Adult ADHD Evaluations, Medication Management & Treatment in Philadelphia, Wilmington and Manhattan, NYC.
Adult Attention Deficit Disorder (Adult ADD) or Adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (Adult ADHD) refers to persistent difficulty regarding attention, impulsivity and/or hyperactivity causing significant distress and/or functional impairment for the individual. Adult ADHD is typically treated by Psychiatrists in the areas that we serve (Philadelphia, Manhattan, Delaware and the surrounding communities) with specific training in this condition. We believe that there are advantages to receiving treatment from a psychiatrist, with additional training and knowledge regarding ADHD and psychiatry – as opposed to utilizing one of the large online national “ADHD Companies” that are becoming so prevalent. We hope that you’ll feel the same way, as you review this page.
Do Adults Develop ADHD?
Although Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is generally diagnosed during childhood, difficulties can persist through adulthood. When symptoms result in difficulty regarding work, relationships or other aspects of one’s life, medical management may be appropriate. This may consist of organizational strategies, coping skills, therapy and/or medication management of Adult ADHD. It is a common misconception that all patients suffering with ADHD in childhood “grow out” of their symptoms in adulthood. This misconception often prevents individuals from receiving treatment for their medical condition.
The presence of symptoms of ADHD must be present in childhood to make a diagnosis of Adult ADHD. However, when individuals have mild ADHD, a great deal of support, or are of high intelligence, they may actually compensate effectively for their symptoms until their academic, occupational or home-life demands pass a certain threshold (such as beginning college, starting a new line of work, or having children). Thus, individuals may feel that they “developed” ADHD as an adult, but in fact, their symptoms were simply not problematic until their demands increased. Because of the complexity of difficulties with attention (and multiple potential causes for these symptoms), diagnosis should be made by a Psychiatrist or mental health provider with specialized training in the evaluation, diagnosis and treatment of Adult Attention Deficit Disorder (ADHD) in Philadelphia, Manhattan, Delaware or the other locations that we serve.
How Common is Adult ADHD in Philadelphia, Manhattan and Delaware?
It’s estimated that approximately 3-5% of children and 1-3% of the adult population meet criteria for ADHD. Thus, about half of children who were diagnosed with ADHD will continue to meet criteria for Adult ADHD.
Why Treat ADHD in Adults?
When compared to Age-Matched Controls, studies suggest that adolescents and adults with ADHD show serious impairment in multiple domains (90% in home lives, 89% in work lives, and 77% in social lives [Adler LA et al, Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 2011]). Untreated teens and adults with ADHD are more likely to drop out of high school, less likely to obtain a college degree, more likely to have been fired from employment, more likely to be unemployed, have higher teen pregnancy and STD rates, are more likely to have relationships end in divorce, and are more likely to have motor vehicle accidents. Finally, there are higher rates of co-morbid depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders among teens and adults with ADHD. It is estimated that 15-20% of adults with substance abuse disorders, anxiety, depressive disorders and bipolar disorders have ADHD.
ADHD is a very treatable medical condition, and individuals who suffer from this condition, deserve the same right to treatment as individuals with any other medical condition.
Is the ADHD Medication Shortage Affecting ADHD Treatment in Philadelphia, Manhattan, Delaware and the areas you Serve?
There are many different types of medications for the treatment of Adult ADHD. Dr. Pagnani, and the providers whom he works with, will take the time to review all options, their risks and benefits. Unlike many national Telehealth “ADHD Companies” and generalists with additional time constraints, Dr. Pagnani also takes the time to study the pharmacology of ADHD medications so that appropriate medication substitutes can be utilized when certain medications are less available (even within the stimulant category), he takes the time to educate himself on promotions from manufacturers which increase availability of medications, and he has relationships with specialty pharmacies that often will have medications in stock. For detailed information on the ADHD medication shortage and medication substitutes click here (and scroll to the bottom of the page).
Why Choose Dr. Pagnani’s Practice for Adult ADHD Medication Management and Treatment in Philadelphia, Manhattan, Delaware and the Surrounding Areas?
- Unlike large national Telehealth companies, we provide comprehensive, thorough and holistic treatment for ADHD and co-morbid conditions. Initial evaluations are an hour in-length, and we will formulate a comprehensive treatment plan for your ADHD and other psychiatric struggles.
- We provide both in-office and virtual Telehealth appointments for ADHD treatment and medication management. Initial visits are typically in-office or virtual, and follow-up visits are typically by Telehealth (depending on state and federal rules and regulations).
- We are mindful of the over-prescription of psychiatric medications (including stimulants), and aim to utilize the fewest number of medications, at the lowest effective doses for our patients, with minimal side effects. If a patient meets criteria for treatment, we will discuss risks and benefits of controlled, non-controlled and non-medication options. Dr. Pagnani even works closely with a psychologist who specializes in CBT (a type of psychotherapy) for ADHD.
- Dr. Pagnani takes the time to educate himself on the psychopharmacology of ADHD medications, so that he can utilize similar substitute medications (even within the stimulant class) when the ADHD medication shortage is causing difficulties with a patient filling their prescriptions. He also keeps abreast of manufacturer promotions of newer ADHD medications that tend to have increased availability, and he has relationships with specialty pharmacies that can have more consistent stocking of many ADHD medications.
- Dr. Pagnani is a trusted psychiatric expert in the community. He has been recognized as a “Top Doc” in the Philadelphia area since 2020, he has appeared on Good Day Philadelphia to provide expert commentary on psychiatric illness and treatment, he is frequently asked for expert commentary by local press and area journalists, and he serves as an Instructor at The Johns Hopkins Hospital and supervises Psychiatry residents at Jefferson Hospital.
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267-687-0655 x 1
Scheduling@RittenhousePA.com
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