it's that time of year again.

New backpacks...

Sharp crayons...

Weird afternoon not-rush-hour traffic...

The smell of freshly sharpened pencils...

It's back to school time! (At least here in my steamy bit of Florida)

Which made me think this was the perfect time to talk about ADHD!

In this week's video I'm specifically addressing ADULT ADHD and how that may look different than for kids.

For adults, the time of year is not really as important (except maybe for grad students!) but there will be a lot of cute Hello Kitty planners and other organizing items (or throw back Trapper Keepers!) on sale to help your adult ADHD client stay organized!

​This video is about 12 minutes and is built around the case of 38 year old Emily. There are some examples of what symptoms are more common in adults and what other mental health or medical problems should be considered.

So what do you need to know, Reader?

• Adults require 1 less symptom than kids but still have to have met the criteria by age 12 (even if they weren't diagnosed)
• Adults might only have inattentive symptoms
• Hyperactive symptoms may look more like anxiety or internal restlessness
• Impulsive symptoms may show up as unplanned purchases or talking out of turn during meetings
• Many environments are more forgiving for adults who still have hyperactivity symptoms
• Symptom severity can fluctuate with stability of routine and can be quickly derailed by a lost relationship or job
• Stimulants are the gold standard for treating ADHD but they are controlled substances and have limitations with prescribing (Ryan Haight Act)

Short and sweet!

But of course putting this to use in practice is always more complicated! Feel free to send me any questions you may have about diagnosis or treatment of adult ADHD!

There will also be a video on the brain science behind ADHD (or at least what we think is going on!) and discussion of treatment with stimulants, non-stimulants, and non-pharm options.

And be sure to check out the deals on sparkly gel pens, brain shaped erasers, and whiteboards with a rainbow of expo markers! (or just wait until January when there're back again for the "new year, new you" sales)

Cheers to healthy brains,

Dr. B

Jessica Beachkofsky, MD

Your friendly, online psychiatrist!

P.S. Here's your video link for differences in adult ADHD!​

P.P.S. Next is ADHD brain science and then treatments

P.P.P.S. I love back-to-school shopping for supplies! Packs of notebook paper, new lunch boxes, colored pencils, highlighters... I really do find the smell of sharpened pencils delightful 🥰 What's your favorite school or office supply, Reader? Reply and tell me!