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PEDIATRIC PSYCHIATRISTS ADHD 

We are a collaborative team with pediatric psychiatrists experienced in treating ADHD.

Our pediatric psychiatrists offer in-person and virtual appointments

In-person appointments offered at our Boca Raton office

Doctor Sam, LLC
2600 N Military Trail
Ste 355
Boca Raton, FL 33431

Double Board-Certified
Child, Adolescent & Adult Psychiatry
Dr. Sam
Treats ages 3 and older
Samantha Saltz, MD
Psychiatrist
Ages: 3 yrs - Adult
Dr. Sam is a double board-certified child, adolescent and adult psychiatrist. She is the founding member and fearless leader of the Doctor Sam team...
About Dr. Sam
______ MD
Psychiatrist
Ages: 3 yrs - Adult
Dr. _____________
About Dr. _______
Board-Certified
Adult Psychiatry
Dr. Stark / Dr. Kroin
Matthew Stark, MD
Psychiatrist
Ages: 15 yrs - Adult
Dr. Stark is a board-certified psychiatrist. He is award winning, empathetic and believes in a team-approach to medicine...
About Dr. Stark
Jessica Kroin, MD
Psychiatrist
Ages: 12 yrs - Adult
Dr. Kroin is a board-certified psychiatrist.  She is authentic, compassionate and has a passion for working with teenagers and adults...
About Dr. Kroin
Support
Josh
Digital Assistant
Josh assists Doctor Sam with all things digital...
About Josh

Learn more about ADHD

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD as it is frequently known as, is one of the most discussed mental health diagnoses. According to many, it is either one of the most frequently over-diagnosed or under-diagnosed disorders, and yet misconceptions about its diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes continue to persevere.

ADHD is an impulse control disorder that is most commonly diagnosed in childhood. The disorder characteristically presents with symptoms surrounding hyperactivity, inattention, and poor focus. These signs include fidgeting or squirming, daydreaming, being talkative, making careless mistakes in school or at home, and general impulsive actions that can be dangerous.

Symptoms

Symptoms of ADHD may persist later into life, and for some, may require ongoing treatment and assessment. It is important to work closely with your medical provider about appropriate options, and to work closely on treating any comorbid or coexisting conditions. ADHD itself is known to have a large overlap with symptoms of other mental health conditions such as Learning Disorders, Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), anxiety disorder, mood disorders, tic disorders, and sleep disturbances.

Assessment &
Diagnosis

Sometimes referred to as ADD, Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder is diagnosed as one of three presentations:  Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Presentation, Predominantly Inattentive Presentation, and a Combined Presentation which includes symptoms across both domains.  It must be diagnosed in two separate settings, which can be stretched over school, home, and activities such as sports or enrichments.  

Physicians use rating scales, often filled out by teachers and parents, to help child psychiatrists determine whether the patient has the condition or if another problem may exist. Psychiatrists also observe the child interacting with parents, playing with toys, and assess their ability to maintain attention and concentration during the interview.

Symptoms of ADHD can present in a variety of environments. It is not uncommon to find ADHD assessed in a child who is too hyperactive and impulsive to be safe in a classroom, or a teenager that has noticed their focus waning and grades slipping.  Yet, sometimes symptoms of ADHD can go unnoticed into adulthood. In adults, this may present as higher risk of substance use, traffic and car accidents, and unemployment.

Assessment and diagnosis of ADHD is made through a thorough clinical assessment by a medical professional. Informational tools such as rating scales, checklists, and evaluations can be helpful in clarifying whether symptoms meet criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD.  It is important to rule out any medical or neurological issues that may be contributing or accounting for symptoms.

Treatment

Treatment of ADHD can vary slightly depending on the age of diagnosis.  While some psychiatric disorders respond well to therapy alone, ADHD may require treatment with medication in addition to behavioral therapy. Stimulants are often prescribed because they tend to be quick acting and effective. But if there is a family history of premature death secondary to a cardiac etiology; cardiac clearance must be obtained from a pediatrician before starting a stimulant. Effective treatment will typically involve family support, as well as close monitoring and follow-ups with professionals.