Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD

Spending extra time to finish your homework. Forgetting to do common everyday tasks. Struggling to keep focus on the task in front of you. If this sounds like you, you’re not alone. Patients often come to Dr. Nguyen sharing these experiences and feelings of frustration that they’re not as productive as their peers. 

 

During Dr. Nguyen’s time as both a psychiatry fellow and an attending at UCLA, she has worked with numerous patients struggling with managing attention-related difficulties. Across the inpatient unit at UCLA Resnick, the partial hospitalization program, and outpatient clinics - Dr. Nguyen has worked with individuals across the developmental spectrum, including young adults up to age 24. 

 

It’s natural to have concerns and questions, no matter how old you are. Do I need medication? Can I start with a smaller dose of meds? How long will I need to be on medications? What about behavior techniques? Ultimately, to get good answers to these questions, Dr. Nguyen advises that patients first receive an accurate diagnosis to know what exactly is going on, as there could be other reasons contributing to attention-related struggles. 

 

In Dr. Nguyen’s virtual clinic, she uses a diagnostic and evaluation process that has been refined based on her time helping patients with attention-related difficulties at UCLA. Beginning first with a no-cost 15-minute get-to-know-you phone call, both you and Dr. Nguyen will have a chance to chat, ask questions, and learn about the kind of support you are looking for. Based on this chat, Dr. Nguyen may refer you to another colleague or let you know that you are a good fit for her practice. 

 

The next step, if you proceed, is the intake appointment, which consists of one to two 1-hr appointments. Dr. Nguyen takes a thorough history, which will usually take up to two appointments. If a condition is more complex or if Dr. Nguyen feels more time is needed, the second appointment would be required. 

 

During the intake, Dr. Nguyen will conduct a comprehensive evaluation, which involves discussing your goals for care, gathering a comprehensive history, and understanding your symptoms. She will also discuss treatment options and approaches that align with your preferences (such as conservative medication regimen, particular therapy modalities, etc). 

 

After going over your diagnosis and treatment options with Dr. Nguyen, you are free to choose among several options:

• Continue care with Dr. Nguyen

• If you already have another provider, you can return to your existing care team with the diagnosis and treatment recommendations

• Discuss referral options depending on your needs and preferences

 

At this time, you may have other questions not covered in this article. For example, what will sessions after the intake look like? How soon can you expect to see an improvement?

 

The best way to get these and other questions answered is to have a quick chat with Dr. Nguyen. We invite you to book a no-cost, no-obligation 15-minute call with her as she reserves a limited number of spots each week for these calls. She is happy to answer any questions and provide further detail where helpful. When you are ready to take the next step, our clinic will be ready to assist you and your family.