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What is ADHD?
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by an ongoing pattern of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that interferes with daily functioning or development. While it is often diagnosed in childhood, ADHD is a lifelong condition that heavily impacts adults in the workplace, academic settings, and interpersonal relationships.
The relationship between ADHD and mental health is highly complex. Living with unmanaged ADHD often leads to chronic frustration, missed potential, and societal misunderstandings. Because of this, individuals with ADHD have a significantly higher risk of developing co-occurring mental health conditions such as Anxiety, Depression, and Substance Use Disorders.
According to recent data, an estimated 8.7 million adults in the United States have ADHD, yet a vast majority remain undiagnosed and untreated. At Sunrise Human Care Services, our clinical team provides comprehensive evaluations and multimodal treatment to help you manage symptoms and thrive.
Types of ADHD
The DSM-5 recognizes three primary presentations of ADHD. Because symptoms can change over time, the presentation a person experiences may also evolve. The three types include:
Inattentive Type
Primarily characterized by difficulties with focus, organization, and task completion.
Hyperactive-Impulsive
Primarily characterized by restlessness, fidgeting, and acting without thinking.
Combined Type
The most common presentation, featuring equal symptoms of both inattention and hyperactivity.
Inattentive Presentation Symptoms and Causes
Formerly known simply as ADD, the Predominantly Inattentive presentation is characterized by severe difficulty in sustaining focus, following detailed instructions, and organizing tasks. Because these individuals are often not disruptive, this type frequently goes undiagnosed until adulthood.
Causes: Like all forms of ADHD, the exact cause involves differences in brain anatomy and the function of neurotransmitters, specifically dopamine and norepinephrine, which are essential for executive function and reward processing. Genetics are the primary driver.
Symptoms:
- Frequently making careless mistakes in schoolwork or at work
- Appearing not to listen when spoken to directly
- Struggling to follow through on instructions or finish duties
- Chronic disorganization and poor time management
- Frequently losing items necessary for tasks (keys, phone, wallet, documents)
- Being easily distracted by unrelated thoughts or external stimuli
Hyperactive-Impulsive Presentation
Individuals with the Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive presentation feel a constant need for movement and often struggle with impulse control. While the hyperactive symptoms may decrease or internalize (feeling "restless" inside) as a person ages into adulthood, the impulsivity often remains.
Causes: This presentation shares the same genetic and neurological origins as the inattentive type, but the neurochemical dysregulation more heavily impacts the brain's motor and impulse-control centers.
Symptoms:
- Fidgeting, tapping hands/feet, or squirming in seats
- Leaving seat in situations when remaining seated is expected
- In adults, experiencing a constant internal feeling of restlessness
- Talking excessively and blurting out answers before questions are completed
- Difficulty waiting one's turn in lines or conversations
- Interrupting or intruding on others (e.g., taking over what others are doing)
Combined Presentation
The Combined Presentation is diagnosed when an individual meets the criteria for both inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity for the past six months. This is the most commonly diagnosed form of ADHD and often presents the most comprehensive challenges in daily functioning, requiring a highly customized, multimodal treatment plan.
Accessible ADHD Treatment in Darby, PA
At Sunrise Human Care Services, we proudly serve the Darby community and surrounding areas in Delaware County. Conveniently located at 869 Main Street, we make high-quality psychiatric evaluations, medication management, and ADHD therapy accessible.
100% Medicaid Acceptance
We exclusively accept Medicaid to ensure critical psychiatric care reaches those who need it most.
Communities We Serve
Holli O'Donnell, Licensed Mental Health Professional
Holli O'Donnell is a dedicated mental health professional at Sunrise Human Care Services, specializing in the diagnosis and multimodal treatment of ADHD, neurodevelopmental disorders, and co-occurring conditions.
Last Updated: April 14, 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
ADHD is a legitimate, highly researched neurodevelopmental condition. Brain imaging studies show distinct differences in the structure and function of brains in individuals with ADHD, particularly in areas controlling executive function. It is not caused by laziness, poor parenting, or a lack of discipline.
Not necessarily. While stimulant medications (like Adderall or Ritalin) are often the most effective first-line treatment for managing symptoms, non-stimulant medications and behavioral therapies are also highly effective. We provide comprehensive evaluations to find the safest and best approach for your specific needs and medical history.
Absolutely. Many adults with ADHD were never diagnosed in childhood, especially those who did not exhibit disruptive hyperactive behaviors. Adult ADHD often presents as chronic disorganization, missed deadlines, relationship issues, and persistent feelings of underachievement despite high intelligence.
Therapy, particularly Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) adapted for ADHD, helps you develop practical executive functioning skills. We focus on building systems for time management, organization, and emotional regulation, while also addressing the anxiety and low self-esteem that often accompany living with unmanaged ADHD.
Yes, ADHD has a very strong genetic component. Research indicates that if a parent has ADHD, their child has a significantly higher chance of also having the condition. It is one of the most highly heritable psychiatric disorders.
Start your recovery within 24 hours.
You shouldn't have to wait months for professional support. Our Darby clinical team is ready to respond to your request by the next business day. 100% confidential. Medicaid accepted.
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