Expert ADHD Treatment in Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky
Struggling with focus, organization, or impulsivity? Dr. Arnold Shapiro provides comprehensive ADHD evaluation and personalized treatment for children, adolescents, and adults. With 35+ years of experience and a compassionate approach, we help patients thrive.
What is ADHD?
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects millions of children and adults. It impacts the brain's executive functions—the mental skills that help us plan, focus, remember instructions, and manage multiple tasks. ADHD is not a character flaw or lack of intelligence; it's a medical condition that responds well to proper treatment.
Inattentive Type
Difficulty sustaining attention, easily distracted, appears not to listen, avoids tasks requiring sustained effort, frequently loses things, forgetful in daily activities.
Hyperactive-Impulsive Type
Fidgets or squirms, leaves seat when remaining seated is expected, runs or climbs inappropriately, talks excessively, blurts out answers, difficulty waiting turn.
Combined Type
The most common presentation, featuring a mix of both inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms. Symptoms may change over time as a person grows and develops.
ADHD Symptoms to Watch For
ADHD presents differently in children and adults. Recognizing these symptoms is the first step toward getting proper help and improving quality of life.
ADHD in Children & Teens
Signs that may indicate your child needs an ADHD evaluation
- Difficulty paying attention in class or completing homework
- Frequently loses things needed for tasks (school supplies, toys)
- Easily distracted by external stimuli
- Difficulty following instructions or finishing tasks
- Avoids tasks requiring sustained mental effort
- Appears not to listen when spoken to directly
- Makes careless mistakes in schoolwork
- Fidgets, squirms, or can't stay seated
- Runs or climbs in inappropriate situations
- Talks excessively or blurts out answers
ADHD in Adults
Signs that may indicate you have undiagnosed adult ADHD
- Chronic lateness and poor time management
- Difficulty organizing tasks and priorities
- Frequently starting projects but not finishing
- Trouble concentrating during meetings or conversations
- Restlessness and difficulty relaxing
- Impulsive decision-making
- Difficulty managing finances or paperwork
- Relationship difficulties due to forgetfulness
- Underperformance at work despite being capable
- History of job changes or academic struggles
Experiencing several of these symptoms? Take our free screening tool.
Our Thorough Evaluation Process
Comprehensive Assessment That Finds Real Answers
We Look for Everything—Not Just ADHD
When you come to us thinking you have ADHD, we don't just test for ADHD—we evaluate for everything. Anxiety, depression, OCD, mood disorders, and learning differences can all look like ADHD or coexist with it. Many patients actually have two, three, or more conditions. Finding the complete picture changes everything about your treatment.
For Adults
Approximately 2 Hours Total
Your evaluation begins with a one-hour session with our licensed professional counselor, who conducts a comprehensive assessment. She then extensively reviews her findings with Dr. Shapiro, who takes detailed notes.
You'll then meet directly with Dr. Shapiro for approximately one hour. He'll share what he's learned, ask you to clarify anything important, and discuss his diagnostic findings.
Here's what makes us different:
We don't just look for what you think you might have. If you come to us saying "I think I have ADHD," we evaluate for everything—mood disorders, anxiety, OCD, and other conditions that can look like ADHD or co-exist with it. Many patients have 2, 3, or even 5 conditions that need to be addressed together.
Dr. Shapiro will explain all your treatment options—because there's more than one way to address these challenges. You'll decide together what feels right for you. If medication is part of your plan, he'll explain exactly how it works, what side effects to watch for, and how to handle them.
Dr. Shapiro's Guidance:
"If you're uncomfortable with a medication for 2-3 days, stop it and call us."
You'll continue with monthly appointments until you're dramatically better—not just "stable," but thriving.
For Children & Teenagers
Approximately 3 Hours Total
We take extra care with young patients. The process begins with a one-hour meeting between parents and our licensed counselor, followed by a separate one-hour session where the counselor meets with your child or teenager. Rating scales are collected from parents, teachers, and sometimes the child.
Our counselor is trained to look for everything:
Not just ADHD—anxiety, depression, OCD, mood disorders, learning differences—we evaluate comprehensively because conditions often overlap and proper diagnosis changes everything.
After the counselor extensively reviews all findings with Dr. Shapiro (he takes pages of notes), you'll have a one-hour family meeting with Dr. Shapiro. Parents AND the child attend together.
Dr. Shapiro shares his findings, asks clarifying questions, and explains any diagnoses—sometimes one condition, sometimes several. He'll discuss all treatment options, always emphasizing:"There's more than one way to solve problems in life."
Your child is included in these decisions.
We only move forward with what the whole family is comfortable with.
Dr. Shapiro's Guidance:
"If the medicine makes you uncomfortable for 2-3 days, stop it and call us."
Monthly appointments continue until your child is dramatically better.
Comprehensive ADHD Treatment
We create individualized treatment plans using proven approaches. Unlike many practices, we offer both medication management and therapy for complete care.
