Skip to main content
J. Connor Barnhart, MD

ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) Treatment in San Francisco

Also known as: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, ADD, Attention Deficit Disorder, ADHD in Adults, Adult ADHD

3 min readLast updated: 2026-02-20
Reviewed by J. Connor Barnhart, MD

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition marked by persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that can interfere with functioning and development. ADHD affects children and adults, with symptoms that begin in childhood often persisting into adulthood. The condition involves differences in brain development that affect attention, the ability to sit still, and to exercise self-control.

At a Glance

  • An estimated 7 million U.S. children aged 3-17 (11.4%) have ever been diagnosed with ADHD[6]
  • Approximately 15.5 million U.S. adults (6.0%) have a current ADHD diagnosis[6]
  • ADHD symptoms persist into adulthood in more than three-quarters of childhood cases[7]
  • Boys are approximately twice as likely as girls to be diagnosed with ADHD, though females may be underdiagnosed[1]
  • About 70% of individuals with ADHD also experience at least one co-occurring mental health condition

Affected Anatomy

  • Prefrontal cortex
  • Basal ganglia
  • Cerebellum
  • Frontostriatal circuits
  • Dopaminergic and noradrenergic neurotransmitter systems

What are the symptoms of ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder)?

  • Difficulty sustaining attention during tasks or activities
  • Frequently losing items needed for tasks (keys, phone, paperwork)
  • Difficulty organizing tasks and managing one's time
  • Being easily distracted by unrelated thoughts or things around you
  • Fidgeting, tapping, or squirming when seated
  • Talking excessively or interrupting others
  • Difficulty waiting for one's turn
  • Acting without thinking about consequences
  • Forgetfulness in daily activities and routines
  • Difficulty following through on instructions or finishing tasks

When to See a Psychiatrist for ADHD

  • Persistent difficulty focusing, organizing, or completing tasks at work
  • Chronic procrastination or trouble managing time and deadlines
  • Restlessness, fidgeting, or difficulty sitting still in meetings
  • Impulsive decision-making that creates problems in relationships or finances
  • Feeling like you are not reaching your potential despite effort
  • Previous ADHD diagnosis or suspicion that may benefit from updated evaluation and treatment

If any of these apply, consider reaching out to schedule a visit.

What causes ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder)?

Causes

  • Differences in brain development affecting certain brain pathways and circuits
  • Differences in the relative availability of certain neurotransmitters (like dopamine and norepinephrine)
  • Genetic factors, with ADHD tending to run in families
  • Exposure to toxins in the womb or early childhood, being born premature or low birth weight

Risk Factors

  • Family history of ADHD or other mental health conditions
  • Prenatal exposure to tobacco smoke or alcohol
  • Premature birth or low birth weight
  • Exposure to environmental toxins such as lead during early childhood

How It's Diagnosed

  • 1Comprehensive clinical interview assessing symptom history, onset, and duration
  • 2Behavioral rating scales and standardized questionnaires (e.g., ASRS, WURS, DIVA-5)
  • 3Medical history and lab testing to rule out other conditions
  • 4Information from school records or family members to establish the start of symptoms during development

How is ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) treated?

I offer several approaches for ADHD (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder):

Psychodynamic Therapy

Psychodynamic therapy is an evidence-supported form of talk therapy rooted in longstanding psychoanalytic theory about how unconscious thoughts, past ...

Learn more →

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a structured, evidence-based form of psychotherapy that focuses on identifying and modifying unhelpful patterns ...

Learn more →

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy, also called talk therapy, refers to a variety of treatment approaches that aim to help a person identify and change troubling emotions,...

Learn more →

Medication Management

Medication management refers to the ongoing, physician-supervised process of prescribing, monitoring, and adjusting psychiatric medications to treat m...

Learn more →

Lifestyle Optimization

Lifestyle optimization is an evidence-based approach to mental health that uses individually tailored behavioral interventions – including sleep hygie...

Learn more →

Prognosis and Recovery

  • It is now understood that ADHD symptoms often persist into adulthood, with more than three-quarters of childhood cases continuing to experience some symptoms
  • Many individuals manage symptoms effectively with appropriate treatment and support
  • Early identification and intervention are associated with improved long-term outcomes
  • Combination of behavioral and pharmacological approaches often yields the best results
  • Adults may develop compensatory strategies that reduce functional impairment over time

Frequently Asked Questions

ADHD (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder) is a neurodevelopmental condition marked by persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. It affects both children and adults, and involves differences in brain development that can impact attention, self-control, and the ability to manage daily activities.
Common symptoms include difficulty sustaining attention, being easily distracted, forgetfulness in daily activities, difficulty organizing tasks, fidgeting or restlessness, talking excessively, difficulty waiting for one's turn, and acting impulsively. Symptoms can present differently depending on the ADHD subtype.
ADHD is associated with differences in brain development and neurotransmitter activity, particularly involving dopamine and norepinephrine. Genetic factors play a significant role, and environmental factors such as prenatal toxin exposure and premature birth may also contribute to risk.
See a psychiatrist if focus, organization, or impulsivity issues consistently interfere with work, relationships, or daily functioning. A thorough evaluation can determine whether ADHD or another condition is involved.
ADHD treatment typically involves a combination of approaches including behavioral therapy, medication management, psychoeducation, and organizational strategies. Many individuals benefit from a holistic treatment plan tailored to their specific symptoms, age, and functional needs.
Many people with ADHD manage their symptoms effectively with ongoing treatment and support. While symptoms beginning in childhood do often persist into adulthood, appropriate treatment is associated with improved outcomes. Adults may develop compensatory strategies over time.
Helpful strategies include maintaining consistent routines, using calendars and reminders for organization, breaking large tasks into smaller steps, regular physical exercise, good sleep hygiene, and minimizing distractions in work and study environments. Mindfulness practices may also help with focus and emotional regulation.
Dr. Barnhart conducts a comprehensive evaluation and develops a personalized plan that may include medication, behavioral strategies, and lifestyle modifications such as exercise, sleep optimization, and organizational techniques.

Your Practitioner

J. Connor Barnhart

J. Connor Barnhart, MD

Dr. J. Connor Barnhart is a board-certified psychiatrist and psychotherapist practicing in San Francisco. He completed his psychiatry residency at UCSF, where he trained in the Bipolar, LGBT, and Women's Mental Health specialty clinics and developed focused expertise in integrative psychiatry through a year-long rotation at the UCSF Osher Center. He attended medical school at the University of Pennsylvania's Perelman School of Medicine and graduated from Brown University with honors in Human Biology. His practice combines insight-oriented therapy, medication management, supplements, and lifestyle optimization to holistically address the root causes of mental health challenges including depression, anxiety, and difficulties with focus.

Medically reviewed by J. Connor Barnhart, MD · Last reviewed: 2026-06-03