Many adults start wondering about ADHD after years of feeling like they're working twice as hard as everyone else to stay organized, on time, and focused. Some notice it after a child is diagnosed. Others notice when a new job, a baby, or a busier life removes the structure that used to hold things together.
A careful evaluation matters, because difficulty concentrating has many causes. Depression, anxiety, poor sleep, thyroid problems, substance use, and plain chronic stress can all look like ADHD. Treating the wrong thing wastes time and can make things worse.
What a thorough evaluation includes
- Your story now. Which areas of life are affected: work, school, relationships, driving, finances, and how long it's been this way.
- Your story then. ADHD starts in childhood, so we look for signs before about age 12. Old report cards and input from a parent or sibling can help a lot.
- Standard rating scales. Validated questionnaires, such as the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS), add structure. They support the diagnosis but don't make it on their own.
- Look-alikes and co-occurring conditions. Mood, anxiety, sleep, trauma, and substance use are screened for directly, since they often travel together with ADHD.
- Medical history. Heart history, blood pressure, sleep, and current medications all matter before choosing treatment.
In my practice the first evaluation runs 60 to 90 minutes, and sometimes we schedule a second session or gather records before settling on a diagnosis. That isn't a delay tactic. It's how you get an answer you can trust.
Can ADHD be treated over telehealth in Florida?
Yes. Florida law allows physicians to evaluate and treat patients by telehealth, including prescribing certain controlled medications for psychiatric conditions. Federal rules from the DEA also apply, and those rules have changed several times in recent years. A responsible practice follows whatever rules are in effect at the time of your visit and explains any requirements up front.
You need to be physically located in Florida during each telehealth visit. Before prescribing a stimulant, I also check Florida's prescription drug monitoring program, which is standard practice and protects patients.
Treatment isn't only medication
Stimulant and non-stimulant medications can help a great deal, and they're among the most studied treatments in psychiatry. But the best results usually combine medication with practical changes: sleep, routines, tools that work with your brain instead of against it, and sometimes ADHD-focused coaching or therapy. We also follow up closely at the start, since finding the right medication and dose usually takes a few adjustments.
How to prepare
- Write down the three or four situations where your attention causes the most trouble.
- Find old report cards or school records if you can.
- Ask a parent, sibling, or partner what they noticed, now and growing up.
- Bring a list of current medications, supplements, and past psychiatric treatments.
- Be honest about caffeine, alcohol, and cannabis. It changes the plan, not the respect you'll get.
If you're an adult in Florida wondering whether ADHD explains what you've been dealing with, a thoughtful evaluation is the right first step, whether you see me or someone else.
This article is general information, not medical advice for your situation. If you're in crisis, call or text 988, or call 911.