ADHD

Trouble focusing, forgotten tasks, and an endless mental to-do list that never seems to get done can make everyday life feel overwhelming. At Life Balance Health, board-certified nurse practitioner Patrick Ollar, MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC, provides telehealth evaluation and treatment for adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) across California, Nevada, and Oregon. With a background in complex psychiatric care and a commitment to evidence-based medicine, Patrick helps you understand how ADHD affects your life and build the right plan for you. Call today to schedule your virtual consultation or book online to get started.

What is ADHD?

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how your brain regulates attention, impulse control, and executive function. Many people assume ADHD reflects a lack of willpower or ability, but it’s a brain-based condition that makes it harder to stay organized, follow through on tasks, and manage time.

Some adults with ADHD were never diagnosed as children and spent years wondering why they struggled with things others seemed to handle easily, often developing anxiety or low self-esteem as a result.

What are common ADHD symptoms in adults?

Adult ADHD can be easy to miss because it doesn’t always look like the hyperactive child most people picture. You might notice:

• Difficulty sustaining focus on tasks, especially ones that feel repetitive or low-interest
• Frequently losing items or forgetting appointments
• Impulsive decision-making or saying things without thinking
• Trouble starting tasks even when you know they're important
• Feeling restless or mentally “on” all the time
• Struggling to manage time or underestimating how long things take
• Mood swings or low frustration tolerance
• Problems in relationships or at work that trace back to inattention

These patterns often overlap with anxiety or depression, which is why a thorough evaluation is essential.

What causes ADHD?

ADHD develops from a combination of factors, including:

• Genetics and family history
• Differences in how certain brain regions develop and function
• Imbalances in dopamine and norepinephrine, the neurotransmitters that regulate attention and impulse control
• Prenatal exposures, such as tobacco or alcohol use during pregnancy
• Birth complications or premature delivery
• Early childhood experiences and environmental stressors

In most cases, several of these elements work together to affect how the brain manages focus, behavior, and executive function.

How is ADHD treated?

At Life Balance Health, ADHD treatment starts with understanding how the condition shows up in your specific life. Care may include:

• Comprehensive psychiatric evaluation to confirm diagnosis and rule out overlapping conditions
• Medication management, including stimulant and non-stimulant options tailored to your needs and history
• Ongoing monitoring and dose adjustments to optimize how you feel and function
• Psychoeducation to help you understand your symptoms and develop effective coping strategies
• Coordination with therapists or other providers when additional support is beneficial

With the right treatment, ADHD is manageable. You can build routines, meet your goals, and stop feeling like you’re always falling behind.

Contact Life Balance Health to schedule your telehealth ADHD evaluation. Call or book your appointment online today to learn more.