ADHD Evaluation and Treatment in Texas - DFW, Houston, Austin

How is ADHD diagnosed in adults?

ADHD diagnosis in adults requires a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation that includes symptom history going back to childhood, review of functional impairment across multiple life domains, ruling out other explanations, and use of validated clinical rating scales. APA diagnostic criteria require symptoms to have been present before age 12 and to cause impairment in at least two settings. Lyte Psychiatry does not diagnose ADHD based on a brief questionnaire alone.

What ADHD medications are available in Texas?

Stimulant medications (methylphenidate and amphetamine salts) are first-line treatments and are effective in about 70-80% of patients according to NIMH. Non-stimulant options include atomoxetine (Strattera), viloxazine (Qelbree), guanfacine ER (Intuniv), and bupropion. Texas law requires an in-person visit before prescribing stimulants to a new patient.

Can ADHD be treated via telehealth in Texas?

Partially. Texas requires an in-person evaluation before a controlled substance (stimulant) can be prescribed to a new patient. After that initial in-person visit, follow-up appointments and medication management can be conducted via telehealth. Non-stimulant ADHD medications can be evaluated and prescribed via telehealth for new patients.

How common is ADHD in Texas?

The CDC estimates that 9.4% of U.S. children have been diagnosed with ADHD, which translates to roughly 750,000 Texas children. In adults, prevalence is approximately 4.4%. Many adults with ADHD went undiagnosed in childhood, particularly women whose ADHD presented primarily as inattentive rather than hyperactive.

Does insurance cover ADHD evaluation and treatment?

Yes. ADHD evaluation and medication management are covered by most major insurance plans. Lyte Psychiatry accepts BlueCross BlueShield, UnitedHealthcare, Cigna, Humana, Ambetter, and Magellan. Most patients pay $0-$30 per session. We verify your benefits before your first appointment. See all insurance plans we accept →

Does ADHD medication cause addiction?

Stimulant medications prescribed and used as directed do not cause addiction. They are, however, Schedule II controlled substances with abuse potential if misused. Research published in Pediatrics actually shows that treating ADHD with stimulants reduces the risk of later substance use disorders compared to untreated ADHD. Lyte Psychiatry monitors for misuse and takes a careful history of substance use before prescribing.

What is the difference between ADHD inattentive and ADHD hyperactive-impulsive type?

ADHD presents in three ways: predominantly inattentive (difficulty focusing, organizing, completing tasks), predominantly hyperactive-impulsive (restlessness, impulsivity, talking excessively), and combined type. Inattentive ADHD is often missed, particularly in women and girls, because it does not look disruptive. Many adults with inattentive ADHD spent years being told they were unmotivated or not living up to their potential.

Can anxiety be mistaken for ADHD?

Yes. Anxiety and ADHD share several overlapping symptoms including difficulty concentrating, restlessness, and sleep problems. They also commonly co-occur. Accurate diagnosis requires careful evaluation to determine which conditions are present. Treatment for anxiety alone will not address ADHD, and vice versa. This is one reason a thorough psychiatric evaluation is so important before starting medication.