ADHD Treatment in Florida | Diagnosis & Medication Management | Refresh Psychiatry

ADHD doesn't look the same in everyone — and it doesn't always look the way people expect. Maybe you've spent years assuming you were lazy, scattered, or just "not trying hard enough." Maybe your child's teacher keeps flagging focus issues. Or maybe you've been managing on your own and wondering if there's a better way.

At Refresh Psychiatry and Therapy, our board-certified psychiatrists specialize in ADHD evaluation and treatment for adults, teens, and children across Florida. We offer in-person appointments at 10 locations — including Davie, Miami, West Palm Beach, Wellington, Orlando, and Coral Springs — plus telepsychiatry for patients anywhere in the state.

According to the CDC, approximately 11.4% of children aged 3–17 in the U.S. have been diagnosed with ADHD, and the NIMH estimates another 4.4% of adults live with the condition — many undiagnosed. If you or your child are struggling, you don't have to figure it out alone. Explore our ADHD treatment options →

What Is ADHD? Signs, Symptoms & What to Look For?

ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) is one of the most common neurodevelopmental conditions in the U.S. — and one of the most frequently misunderstood. It's not a lack of intelligence or willpower. ADHD affects how the brain regulates attention, impulse control, and activity levels, and it presents differently depending on age, gender, and individual biology.

Difficulty staying focused or paying attention
Trouble organizing tasks or managing time
Forgetfulness and losing things frequently
Restlessness and difficulty sitting still
Acting impulsively or speaking out of turn

Important: Many adults with ADHD were never diagnosed as children, particularly women, who are more often diagnosed with the inattentive subtype and may have spent decades developing coping strategies that masked their symptoms. If this sounds familiar, our psychiatrists can help. Learn about our psychiatric evaluation process →

The 3 Types of ADHD — And Why the Distinction Matters for Treatment

Explore the 3 different types of ADHD: Inattentive, Hyperactive-Impulsive, and Combined Presentation. Learn about the unique characteristics and symptoms of each.

Inattentive ADHD

Individuals with Inattentive ADHD struggle with focus, organization, and follow-through. They may appear forgetful, easily distracted, and have difficulty completing tasks.

Hyperactive-Impulsive ADHD

Hyperactive-Impulsive ADHD is characterized by restlessness, impulsivity, and difficulty waiting or taking turns. Individuals may fidget, interrupt others, and act without thinking.

Combined ADHD

Combined ADHD combines symptoms of both Inattentive and Hyperactive-Impulsive types. Individuals may exhibit a mix of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity in various settings.

The type of ADHD someone has directly influences which treatment approach works best. Inattentive ADHD, for example, often responds differently to stimulant medications than Combined type. That's why our psychiatrists conduct thorough evaluations before recommending any treatment — and why we offer pharmacogenomic testing, which uses your genetic profile to help identify which ADHD medications are most likely to work for you specifically, reducing the trial-and-error process.

Signs and symptoms of ADHD

Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms of ADHD

It’s normal for everyone to experience moments of distraction, forgetfulness, or restlessness at some point in their lives. Stress, lack of sleep, major life changes, or even relationship challenges can all affect focus and behavior. However, these occasional difficulties do not necessarily indicate attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

For individuals with ADHD, these symptoms are persistent, often beginning in early childhood (typically between the ages of 3 and 6). They are not fleeting but chronic, and they significantly impact everyday life—causing challenges in school, work, relationships, and personal well-being.

If you suspect that you or someone you care about might have ADHD, it’s essential to seek guidance from a qualified healthcare professional. A proper diagnosis and treatment plan can make a significant difference, helping to manage symptoms and improve quality of life.

ADHD Symptoms in Teenagers — When School Performance Starts to Suffer

ADHD symptoms in young children often become apparent in structured environments like daycare, school, or at home during daily routines. These behaviors typically stand out because they disrupt learning or social interactions. Common signs of ADHD in children include:

Difficulty focusing on tasks and being easily distracted
Short attention span during activities like homework or play
Daydreaming frequently
Constant movement, such as fidgeting, squirming, or running around
Inability to sit still for extended periods
Loud or disruptive behavior during activities
Excessive talking or interrupting others

ADHD Symptoms in Teenagers

As children grow into adolescence, ADHD symptoms may evolve. Some teenagers may find their symptoms become less disruptive, while others face new challenges as academic, social, and personal responsibilities increase. Signs of ADHD in teens may include:

Difficulty staying focused on schoolwork or completing tasks
Careless mistakes and frequent disorganization
Forgetting or losing personal items like homework, phones, or keys
Struggling with time management and task prioritization
Avoiding tasks that require sustained attention
Heightened frustration or emotional sensitivity
Potential experimentation with substance use
Challenges in maintaining healthy relationships with peers and family
Increased conflict with parents or authority figures

ADHD Symptoms in Adults

In adulthood, ADHD symptoms often shift. While hyperactivity may decrease, difficulties with focus, organization, and impulsivity often persist, especially as life’s responsibilities grow more complex. Symptoms of ADHD in adults may include:

Struggling to meet workplace or academic expectations
Low self-esteem and feelings of underachievement
Difficulties managing time, deadlines, or schedules
Frequent disorganization and forgetfulness
Challenges in maintaining healthy relationships with partners, family, or coworkers
Increased likelihood of substance use issues
More frequent accidents or injuries due to inattention or impulsivity

When Is It Time to See an ADHD Specialist in Florida?

