ADHD

ADHD Treatment for Children, Teens & Adults in Los Angeles

ADHD Treatment for Children, Teens & Adults in Los Angeles

What Dr. Willison Treats

Menu
ADHD Treatment: Psychiatrist in Westwood, Los Angeles

If you or your child struggles to focus, stay organized, or manage impulses, you are not alone. ADHD is one of the most common neurodevelopmental conditions in the world, and it can affect every part of daily life, from school performance and work productivity to relationships and self-esteem. The good news is that with the right evaluation and a treatment plan tailored to your needs, ADHD is very manageable.

Dr. L. David Willison IV, MD, PhD, is a Board-certified Adult and Child/Adolescent psychiatrist in Los Angeles who provides comprehensive ADHD care for children, adolescents, and adults. Whether you are seeking answers for the first time or looking for more effective treatment, Dr. Willison is here to help.

ADHD Across the Lifespan

ADHD does not simply go away with age. While many people associate it with childhood hyperactivity, ADHD is a lifelong condition that looks different at every stage of life. Understanding how ADHD presents at each age group is a key part of getting an accurate diagnosis and the right support.

In early childhood, ADHD often shows up as constant movement, difficulty following instructions, or impulsive behavior that gets children into trouble at home and school. As children move into adolescence, the challenges often shift toward academics, social dynamics, and emotional regulation. Adults with ADHD may struggle less with physical hyperactivity and more with time management, maintaining focus at work, or keeping up with daily responsibilities.

Recognizing ADHD across the lifespan means that treatment is never one-size-fits-all. Dr. Willison takes a thorough, individualized approach whether he is working with a seven-year-old, a high school student, or a professional in their forties.

Symptoms in Children, Adolescents, and Adults

ADHD symptoms fall into two main categories: inattention and hyperactivity or impulsivity. Not everyone experiences both. Some people primarily struggle with attention, while others are more hyperactive. Many have a combination of both.

Children (Ages 4 to 12)

  • Difficulty staying seated or waiting their turn
  • Easily distracted and forgetful in daily activities
  • Frequent careless mistakes in schoolwork
  • Trouble following multi-step instructions
  • Talking excessively or interrupting conversations
  • Acting without thinking about consequences

Adolescents (Ages 13 to 17)

  • Falling behind on assignments or losing track of deadlines
  • Difficulty organizing tasks or managing time
  • Increased emotional sensitivity and frustration
  • Risk-taking behavior or poor decision-making
  • Struggles in social settings or with peer relationships
  • Low self-esteem related to academic or behavioral challenges

Adults

  • Chronic disorganization or difficulty managing responsibilities
  • Trouble focusing on tasks that require sustained attention
  • Frequently losing items such as keys, phones, or documents
  • Impulsive spending, eating, or decision-making
  • Difficulty completing projects or following through on plans
  • Restlessness, difficulty relaxing, or sleep disturbances

The Diagnostic Process

An accurate ADHD diagnosis requires more than a simple checklist. Dr. Willison conducts a thorough evaluation that looks at the full picture of a patient’s history, symptoms, and functioning across different environments.

The process typically includes a detailed clinical interview covering developmental history, academic or work performance, and any co-existing conditions such as anxiety, depression, or learning differences. For children, Dr. Willison also gathers input from parents and, when appropriate, teachers. Standardized rating scales and behavioral questionnaires are used to support the clinical picture.

For adults, the evaluation also looks at how symptoms may have appeared in childhood even if they were never formally diagnosed. Many adults reach their thirties or forties before recognizing that ADHD has been shaping their life all along.

Dr. Willison believes that the diagnostic process is the foundation of effective treatment. A thorough evaluation ensures that the right diagnosis is made and that any co-occurring conditions are identified and addressed at the same time.

Dr. Willison's Expertise in ADHD Care

Dr. L. David Willison IV, MD, PhD, brings a rare combination of clinical expertise and academic depth to ADHD care in Los Angeles. He is the founding attending physician of the VA Adult ADHD Clinic, where he developed and led a specialized program serving veterans with complex ADHD presentations, many of whom also carried diagnoses of PTSD, depression, or traumatic brain injury.

His dual training in medicine and research gives him a deep understanding of the neuroscience behind ADHD and how it intersects with other mental health conditions. This background informs everything from how he conducts evaluations to how he selects and adjusts treatment options over time.

Dr. Willison treats patients across the full age spectrum, from young children through older adults, and takes a collaborative approach that involves patients and their families as active partners in care. His private practice in Los Angeles is designed to offer the kind of thorough, personalized attention that is difficult to find in larger clinical settings.

Medication Options for ADHD

Medication is one of the most well-researched and effective tools for managing ADHD symptoms. Dr. Willison works closely with each patient to determine whether medication is appropriate and, if so, which type and dose is the best fit based on their age, symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle.

Stimulant Medications

Stimulants are the most commonly prescribed class of ADHD medication and have the longest track record of evidence. They work by increasing the availability of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, which helps improve focus, reduce impulsivity, and support executive functioning.

  • Methylphenidate-based medications (such as Ritalin, Concerta, Focalin)
  • Amphetamine-based medications (such as Adderall, Vyvanse, Dexedrine)
  • Available in short-acting and extended-release formulations to fit different schedules

Non-Stimulant Medications

Non-stimulants are a good option for patients who do not respond well to stimulants, have contraindications, or prefer a medication without a stimulant effect. They typically take longer to show full effect but can provide steady, all-day coverage.

