Understanding ADHD
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental condition that affects attention, organization, impulse control, and activity level. It can look different from person to person: some children are visibly restless and impulsive, while others — often girls and adults — mainly struggle with focus, forgetfulness, and follow-through.
Left untreated, ADHD can affect learning, work performance, relationships, and self-esteem. The good news is that ADHD is highly treatable.
ADHD in children and adolescents
In children and teens, ADHD may show up as difficulty finishing schoolwork, losing things, trouble waiting their turn, frequent conflicts at home, or reports from teachers. Our child and adolescent psychiatry team evaluates the whole child, including the possibility of co-occurring anxiety, learning differences, mood concerns, or sleep problems, which often look similar to ADHD.
ADHD in adults
Many adults are diagnosed for the first time in college, at work, or after their child is diagnosed. Adults with ADHD may describe chronic procrastination, missed deadlines, disorganization, restlessness, or feeling that they work harder than others to keep up. We evaluate adult ADHD carefully, taking into account childhood history and other conditions that can affect concentration.
Our ADHD evaluation
A thorough evaluation typically includes:
- A detailed history of symptoms at home, school, or work
- Developmental, medical, and family history
- Standardized rating scales completed by patients, parents, and — with permission — teachers
- Screening for co-occurring conditions such as anxiety, depression, or sleep problems
ADHD treatment and medication management
Treatment is tailored to each person and may include:
- Stimulant or non-stimulant medications when appropriate, started carefully and adjusted at follow-up visits
- Monitoring of benefits, side effects, sleep, appetite, and growth in children
- Psychoeducation and practical strategies for patients and parents
- Recommendations for school supports (such as 504 plans) and coordination with schools
- Referral to therapy or coaching when helpful
We follow safe-prescribing practices for controlled medications, including regular follow-up visits.
Serving Gaithersburg, Montgomery County, and Maryland
Care is provided by Vivienne Gomes, M.D., Adult, Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist, and Emmanuel Sango, DNP, APRN, CRNP, PMHNP-BC, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. You can see us in person at our office at 18310 Montgomery Village Ave in Gaithersburg, or by secure video if you are located in Maryland at the time of your appointment. See telepsychiatry in Maryland.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you evaluate and treat ADHD?
Yes. We provide comprehensive ADHD evaluations and treatment for children, adolescents, and adults.
Do you provide ADHD medication management?
Yes. When medication is appropriate, we prescribe and closely monitor ADHD medications and adjust treatment over time.
Do you treat adults with ADHD?
Yes. We evaluate and treat adults with ADHD, including adults who were never diagnosed in childhood.