Adult ADHD psychiatry · New York & New Jersey
Clear answers about adult ADHD, from a psychiatrist who focuses on it
Dr. John C. Shershow, M.D. evaluates and treats adults whose focus, organization and follow-through are getting in the way of work and life. Care starts with a careful evaluation and continues with a treatment plan and regular follow-up.
Accepting new adult patients · Hours by appointment · Follow-up visits by secure video
About Dr. Shershow
A career in academic psychiatry, now devoted to adults with ADHD
Dr. Shershow trained at Harvard, Yale and the University of Southern California, taught at Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital, and came to New York as Associate Dean of Downstate Medical School. His practice now focuses on one thing: helping adults understand and manage ADHD.
John C. Shershow, M.D.
Psychiatrist specializing in adult ADHD
- Harvard Medical School
- Former faculty, with Massachusetts General Hospital
- SUNY Downstate
- Former Associate Dean
- Joint Commission
- Former surveyor and faculty member
- American Psychiatric Association
- Distinguished Life Fellow
Is it ADHD?
When to consider an adult ADHD evaluation
Many adults spend years blaming themselves for being disorganized, late or distracted before they look for help. If patterns like these have been with you since childhood and are affecting your work, relationships or confidence, an evaluation can tell you what is going on.
ADHD is not the only possible explanation. Anxiety, depression, poor sleep and long-term stress can look very similar, and sometimes more than one is present. Sorting that out is the point of a proper evaluation.
You may recognize…
- 01Trouble focusing at work, even on things that matter to you
- 02Chronic procrastination and last-minute rushes
- 03Losing track of time, appointments and deadlines
- 04Starting many tasks and finishing few
- 05Forgetfulness and misplacing things
- 06Disorganization at home or at work
- 07Restlessness, impatience or feeling mentally overloaded
- 08Working hard but performing below your ability
What the practice offers
One psychiatrist, from first evaluation to ongoing care
Evaluation, treatment planning, medication management when it is appropriate, and ongoing follow-up, all with Dr. Shershow.
- Evaluation & DiagnosisA detailed look at your symptoms, history and daily functioning.
- Treatment PlanningA plan built around your diagnosis and your goals.
- Medication ManagementWhen medication is the right choice, started and adjusted with you.
- Ongoing Follow-upRegular visits to see how treatment is working and adjust it.
- Video Follow-up VisitsFollow-up care by secure video.
How care works
Three steps, one coordinated plan
Each step builds on the one before. Choose a step to see what it involves.
01 Step 1 of 3
Evaluation & diagnosis
A detailed psychiatric evaluation of your symptoms, history and daily functioning, including what else could explain them.
- Attention, organization, time management, restlessness and impulsivity
- Childhood and school history, plus work and relationship history
- Medical history, current medications, sleep and past mental health care
- Whether anxiety, depression, stress or sleep problems better explain your symptoms
Before you call
Practical questions, answered
Who can be seen, how appointments and telehealth visits work, what to ask about fees and insurance, and what to have ready for your first visit.
Learn more
Adult ADHD resources
Understanding Adult ADHDWhat adult ADHD is, how it shows up, and what it is not.Read the guide 
Evaluation & DiagnosisScreening, the clinical evaluation, and how a diagnosis is reached.Read the guide 
ADHD, Anxiety & Related ConditionsLook-alikes, overlap, and why sorting them out matters.Read the guide 
Treatment & MedicationMedication, non-medication approaches, and ongoing care.Read the guide 
ADHD in Daily LifeTime, memory, organization, routines and burnout.Read the guide 
Adult ADHD at WorkDeadlines, overload, masking and accommodations.Read the guide ADHD in Women & Across AdulthoodLate diagnosis, hormones, midlife and life-stage changes.Read the guide 
Finding Care & TelehealthChoosing a clinician, telehealth, and questions to ask.Read the guide Questions
Frequently asked questions
Can ADHD be diagnosed for the first time in adulthood?
Yes. Many adults are diagnosed later in life. ADHD begins in childhood, but its effects often become obvious only when work, family and other responsibilities pile up, or when coping strategies that used to work stop working.
Is a questionnaire or online test enough to diagnose ADHD?
No. Screening questionnaires can show patterns worth discussing, but a diagnosis rests on a clinical evaluation: your history since childhood, how symptoms affect your life now, and whether something else, such as anxiety, depression, sleep problems or stress, better explains them.
Will I be prescribed medication?
Not necessarily. Treatment is decided after the evaluation and depends on your symptoms, medical history and goals. When medication is appropriate, Dr. Shershow explains the options, and follow-up visits are used to monitor how it is working.
Does Dr. Shershow see children or teenagers?
This practice focuses on adults. If you are looking for care for a child or teenager, please call the office before booking.
Next step
Ready to talk about an evaluation?
Call the office to ask about availability and to schedule your first appointment. Hours are by appointment only.