Adult ADD

Nicholas Schwartz, M.D.
1133 Broadway
Suite 1028
New York, NY 10010

Telephone: 212-465-2562

Email: nickschwartzmd@gmail.com

Web site: ModernPsychiatry.org

Areas of Expertise:
Attention Deficit Disorder, Depression, Anxiety
Interpersonal and Behavioral Psychotherapy
Medication Management

Background:
I am a graduate of the Yale University School of Medicine where I received the Distinguished Community Service Award and the SAEM Outstanding Medical Student Award.  My initial training was in Emergency Medicine.  After my residency at University of Pittsburgh Medical Center I became a clinical professor of medicine at Mt. Sinai School of Medicine in New York.  I published a number of papers and book chapters with a focus on pain management.

In 2005 I returned to residency and retrained in Psychiatry with a special interest in Attention-Deficit Disorder.   Upon completion of my training at the University of Washington Medical Center in Seattle I returned to New York City.  From 2005-2006 I was in charge of the Psychiatric Emergency Services at Beth Israel Medical Center.  I currently work full-time at my specialty private practice from my office in lower Manhattan.

Philosophy of Treatment:
ADD is a biologically-based disorder which expresses itself in difficulties with concentration, motivation, and planning and executing tasks.  Because of the of the biologic basis, almost all patients benefit from some form of biological treatment (medication.)  I have found that it is very difficult for ADD patients to make significant progress in changing their behavior without the aid of medications.  In fact, some patients find that medications produce such dramatic changes that they do not need behavioral therapy.  However, for those whose symptoms are only partially resolved by medication or who want to add to the success they have acheived with medications, I practice a structured, behavioral therapy oriented to the specific deficits that each patient encounters.

Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD):
Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) is a disorder of the brain that affects people’s ability to stick with one thing long enough to get it done. This applies to their school work, employment, and their relationships. Since it affects such a broad range of important functions, it can have a profound impact on their emotional life and self-esteem.

My treatment of ADD involves three approaches:

• medications that have been shown to help patients quickly become more focused
• skills training to compensate for difficulties in day-to-day life
• counseling to address emotional difficulties that have resulted from ADD

To discuss being seen for an ADD evaluation and possible treatment
The ADD evaluation session generally lasts about 50 minutes. If I determine that the person being evaluated has ADD, I generally suggest starting an ADD medication unless there are medical or other reasons not to do so. Sometimes, I also suggest coaching, therapy, or other approaches.

I usually see the patient for 25 minute sessions two and four weeks after medication is started There may be brief phone sessions between office visits. Improvement is generally seen fairly quickly, but it may require two or three months to find an optimal treatment regimen.

Once this is achieved, I meet with the patient once every three months to see if any changes in treatment are needed and to deal with any psychological or treatment issues that might have come up. In some cases, I may recommend that the patient be seen more frequently. Although this program is usually helpful and effective, I can offer no assurance that I will find the right medication or treatment for any individual patient.

If you would like to discuss seeing me for an evaluation, please call my office, 212-465-2562.