visible from the outside.
Common signs, in plain language
- Trouble paying attention, staying on task or staying organized
- Procrastinating, and trouble starting or finishing tasks and projects
- Restlessness, or trouble settling into quiet activities
- Acting without thinking, or trouble with self-control
- A long history of struggles at school or work, or strained relationships
These signs are a general guide, not a checklist for diagnosis.
How it's evaluated
There's no single test for ADHD. A careful evaluation looks at your symptoms now and across your life:
- What you notice day to day, and how it affects at least two areas of life, such as home and work
- Whether symptoms started before age 12
- Your mood, sleep, health and medication history, to look for other explanations
- Sometimes rating scales or checklists and, with your OK, input from people who know you well
We don't offer formal ADHD testing (such as neuropsychological testing). Your first evaluation is up to 90 minutes in length. Some people need more time, some less, and we take the time you need. Follow-up visits are typically 20 to 30 minutes, and extended follow-ups are available.
Conditions that often come with ADHD
ADHD often occurs alongside other conditions, which can make each one harder to recognize and treat. Common ones include anxiety, depression, sleep problems and learning disorders. Sleep problems are especially common in adults with ADHD.
Treating anxiety, depression, sleep and mood concerns is a central part of our care, and it can make daily life noticeably easier.
How it's treated
Treatment can reduce symptoms and improve how you function day to day. It often combines approaches: medication, therapy such as cognitive behavioral therapy, coaching, and practical changes such as more exercise. People sometimes need to try more than one approach to find what works.
ADHD care at ANK: We evaluate ADHD in adults and can consider non-stimulant medication options when appropriate, along with treating the anxiety, depression, sleep and mood concerns that often come with it. We don't prescribe stimulants or other Schedule II controlled medications (such as Adderall, Vyvanse, Ritalin or Concerta). Your provider will talk with you about which options fit you.
We don't offer standalone weekly therapy, but we're happy to help you find a therapist and will coordinate with them as part of your care.
Is it this or that?
Is it ADHD or something else?
| ADHD | Anxiety (GAD) | Depression | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trouble focusing | Long-standing, in many settings. | A hard time concentrating, often because worry is hard to control. | Difficulty concentrating, remembering or making decisions. |
| When it started | In childhood, before age 12, even if it was noticed later. | Usually develops gradually, often in early adulthood, though it can start at any age. | Comes in episodes: symptoms most of the day, nearly every day, for at least 2 weeks. |
| Other clues | Disorganization, procrastination, restlessness or acting without thinking. | Worry on most days for at least 6 months, restlessness, fatigue, sleep problems. | A persistent sad, anxious or "empty" mood, loss of interest, low energy, sleep or appetite changes. |
ADHD
- Trouble focusing
- Long-standing, in many settings.
- When it started
- In childhood, before age 12, even if it was noticed later.
- Other clues
- Disorganization, procrastination, restlessness or acting without thinking.
Anxiety (GAD)
- Trouble focusing
- A hard time concentrating, often because worry is hard to control.
- When it started
- Usually develops gradually, often in early adulthood, though it can start at any age.
- Other clues
- Worry on most days for at least 6 months, restlessness, fatigue, sleep problems.
Depression
- Trouble focusing
- Difficulty concentrating, remembering or making decisions.
- When it started
- Comes in episodes: symptoms most of the day, nearly every day, for at least 2 weeks.
- Other clues
- A persistent sad, anxious or "empty" mood, loss of interest, low energy, sleep or appetite changes.
They can overlap: ADHD often comes with anxiety or depression. This comparison is general information, not a diagnosis. Sources: NIMH: ADHD · NIMH: GAD · NIMH: Depression
Medication quick facts
Non-stimulant medications for ADHD
Browse by name. Your provider will talk with you about which options fit you.
Atomoxetine (Strattera)
A non-stimulant (not a controlled substance)
- FDA-approved for
- ADHD in adults and in children 6 and older.
- Boxed warning
- Suicidal thoughts and behaviors, seen in children and teens. Your provider watches closely, especially in the first months and after dose changes.
- Good to know
- It takes several weeks to reach full effect.
Source: FDA label (DailyMed): Strattera · Review: atomoxetine onset and response over time (2015)
General information, not medical advice; talk with your provider.
Viloxazine extended-release (Qelbree)
A non-stimulant (not a controlled substance)
- FDA-approved for
- ADHD in adults and in children 6 and older.
- Boxed warning
- In clinical studies, suicidal thoughts and behaviors were reported more often with Qelbree than with placebo. Your provider watches closely.
Source: FDA label (DailyMed): Qelbree
General information, not medical advice; talk with your provider.
Guanfacine extended-release (Intuniv)
A non-stimulant (alpha-2 agonist). Off-label in adults.
- FDA-approved for
- ADHD in children and teens (studied in ages 6 to 17). Not FDA-approved for adults; sometimes used off-label.
- Important
- Don't stop it suddenly; blood pressure can rebound. Your provider will lower it gradually.
Source: FDA label (DailyMed): Intuniv
General information, not medical advice; talk with your provider.
Clonidine extended-release (Kapvay)
A non-stimulant (alpha-2 agonist). Off-label in adults.
