Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) causes ongoing problems involving inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Andrea Skrocki is a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner that specializes in screening, diagnosing, and treating adult ADHD via a telehealth platform in Colorado.

If you have ADHD or think you have it, Andrea can provide the answers and support you need.

Call Andrea D. Skrocki Psychiatry today, or schedule your ADHD screening appointment online now to get treated for ADHD in Colorado. 

Don't wait any longer to get the help you need now!

What is ADHD?

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a complex neurological disorder that impacts the parts of the brain that help us plan, focus on, organize, control impulses and execute tasks. It’s a long-term condition that happens because of changes in the brain’s structure and function often during early brain development.  Individuals with ADHD often hyperfocus and lose track of time, often misplace or lose important daily items, and/or blurt out or talk over others.  Symptoms of ADHD/ADD can negatively impact many aspects of life including school, work, relationships, social interactions and overall mental well-being.   

ADHD is most commonly diagnosed and associated with children and adolescents, but it affects adults too. It’s not uncommon for ADHD to go unnoticed during childhood since many associated symptoms (inattention and hyperactivity) are common traits in children.  There are many stigmas that also prevent individuals from getting the help they needed when younger.  Often males are more readily diagnosed than females.  ADHD is not related to intelligence or IQ, and it is not a character of "will power". 

ADHD tends to run in families. If you have concerns about ADHD because it runs in your family and you were never diagnosed, schedule a consultation with Andrea for an evaluation. If you had ADHD as a kid and you’re struggling to manage your symptoms, Andrea can help.

What are the symptoms of ADHD?

ADHD symptoms include inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.

Inattention- Inattention in ADHD makes it hard to focus, follow through on tasks, and stay organized.

Hyperactivity- Hyperactivity in ADHD causes fidgeting, restlessness, and the need to always be on the go.

Impulsivity- Impulsivity is acting without thinking. People with ADHD can have difficulty waiting their turn. They constantly interrupt others when they’re speaking and, in school/work/social circumstances, blurt out answers to questions.  This is not due to "being rude" but rather the brain being 'excited' and impulsive.  You don’t have to have all of the symptoms to have ADHD.

Previously, attention deficit disorder (ADD) and ADHD were two separate conditions, but ADHD is now the diagnosis. Those diagnosed with it are then further classified into a type based on their most dominant symptom.

Three types of ADHD:

• ADHD, predominantly inattentive type
• ADHD, predominantly hyperactive/impulsive type
• ADHD, combination type
  
  

What happens during an ADHD screening?

Andrea completes a thorough psychiatric diagnostic evaluation during your ADHD screening. She reviews medical and mental health histories and your family history. She also asks about your childhood, academic performance, work, and social interactions looking for symptoms of ADHD.

She also has you complete a symptom rating scale.

No single test diagnoses ADHD. Andrea uses the information she gathers during your evaluation and screening to develop a diagnostic impression to see if you meet the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis.

Your initial evaluation with Andrea takes 50-60+ minutes.

How is ADHD treated?

Andrea can provide medication management for ADHD. She believes the best strategies for ADHD treatment are multimodal ones - using a combination of complementary approaches that work together to reduce symptoms.  This may include medications, nutrition, exercise, and behavior modifications.  It is not a “one size fits all” approach, and symptoms and treatments must be reassessed throughout the lifespan.  Men and women each benefit from individualized treatment options. 

What medications are used to treat ADHD?

Medications that help control ADHD symptoms include:

Stimulants

Stimulants are considered the first-line treatment for ADHD. These medications work to increase certain neurotransmitters in the brain to improve focus and executive function. These medications work right away and do not need to be taken daily.

There are two main classes of stimulant medications, methylphenidate and amphetamine (D/DL), both generic names. 

Examples of stimulants include:

• Adderall XR (amphetamine)
• Concerta (methylphenidate)
• Dexedrine (amphetamine)
• Focalin XR (dexmethylphenidate)
• Metadate CD (methylphenidate)
• Ritalin IR and LA (methylphenidate)
• Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine dimesylate)
• Mydayis (amphetamine)
  

Nonstimulants used for ADHD

Nonstimulants also increase brain chemicals that control one’s ability to focus, but these medications take time to work.  These are often prescribed to patients who don’t tolerate or find benefit with a stimulant, or have medical contraindications for using a stimulant.  

The most common FDA approved  ADHD non-stimulants that are used to treat ADHD are:  

• Atomoxetine (Strattera)
• Guanfacine (Tenex/Intuniv)
• Clonidine (Catapres)
• Qelbree (Viloxazine)

Non-FDA ADHD medications approved; non-stimulant medication used in ADHD:

• Bupropion (Wellbutrin)
• Modafinil (Provigil) /Armodafinil (Nuvigil)
• Tricyclic Antidepressants
• SNRI Antidepressants
• Memantine (Namenda)

Andrea also recommends ADHD coaching or therapy with medication management and requests that you see your primary care provider for wellness exams and lab work.

Call Andrea D. Skrocki Psychiatry today or schedule your ADHD screening online.  Don’t wait any longer, book now. 

*Andrea is an out of network provider that does not accept insurance and accepts credit cards, debit cards and HSA/FSA at time of service.