ADHD Specialist

Mark Rybakov, DO

Adult, Adolescent, and Child Psychiatrist located in Brooklyn, NY & Manhattan, New York, NY

ADHD is usually diagnosed in children, yet the problem persists well beyond adolescence. Up to 70% of children continue to have symptoms throughout their lives, and in some cases, ADHD isn’t diagnosed until adulthood. At his office in New York City, Dr. Mark Rybakov, DO, evaluates children, teens, and adults for ADHD, then creates personalized treatment plans that improve your symptoms. If your child struggles with ADHD, or you do, don’t wait to call or schedule an appointment online. Dr. Rybakov has two offices, one on Saint Mark’s Place in the East Village of Manhattan and the other in Brooklyn.

ADHD Q & A

What is ADHD?

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, one of the most common neurodevelopmental conditions, begins with imbalances in the areas of the brain responsible for self-regulation and executive function.

Lack of self-regulation makes it hard for people with ADHD to keep their emotions and behaviors under control. Executive function refers to the thinking processes needed to focus, plan, organize, and perform tasks.

People with ADHD also have a weak working memory. This cognitive process gives you the ability to hold information in your head just long enough to use it. You need a good working memory to plan your next step, associate one activity with another, and follow instructions.

What symptoms develop due to ADHD?

There are three types of ADHD — inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive, and combined — and each has its own symptoms.

Primarily inattentive ADHD

Children and adults with the inattentive type of ADHD have a hard time paying attention and staying organized. They miss small details, are easily distracted, forget to do daily tasks or chores, frequently lose things, and tend to make careless mistakes.

Primarily hyperactive-impulsive ADHD

The symptoms of hyperactive-impulsive ADHD include:

Weak impulse control
Frequently fidgeting
Hyperactive
Often on the go
Talking a lot and blurting out answers
Difficulty with task completion and time management
Feeling impatient or restless
Having a hard time waiting
Interrupting or intruding on others

People with this type of ADHD may walk around or leave in circumstances where staying seated is expected. For example, a child may get up from their desk in the classroom and an adult may not be able to stay through a business meeting.

Combined ADHD

Combined ADHD means you have both inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms.

How is ADHD treated?

Dr. Rybakov begins with a thorough evaluation. He has separate interviews with the child and parents or caretakers, then gets everyone together to talk about his diagnosis and treatment recommendations.

Treatment for ADHD takes a two-pronged approach that includes trials of medications together with behavioral approaches that help each person overcome their ADHD challenges.

Stimulants treat hyperactivity and impulsivity, while also improving attention. If stimulants don’t help, Dr. Rybakov may recommend nonstimulant medications. There are multiple options and formulations to treat innatention.

Behavioral therapies are designed to improve focus and organization, as well as the ability to complete tasks. Therapy can also teach the skills needed to manage anger and learn better social or relationship skills.

If you or your child need help with ADHD, call Dr. Mark Rybakov, DO, or schedule an appointment online today.

What we offer