Medication Management
FDA-approved stimulant and non-stimulant medications carefully selected and monitored for each patient's unique needs. We use GeneSight genetic testing when appropriate to optimize medication selection.
- Stimulant medications (Adderall, Ritalin, Vyvanse)
- Non-stimulant options (Strattera, Wellbutrin, Intuniv)
- Regular monitoring and dosage adjustments
- GeneSight genetic testing available
Behavioral Therapy
Evidence-based therapeutic approaches to develop coping strategies, improve organizational skills, and address emotional challenges.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Parent training and education
- Social skills training
- Academic/workplace accommodations guidance
Patient Education
Comprehensive education about ADHD helps patients and families understand the condition, reducing stigma and improving outcomes.
- Understanding ADHD neurobiology
- Lifestyle modifications and routines
- Diet, exercise, and sleep optimization
- Educational slideshows and resources
Family Support
ADHD affects the whole family. We provide support and strategies for parents, partners, and siblings.
- Family therapy sessions
- Parent support and coaching
- Communication strategies
- School advocacy and IEP guidance
Why Patients Trust Dr. Shapiro for ADHD Care
With over three decades of experience and a patient-centered approach, we've helped thousands of individuals with ADHD achieve their full potential.
35+ Years Experience
Dr. Shapiro has diagnosed and treated thousands of ADHD patients, from young children to adults, with proven, effective approaches.
Comprehensive Evaluation
Our unique three-part evaluation system ensures accurate diagnosis and rules out conditions that mimic ADHD symptoms.
Collaborative Approach
We discuss all treatment options, their pros and cons, and work together with you to find the best path forward.
Same-Day Response
We're extremely accessible - your questions are answered almost always the same day. Never feel alone in your treatment.
Medication + Therapy
Unlike many psychiatrists who only prescribe medication, we offer both therapy and medication management for comprehensive care.
Education Focus
We empower patients with knowledge through educational slideshows, resources, and ongoing support to understand their condition.
Learn More About ADHD
Explore our comprehensive educational slideshow to better understand ADHD
Frequently Asked Questions About ADHD
Dr. Arnold Shapiro is a board-certified child, adolescent, and adult psychiatrist in Cincinnati, OH and Northern Kentucky with 35+ years of clinical experience diagnosing and treating ADHD in children, teens, and adults.
Q:At what age can ADHD be diagnosed?
ADHD can be diagnosed as early as age 4, though symptoms may be noticeable earlier. Many people aren't diagnosed until adolescence or adulthood, especially if they have the primarily inattentive type. There's no upper age limit for diagnosis.
Q:Is ADHD medication safe for children?
ADHD medications have been extensively studied and are considered safe when properly prescribed and monitored. Dr. Shapiro carefully evaluates each patient, starts with low doses, and monitors closely for side effects. We discuss all medication options and their risk/benefit profiles with families.
Q:Do I really need medicine for ADHD?
You don't NEED medicine—but your life could be easier, better, more enjoyable. Medicine is a tool, not a crutch. And you're always in control. If we try a medication and you don't like how it makes you feel, give it 2-3 days. If you're still uncomfortable, stop it and call us. We'll figure out what happened and try something else. My commitment: We keep working together until you're dramatically better.
Q:Can ADHD be treated without medication?
Yes! There's more than one way to solve problems in life. Medicine is one option. Therapy is another. Lifestyle changes, accommodations at work or school, family support—these all matter. We'll discuss ALL your options and decide together what makes sense for YOU. Dr. Shapiro will never push you toward something you're not comfortable with.
Q:How long does ADHD treatment take?
ADHD is typically a lifelong condition that requires ongoing management. The good news is that with proper treatment, most people see significant improvement within weeks to months. Dr. Shapiro's goal isn't just to get you 'stable'—it's to get you dramatically better. Treatment plans evolve over time as needs change.
Q:What are your payment options?
We are an out-of-network practice. You'll pay at the time of your visit, and we provide detailed receipts (superbills) so you can submit to your insurance for possible reimbursement. Many patients with out-of-network mental health benefits receive partial reimbursement. We accept cash, check, and all major credit cards.
Q:What's the difference between ADD and ADHD?
ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) is an older term. Today, all attention disorders are classified as ADHD with three presentations: Predominantly Inattentive (formerly called ADD), Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive, and Combined Type. Dr. Shapiro diagnoses and treats all presentations.
Two Convenient Locations
Serving Cincinnati, Ohio and Northern Kentucky
Cincinnati, Ohio
8280 Montgomery Road, Suite 304
Cincinnati, OH 45236
Fort Wright, Kentucky
1717 Dixie Highway, Suite 200
Fort Wright, KY 41011
Just 5 minutes from downtown Cincinnati
Ready to Take Control of Your ADHD?
Don't let ADHD hold you or your child back. Schedule a comprehensive evaluation with Dr. Shapiro and start your journey to better focus, organization, and success.
Same-day response to your questions • Accepting new patients • Out-of-network provider
If you're experiencing a psychiatric emergency, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.