  • Atomoxetine (Strattera): a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor approved for children and adults
  • Viloxazine (Qelbree): a newer non-stimulant option approved for children aged 6 and older
  • Guanfacine (Intuniv) and clonidine (Kapvay): alpha-2 agonists often used to reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity, sometimes in combination with stimulants
  • Bupropion: sometimes used off-label in adults, particularly when depression is also present

Dr. Willison monitors medication response closely and makes adjustments as needed. The goal is always to find the most effective approach with the fewest side effects.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for ADHD

Medication addresses the neurological aspects of ADHD, but it does not teach the skills and habits that many people with ADHD need to function at their best. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, is a structured, evidence-based form of therapy that fills that gap.

For patients with ADHD, CBT focuses on building practical strategies for the challenges that ADHD creates in daily life. Sessions may address time management, organization systems, planning ahead, managing emotional reactivity, and changing unhelpful thought patterns that contribute to avoidance or low self-confidence.

CBT is effective for adolescents and adults with ADHD and can be a powerful complement to medication. Research consistently shows that combining medication with behavioral strategies produces better long-term outcomes than either approach alone. Dr. Willison integrates therapeutic support into his overall approach to care and can discuss whether CBT is a good fit for your situation.

School and Workplace Accommodations

A formal ADHD diagnosis opens the door to official accommodations that can make a significant difference in academic and professional performance. Dr. Willison can provide the documentation needed to support accommodation requests in school or at work.

School Accommodations (K-12 and College)

  • Extended time on tests and assignments
  • Preferential seating in the classroom
  • Permission to take breaks during long tasks
  • Access to notes or recorded lectures
  • Reduced distraction testing environments
  • Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 Plan support

Workplace Accommodations

  • Flexible scheduling or modified work hours
  • Permission to use noise-canceling headphones or a quiet workspace
  • Written instructions in addition to verbal directions
  • Regular check-ins with supervisors to support task management
  • Breaks built into the workday to support sustained attention

Accommodations do not give people with ADHD an unfair advantage. They level the playing field so that intelligence and effort can shine through. Dr. Willison is happy to work with schools, colleges, and employers to support his patients in getting what they need.

What Dr. Willison Treats

Menu
Contact Us
Send A Message To
L. David Willison IV, MD, PhD
Request An Appointment

DID YOU KNOW?

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

ADHD, or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects the brain’s ability to regulate attention, impulse control, and activity levels. It is one of the most common mental health conditions in both children and adults, and it has a strong genetic component. ADHD is not a reflection of intelligence or effort. It is a biological difference in how the brain is wired.

ADHD is categorized into three presentations: predominantly inattentive (formerly called ADD), predominantly hyperactive-impulsive, and combined presentation. The combined type is the most common. Your diagnosis may change over time as symptoms shift, which is why regular follow-up with a psychiatrist is important.

Diagnosing ADHD in children involves a comprehensive evaluation that includes a clinical interview with the child and parents, rating scales completed by parents and teachers, a review of the child’s developmental and academic history, and a mental health assessment to rule out other conditions. There is no single test for ADHD. The diagnosis is based on a full clinical picture.

Yes, and it happens more often than people realize. Many adults with ADHD managed to compensate in childhood through high intelligence, strong family support, or structured environments. The demands of adult life, such as managing a job, a household, and relationships simultaneously, can make ADHD symptoms more apparent. An adult ADHD evaluation looks at current symptoms and traces them back to childhood, which is a diagnostic requirement.

The process begins with an initial consultation where Dr. Willison takes a comprehensive history and learns about your concerns. He uses clinical interviews and validated rating scales to gather information from multiple sources. For children, he may request input from teachers or school staff. From there, he will share his findings and discuss a treatment plan that fits your goals and lifestyle.

Not always. While medication is one of the most effective tools for managing ADHD, it is not the right choice for everyone. Some patients prefer to start with behavioral strategies, therapy, or lifestyle changes. Dr. Willison takes a collaborative approach and will always discuss options with you before recommending any treatment. The goal is to find what works best for you specifically.

When prescribed and monitored appropriately, ADHD medications have a strong safety record and decades of research supporting their use in children. Dr. Willison carefully considers each child’s age, weight, medical history, and other factors before prescribing. He monitors for side effects and adjusts treatment as needed. Parents are always kept informed and involved in treatment decisions.

ADD is an older term that was previously used to describe the inattentive type of ADHD without significant hyperactivity. The current diagnostic guidelines use the term ADHD for all presentations, with specifiers indicating whether the primary symptoms are inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity, or a combination of both. So while some people still use ADD informally, clinically they refer to the same condition.

Yes, this is actually very common. ADHD frequently co-occurs with anxiety, depression, learning disabilities, oppositional defiant disorder, sleep disorders, and in adults, substance use disorders. This is one reason why a thorough evaluation matters so much. Dr. Willison is trained to identify and treat co-occurring conditions alongside ADHD, which leads to significantly better outcomes.

ADHD is a chronic condition for most people, which means treatment is often ongoing. However, treatment intensity may change over time. Some patients do well with a stable medication regimen and infrequent follow-ups once they have found what works. Others may cycle through periods of more intensive support, particularly during major life transitions such as starting college, changing careers, or becoming a parent. Dr. Willison works with patients across all life stages and adjusts care as needs change.

Schedule Your ADHD Evaluation in Los Angeles

You do not have to keep guessing about whether ADHD is behind the challenges you or your child are facing. A proper evaluation with Dr. Willison can give you real answers and a clear path forward.

Dr. L. David Willison IV, MD, PhD, is an experienced ADHD psychiatrist in Los Angeles who provides personalized care for children, adolescents, and adults. From diagnosis to medication management to therapy, his private practice offers the comprehensive support you need in one place.

Call 415-412-4613 or visit ldavidwillisonmdphd.com to request an appointment today.