ADHD

ADHD Treatment in Los Angeles for Children, Teens, and Adults

ADHD Treatment in Los Angeles for Children, Teens, and Adults

What Dr. Willison Treats

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ADHD Treatment: Psychiatrist in Westwood, Los Angeles

Dr. L. David Willison IV, MD, PhD, is a board-certified adult and child/adolescent psychiatrist providing ADHD evaluation and treatment in Los Angeles. He works with children, teens, and adults who may be struggling with attention, organization, impulsivity, school or work performance, or other challenges associated with ADHD. Because these symptoms can affect daily functioning, relationships, academic performance, and work, an accurate evaluation is an important first step in understanding what is contributing to them. Whether you are seeking answers for the first time or looking for a more effective treatment approach, care begins with understanding how symptoms are affecting daily life and what support may be appropriate.

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. Families looking for focused support for a younger patient can learn more about his child and adolescent psychiatry services.

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.

Adult ADHD in Los Angeles

ADHD is not always identified during childhood. Adults may seek an evaluation after years of difficulty with organization, time management, sustained attention, impulsivity, or keeping up with competing responsibilities at work and home. For some, these patterns become more noticeable as professional, academic, or family demands increase.

An adult ADHD evaluation looks at current symptoms as well as patterns that may have been present earlier in life. Dr. Willison also considers other conditions that can cause or contribute to similar difficulties, helping determine whether ADHD, another condition, or a combination of factors is affecting daily functioning.

Dr. Willison's Expertise in ADHD Care

Dr. L. David Willison IV, MD, PhD, brings clinical and academic experience to ADHD evaluation and treatment 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 emphasizes thorough evaluation, individualized treatment planning, and ongoing collaboration with patients and families.

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 can be useful for adolescents and adults with ADHD, particularly when day-to-day difficulties extend beyond symptom control alone. It can help patients develop practical strategies for organization, time management, emotional regulation, and other challenges that medication may not fully address. Dr. Willison can discuss whether CBT is appropriate as part of an individualized treatment plan.

School and Workplace Accommodations

For patients whose ADHD substantially affects school or work functioning, appropriate documentation may support a request for academic or workplace accommodations. Eligibility and the accommodations provided depend on the individual’s needs and the requirements of the school, testing organization, or employer. Dr. Willison can provide clinical documentation when appropriate as part of that process.

Examples of accommodations that may be considered include:

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

The purpose of an accommodation is to address documented functional limitations while allowing the individual to participate more fully in an academic or workplace setting. When clinically appropriate, Dr. Willison can provide documentation describing the diagnosis and relevant functional concerns for consideration by the school, testing organization, or employer.

What Dr. Willison Treats

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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, motivation, or effort. It is a neurodevelopmental condition associated with differences in attention, impulse control, and executive functioning.

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. ADHD can be diagnosed in adulthood, including in people whose symptoms were not recognized during childhood. Earlier symptoms may have been less noticeable in highly structured or supportive environments, while the increased demands of adult life can make difficulties with attention, organization, time management, or impulsivity more apparent. An adult ADHD evaluation considers current symptoms as well as evidence that symptoms were present during childhood.

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 also commonly co-occurs with autism, and Dr. Willison provides autism evaluation and ongoing psychiatric care for patients who may have both conditions.

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.

If attention, organization, impulsivity, or related concerns are interfering with school, work, relationships, or daily responsibilities, an evaluation can help clarify what is contributing to those difficulties and what treatment options may be appropriate.

Dr. L. David Willison IV, MD, PhD, provides ADHD evaluation and treatment for children, adolescents, and adults in Los Angeles. His approach considers symptoms, history, daily functioning, and co-occurring mental health concerns when developing an individualized treatment plan.

Request an appointment to discuss ADHD evaluation and treatment in Los Angeles. Dr. Willison welcomes patients from across the greater Los Angeles area, including Westwood, Brentwood, Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, Century City, and West Los Angeles.

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