Adult ADHD can affect concentration, organization, time management, emotional regulation, relationships, and performance at work or home. Some adults have struggled since childhood. Others managed their symptoms until the responsibilities of adulthood made them harder to overlook.
I am Dr. Tanya Underwood, a board-certified adult psychiatrist with more than 25 years of clinical experience. I provide comprehensive psychiatric evaluations and personalized medication management through secure virtual appointments for adults throughout Arizona.
An ADHD evaluation should look beyond a checklist. The goal is to understand your history, current challenges, overall mental health, and whether ADHD or another condition may best explain your symptoms.
How ADHD Can Appear in Adults
ADHD is associated with persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. In adults, hyperactivity may appear more as internal restlessness than obvious physical activity.
Some adults were never evaluated as children because their symptoms were less visible, they developed ways to compensate, or they performed well until work, education, parenting, or other responsibilities became more demanding.
What to look for
Common Adult ADHD Symptoms
Difficulty sustaining attention
Starting tasks without finishing them
Poor time management
Losing important items
Avoiding tasks that require prolonged mental effort
Frequently losing track of details
Trouble organizing projects or daily responsibilities
Missing deadlines or appointments
Becoming distracted by thoughts or surroundings
Forgetting routine responsibilities
Symptoms vary. Having difficulty concentrating does not automatically mean someone has ADHD.
What to look for
Common Adult ADHD Symptoms
Inattention and executive-function challenges may include:
Difficulty sustaining attention
Starting tasks without finishing them
Poor time management
Losing important items
Avoiding tasks that require prolonged mental effort
Frequently losing track of details
Trouble organizing projects or daily responsibilities
Missing deadlines or appointments
Becoming distracted by thoughts or surroundings
Forgetting routine responsibilities
Hyperactivity or impulsivity may include:
Feeling internally restless
Talking excessively or interrupting others
Difficulty waiting
Frequently changing activities or priorities
Difficulty sitting through long meetings or activities
Making decisions quickly without considering consequences
Acting before thinking
Symptoms vary. Having difficulty concentrating does not automatically mean someone has ADHD.
Why a Comprehensive Evaluation Matters
Stress, poor sleep, anxiety, depression, trauma, substance use, medical conditions, and medication effects can all create symptoms that resemble ADHD. Some people also have ADHD together with one or more of these conditions.
ADHD symptoms begin in childhood, even when a person is not diagnosed until adulthood. A careful history helps determine whether symptoms have been persistent and present in more than one part of life.
Current attention, organization, and impulsivity concerns
Work, relationship, and daily-functioning history
Current medications and substance use
Previous evaluations or treatment
Childhood symptoms and school experiences
Medical and mental health history
Sleep patterns
Standardized symptom questionnaires when appropriate
Personalized Adult ADHD Treatment
Treatment depends on the individual and may involve medication, psychotherapy, behavioral strategies, practical organizational support, or a combination of approaches.
When medication is appropriate, I review potential options, expected benefits, side effects, medical considerations, and the follow-up needed to monitor safety and effectiveness. An evaluation does not guarantee a particular diagnosis or medication.
Some adults also benefit from therapy or coaching focused on organization, planning, emotional regulation, relationships, and day-to-day coping skills. These services may be coordinated with an appropriate professional.
Secure Virtual ADHD Care Throughout Arizona
Virtual appointments offer a convenient way to complete an evaluation and attend follow-up visits from a private location.
Underwood Psychiatry serves adults throughout Arizona, including Tucson, Phoenix, Tempe, Mesa, and surrounding communities.
No commute or waiting room
Direct care from the same psychiatrist
Continued follow-up through secure virtual appointments
Convenient access from home or another private location
Easier scheduling around work and family responsibilities
Direct, personalized care
Why Choose Dr. Tanya Underwood?
Board-certified adult psychiatrist
Comprehensive adult psychiatric evaluations
Attention to co-occurring anxiety, depression, and other conditions
Secure telemedicine throughout Arizona
More than 25 years of clinical experience
Thoughtful medication management
Direct care without rotating providers
Questions
Adult ADHD FAQs
Can ADHD be diagnosed for the first time in adulthood?
Yes. Some adults were not evaluated during childhood because their symptoms were overlooked, appeared less disruptive, or were managed through structure and coping strategies. Although the diagnosis may occur later, ADHD symptoms begin during childhood.
Does difficulty concentrating always mean ADHD?
No. Anxiety, depression, poor sleep, stress, trauma, medical conditions, substance use, and some medications can cause similar difficulties. A comprehensive evaluation is important before making a diagnosis.
What happens during an adult ADHD evaluation?
The evaluation reviews current symptoms, childhood and school history, work and relationship functioning, medical and psychiatric history, sleep, medications, and other factors that may affect attention or impulsivity. Standardized questionnaires may also be used when appropriate.
Does an ADHD evaluation guarantee medication?
No. An evaluation does not guarantee a diagnosis or a specific medication. Treatment recommendations depend on the complete clinical picture, medical history, safety considerations, and current prescribing requirements.
Is medication the only treatment for adult ADHD?
No. Treatment may include medication, psychotherapy, behavioral strategies, organizational systems, coaching, or a combination of approaches based on individual needs.
Can adult ADHD appointments be completed virtually?
Dr. Underwood provides secure virtual psychiatric appointments for adults located in Arizona. Practice-specific eligibility and prescribing questions should be confirmed directly before scheduling.
Do you accept insurance?
The practice works with most major insurance plans and offers self-pay options. Coverage varies by plan. Please view the Insurance information on the website or contact the practice to confirm current participation and benefits.
Get Clarity About What Is Getting in Your Way
If problems with attention, organization, restlessness, or impulsivity are affecting your work, relationships, or daily life, a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation can help identify the next step. Request a secure virtual appointment with Dr. Tanya Underwood from anywhere in Arizona.