ADHD: Modern World Realities and Integrative Approaches to Personalize the Care of Your Patients

ADHD has become increasingly recognized and diagnosed following the COVID-19 pandemic. While traditionally, younger individuals were associated with the diagnoses. There has been an enhanced recognition and emphasis on individuals diagnosed later in life in their mid-30s to 40s. This diagnosis is further complicated by the presence of several types and the common perception that it is primarily displayed as physical hyperactive behavior and with its interlinkages with other mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression. Depending upon the patient’s preferences and needs for their journey in life and age, different approaches may be necessary, and frequent evaluation and titration of approaches must occur. Patients experience many barriers to care, including shaming, challenges with consistent access and adherence to medications, impacts of co-morbid conditions, and psychosocial dynamic challenges. An effective medication approach requires patience, careful monitoring, titration, open communication, and trust. Approaches needed may include counseling, social/emotional support, health coaching, supplement use and dietary modification, meditation, occupational therapy, myofascial release, educational intervention, advocacy, and medications. Medications can be considered as a means of addressing initial cumbersome symptoms while building supportive coping structures to help throughout life.