- FDA-approved for
- ADHD in children and teens (studied in ages 6 to 17). Not FDA-approved for adults; sometimes used off-label.
- Important
- Don't stop it suddenly; blood pressure can rebound. Your provider will lower it gradually.
Source: FDA label (DailyMed): Kapvay
General information, not medical advice; talk with your provider.
Bupropion (Wellbutrin)
An antidepressant. Off-label for ADHD.
- FDA-approved for
- Depression, seasonal affective disorder, and help quitting smoking. Not FDA-approved for ADHD.
- The evidence for ADHD
- A 2017 Cochrane review found low-quality evidence of a possible benefit for adults with ADHD.
- Important
- Tell your provider if you've ever had seizures or an eating disorder such as anorexia or bulimia.
- Antidepressant warning
- In short-term studies, antidepressants increased suicidal thoughts and behaviors in people up to age 24. Anyone taking one should be watched closely for worsening, especially during the first few months and at times of dosage changes. Don't stop suddenly; talk with your provider first.
Source: MedlinePlus: Bupropion · Cochrane review: Bupropion for ADHD in adults (2017)
General information, not medical advice; talk with your provider.
Brand names are listed for recognition only. Off-label means a medication is used for something the FDA hasn't specifically approved it for.
What to expect
What to expect
1Start your intake packet
Fill out our secure intake packet. Once it's submitted, we'll verify your insurance and call you to schedule your appointment.
2A careful evaluation
A longer video visit about what you notice day to day, your history since childhood, your mood, sleep and health, and your goals.
3Understanding the picture
We explain what we think is going on, whether that's ADHD, something else, or more than one thing, and why.
4Your plan
We talk through options, which may include non-stimulant medication and treating anxiety, depression, sleep or mood concerns. If therapy or coaching would help, we can help you find it.
5Follow-up visits
Regular follow-ups to see how things are going and adjust carefully, one change at a time.
Bring this to your visit
Questions to ask your provider
Tick the ones you want to ask, then copy your list. Nothing is saved or sent.
Before your first visit
Information your provider will want to know
Tick what you have ready, then copy the list to fill in your notes. Nothing is saved or sent.
Frequently asked questions
Do you prescribe ADHD medication?
We evaluate ADHD in adults and can consider non-stimulant medication options when appropriate, along with treating the anxiety, depression, sleep and mood concerns that often come with it. We don't prescribe stimulants or other Schedule II controlled medications (such as Adderall, Vyvanse, Ritalin or Concerta). Your provider will talk with you about which options fit you.
Can adults be diagnosed with ADHD for the first time?
Yes. ADHD starts in childhood, but some people aren't diagnosed until adulthood. For a diagnosis, symptoms need to have started before age 12, even if no one noticed them then.
Do you do ADHD testing?
We evaluate ADHD as part of a careful psychiatric evaluation. We don't offer formal ADHD testing, such as neuropsychological testing.
I take a stimulant now. Can you take over my prescription?
We don't prescribe stimulants or other Schedule II controlled medications. Please mention your current medications in your intake packet or call our office, and we'll talk with you about what we can offer, such as non-stimulant options and care for related concerns.
Could my trouble focusing be anxiety or depression instead?
Sometimes. Both can make it hard to concentrate, and they often come along with ADHD. A careful evaluation looks at when your symptoms started and how they show up across your life.
Is a psychiatric nurse practitioner the same as a psychiatrist?
Both diagnose psychiatric conditions and prescribe psychiatric medication. Ours are board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioners (PMHNP-BC), focused on careful evaluation and medication management.
Myth or fact? Adult ADHD
Choose an answer for each to see the explanation. Nothing is saved.
1ADHD is only a childhood condition.
Myth. Symptoms usually continue into the teen years and adulthood, and some people aren't diagnosed until they're adults.
2Stimulants are the only medications for ADHD.
Myth. Two non-stimulants, atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine (Qelbree), are FDA-approved for ADHD in adults.
3Trouble focusing always means ADHD.
Myth. Anxiety and depression can also make it hard to concentrate. That's why a careful evaluation looks at your whole history.
The science: how we checked this
Sources
- NIMH: ADHD, what you need to know
- NIMH: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder
- MedlinePlus: ADHD
- NIMH: Generalized anxiety disorder
- NIMH: Depression
- FDA label (DailyMed): Strattera (atomoxetine)
- Upadhyaya et al. Atomoxetine: onset, trajectory and duration of response (J Psychopharmacol, 2015)
- FDA label (DailyMed): Qelbree (viloxazine)
- FDA label (DailyMed): Intuniv (guanfacine ER)
- FDA label (DailyMed): Kapvay (clonidine ER)
- MedlinePlus: Bupropion
- Cochrane review: Bupropion for ADHD in adults (2017)
How we checked this
- Written in our own words from NIMH, MedlinePlus and the FDA labels on DailyMed, checked October 25, 2026.
- Signs are described in plain language and aren't a diagnostic checklist.
- Stimulant medications aren't covered here because we don't prescribe them.
- Clinically reviewed by Alyssa Killion, MSN, APN, PMHNP-BC. Last reviewed October 25, 2026.