If ADHD symptoms are affecting school performance, work productivity, relationships, or daily functioning — it's time to talk to a professional. A psychiatric evaluation can rule out other conditions (like anxiety or depression, which often co-occur with ADHD) and get you toward an accurate diagnosis and a real plan.

At Refresh Psychiatry, we see patients at every stage: children whose teachers are raising concerns, teens struggling academically, and adults who've wondered for years whether ADHD explains what they've been experiencing. Our evaluation process is thorough, compassionate, and designed to give you real answers.

✅ New patients welcome. In-person in Davie, Pembroke Pines, Coconut Creek, West Palm Beach, Wellington, Miami, Orlando, Winter Park, Coral Springs, and Vero Beach. Telehealth available statewide.

Book Your ADHD Evaluation →

Understanding ADHD in Children and Adults

ADHD, or Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, is a condition that affects individuals across all age groups, from children to adults. While the condition manifests differently depending on age, it stems from the same underlying causes. For instance, adults with ADHD may display more internalized symptoms, such as difficulty focusing or managing time, while children may exhibit more overt hyperactivity or impulsivity.

What Causes ADHD? Genetics, Environment & Co-occurring Conditions

The exact causes of ADHD remain unclear, but research suggests a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Although no single gene has been pinpointed as the definitive cause, studies show that ADHD often runs in families, indicating a genetic link. Environmental influences that may increase the likelihood of developing ADHD include:

Low birth weight
Premature birth
Exposure to harmful substances during pregnancy, such as tobacco, alcohol, or lead

It’s worth noting that ADHD is more commonly diagnosed in males than females. Interestingly, females tend to be diagnosed more frequently with the inattentive subtype of ADHD, which can sometimes go unnoticed due to its less disruptive nature.

Additionally, ADHD often coexists with other conditions, including:

Learning challenges
Anxiety disorders
Depression
Substance use disorders

Does Anxiety Cause ADHD?

No — anxiety and ADHD are separate diagnoses, though they frequently occur together. Both can cause difficulty concentrating and restlessness, which is why a thorough psychiatric evaluation by a board-certified provider is essential for accurate diagnosis. At Refresh Psychiatry, our psychiatrists are experienced in differentiating between ADHD, anxiety disorders, and their overlap. Learn about anxiety treatment →

Understanding the Connection Between ODD and ADHD

Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) is a behavioral condition in children and adolescents characterized by persistent irritability, anger, and defiance toward authority figures. It is not uncommon for ODD and ADHD to coexist, but one does not cause the other. Instead, some children with ADHD may display behaviors that appear oppositional, which can sometimes lead to a misdiagnosis of ODD.

Yes. Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) and ADHD frequently co-occur in children and adolescents. A trained child psychiatrist can distinguish between the two and create a treatment plan that addresses both conditions. Learn about our child and adolescent psychiatry services →

Can Depression Lead to ADHD?

Depression and ADHD are separate conditions, and one does not directly cause the other. However, there is a well-established connection between them. People with ADHD often experience frustration, low self-esteem, or chronic stress due to difficulties with focus, organization, and self-regulation. Over time, these challenges may contribute to the development of depression.

No, but untreated ADHD can contribute to the development of depression over time. Chronic frustration, underachievement, and self-esteem challenges associated with unmanaged ADHD are risk factors for depressive symptoms. Early diagnosis and treatment of ADHD can help prevent this downstream effect. Learn about depression treatment →

What to Expect at Your ADHD Evaluation at Refresh Psychiatry

If you suspect you or your child may have ADHD, the first step is consulting a qualified mental health professional. They can assess your symptoms, rule out other conditions, and determine the best course of action.

Who Can Diagnose ADHD?

ADHD can be diagnosed by professionals with specialized training in mental health, including:

Psychiatrists (MDs or DOs): Medical doctors who specialize in diagnosing and treating mental health conditions, including prescribing medications for ADHD.
Psychologists (PhDs or PsyDs): Experts in psychological testing and diagnosis, though they typically do not prescribe medication.
Pediatricians or Primary Care Physicians: Often diagnose ADHD in children, particularly those with behavioral health training.
Neurologists: May assist when ADHD symptoms overlap with other neurological conditions.

For many individuals, a psychiatrist is the preferred choice for diagnosis and treatment, especially when medication is part of the management plan. Psychiatrists are equipped to prescribe medications responsibly and monitor their effects over time.

The Diagnostic Process

Your first visit at Refresh Psychiatry is a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation — typically 60 minutes. Your provider will review your symptom history, medical background, and how ADHD is affecting your daily life. We use standardized diagnostic tools alongside clinical judgment to reach an accurate diagnosis.

For patients where medication is part of the plan, we also offer pharmacogenomic analysis — a simple cheek swab that analyzes how your genetic makeup affects medication metabolism. This helps us identify which ADHD medications are most likely to be effective for you, skipping months of trial-and-error. It's one of the few services of its kind offered at a Florida outpatient psychiatric practice.

Appointments available in-person and via telehealth →

Seeking professional help can be life-changing, as a tailored treatment plan can significantly improve your quality of life and help you navigate daily challenges more effectively.

Final Thoughts

ADHD is a complex condition influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. While it shares symptoms with other mental health conditions like anxiety and depression, it remains distinct and requires a specific diagnostic approach. If you or someone you know is struggling with symptoms of ADHD, consulting a qualified mental health professional is the first step toward understanding and managing the condition effectively.

With the right diagnosis and treatment, individuals with ADHD can lead fulfilling and successful lives.

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