ADHD: Non-Stimulant Treatment, Diagnosis, Symptoms, & Online Management in Colorado
Because “just try harder” isn’t a treatment plan.
What ADHD Is
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects attention, focus, organization, and impulse control. While everyone struggles with focus at times, ADHD involves ongoing patterns of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that interfere with daily life. In adults, ADHD doesn’t always look like hyperactivity. It can show up as difficulty staying organized, feeling overwhelmed by simple tasks, struggling to follow through, or constantly feeling behind. It’s not about laziness or lack of discipline. It’s about how your brain regulates attention, motivation, and executive functioning.
Common Signs and Symptoms
ADHD can look different for everyone, but symptoms often fall into two main patterns:
Inattention
• difficulty staying focused or easily distracted
• trouble finishing tasks or following through
• disorganization or feeling overwhelmed by planning
• frequently losing things
• forgetfulness in daily activities
Hyperactivity and Impulsivity
• feeling restless or unable to sit still
• talking excessively or interrupting
• difficulty waiting your turn
• acting quickly without thinking things through
In adults, this often looks like starting things and not finishing them, missing deadlines, or feeling mentally scattered. Even when you’re trying your best.
How ADHD Is Diagnosed
Diagnosis starts with a thorough evaluation. We look at your current symptoms, your history, and how these patterns show up in your day-to-day life. ADHD is typically present from childhood, even if it wasn’t formally diagnosed at the time.
ADHD Testing (QBCheck)
In some cases, we may use an objective tool called QBCheck to support the evaluation process. QBCheck is a computerized assessment that measures attention, impulsivity, and activity levels. It provides additional data that can help clarify whether ADHD may be present.
This tool is not used on its own to make a diagnosis, but it can be helpful when combined with a clinical evaluation and your personal history.
Neuropsychological Testing (when needed)
In some situations, more comprehensive testing may be helpful to better understand attention, learning, or executive functioning. If needed, we may recommend a referral for formal neuropsychological testing with a specialist. This type of evaluation provides a more in-depth assessment and can help clarify diagnosis or guide more complex care needs.
How Treatment Can Help
Medication
Medication can help improve focus, attention, and impulse control, making it easier to follow through and manage daily responsibilities.
Common non-stimulant options include:
• atomoxetine (Strattera)
• viloxazine (Qelbree)
• bupropion (Wellbutrin)
• certain blood pressure medications such as guanfacine or clonidine
At this time, controlled medications, including stimulants, are not prescribed within this practice.
If a stimulant is clinically appropriate, we can coordinate care with your primary care provider or a local specialist to manage that portion of treatment, while we continue to support other areas such as mood, anxiety, sleep, and overall functioning.
Supportive Therapy
We provide therapy-informed support within medication management visits. That means we focus on helping you understand patterns like procrastination, overwhelm, and avoidance, and build practical systems.
If you’re looking for more structured ADHD therapy or coaching, we may recommend additional support outside of this practice.
Education
Understanding how ADHD works can change how you approach your day-to-day life. We focus on helping you understand executive functioning, recognize patterns, and develop strategies that support how your brain naturally operates. The goal is not just symptom management, but helping you feel more in control of your time, energy, and responsibilities.
Our Approach
At Good Talk, we take a thoughtful, individualized approach.
We offer therapy-informed medication management, which means we take time to understand what’s actually going on—not just your symptoms.
Care is collaborative. You won’t be rushed, and you won’t be pushed into treatment decisions.
We work together to find what actually makes sense for you.
When to Reach Out
You might consider reaching out if:
• you feel constantly overwhelmed or scattered
• you struggle to follow through, even when you want to
• you feel stuck in cycles of procrastination or burnout
• focus, organization, or time management are affecting your daily life
• you feel like you’re trying hard but it’s not translating
Next Step
If you’re ready, the next step is simply seeing if this feels like the right fit for you.
Sources
1) National Institute of Mental Health. Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-adhd
2) Mayo Clinic. Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): Symptoms and causes.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/adhd/symptoms-causes/syc-20350889
3) American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-5-TR).
Disclaimer: The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
While we strive to ensure our content is accurate and up to date, errors or omissions may occur, and new research may change what’s currently known about ADHD.
Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider about any questions or concerns you may have regarding your mental health, diagnosis, or medications.