Home → ADHD Resources → Dr. Ryan Sultan - ADHD Expert
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Dr. Ryan Sultan is a leading ADHD expert at Columbia University with NIH-funded research, 411+ citations, and double board certification specializing in ADHD diagnosis and treatment for children, adolescents, and adults. |
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📖 Comprehensive ADHD Resources 🧠 Understanding ADHD Science: 🔍 Diagnosis & Differential: 💊 Treatment & Outcomes: 🎙️ Media & Research: |
NIH-Funded ADHD Research | 411+ Citations | Double Board-Certified | ADHD Expert Since 2011
Dr. Ryan Sultan has established himself as one of the nation's leading experts in ADHD diagnosis, treatment, and research. As a faculty member at Columbia University Irving Medical Center and attending psychiatrist at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, Dr. Sultan combines clinical excellence with groundbreaking research that advances our understanding of ADHD across the lifespan.
What sets Dr. Sultan apart is his unique combination of clinical expertise and research accomplishment. While many psychiatrists treat ADHD, few have Dr. Sultan's depth of knowledge derived from NIH-funded research examining ADHD treatment patterns, outcomes, and comorbidities. His 411+ research citations reflect the national and international impact of his work on ADHD clinical practice.
| Credential | Details |
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| Double Board Certification | Adult Psychiatry (2015) & Child/Adolescent Psychiatry (2016) |
| Academic Position | Assistant Professor, Columbia University Psychiatry |
| NIH Funding | $670,000+ in federal research grants for ADHD studies |
| Research Impact | 411+ citations, JAMA Network Open publication |
| Clinical Experience | 13+ years treating ADHD (2011-present) |
| Age Range | Children, adolescents, adults (all ages) |
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Dr. Sultan specializes in adult ADHD diagnosis, treatment-resistant ADHD, ADHD with substance use disorders, women with ADHD, and complex medication management across the lifespan. |
Adult ADHD is Dr. Sultan's primary clinical focus. He recognizes that 85% of adults with ADHD are undiagnosed, representing millions of people struggling with executive dysfunction, focus issues, and life underachievement despite normal or high intelligence.
Dr. Sultan's adult ADHD services include:
Read more: Why 85% of Adults with ADHD Are Undiagnosed
Dr. Sultan's child psychiatry fellowship and board certification enable him to diagnose and treat ADHD in children as young as 4-5 years old through adolescence.
Pediatric ADHD services:
Learn more: Complete ADHD Guide | Free ADHD Screening Quiz
Dr. Sultan has particular expertise in diagnosing and treating ADHD in women, who are often missed by traditional diagnostic approaches that focus on hyperactive boys.
Women-specific ADHD considerations:
Dr. Sultan is an expert in ADHD paralysis - the neurological inability to initiate tasks despite wanting to. This is distinct from procrastination and represents a core executive dysfunction in ADHD.
Understanding ADHD paralysis:
Dr. Sultan's approach addresses the neurobiological basis of task initiation problems while providing practical strategies for daily life.
ADHD burnout is complete executive function collapse from chronic overload. Dr. Sultan specializes in identifying and treating this severe complication of untreated or undertreated ADHD.
ADHD burnout treatment:
Dr. Sultan sees many patients who have tried multiple ADHD medications without adequate response. His expertise in complex medication management includes:
Dr. Sultan's NIH-funded research specifically examines ADHD and substance use disorder comorbidity. He is an expert in treating patients with both conditions simultaneously.
ADHD + substance use treatment:
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Dr. Sultan has published 40+ peer-reviewed ADHD studies with 411+ citations and receives NIH funding to examine ADHD treatment patterns, outcomes, and comorbidity with substance use disorders. |
Dr. Sultan is a NIDA K12 Scholar and has received multiple federal grants to study ADHD:
His research addresses critical questions:
Dr. Sultan's most influential research, published in JAMA Network Open in 2019, examined off-label antipsychotic prescribing patterns in youth with attention disorders. This study:
This research demonstrates Dr. Sultan's ability to conduct rigorous, large-scale studies that directly impact clinical practice and patient care.
View publications: Complete Publication List | Research Highlights
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Dr. Sultan's ADHD treatment combines comprehensive diagnostic evaluation, evidence-based medication management, behavioral strategies, and patient education to achieve optimal long-term outcomes. |
Accurate ADHD diagnosis is the foundation of effective treatment. Dr. Sultan's evaluations are thorough and evidence-based:
Unlike brief "checklist" evaluations, Dr. Sultan's comprehensive approach ensures accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment planning.
Dr. Sultan prescribes ADHD medications based on rigorous research evidence:
First-line treatments (stimulants):
Second-line treatments (non-stimulants):
Dr. Sultan's prescribing principles:
Learn more: ADHD Medications Still Working? | Wellbutrin for ADHD
Medication is most effective when combined with behavioral approaches:
Dr. Sultan believes patients benefit from understanding the neuroscience of ADHD:
His extensive online ADHD resources reflect this educational philosophy.
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Dr. Sultan has created comprehensive ADHD educational resources including a 16,500-word evidence-based guide, free screening quiz, video explanations, and condition-specific articles trusted by patients worldwide. |
Dr. Sultan's Complete ADHD Guide is one of the most thorough evidence-based ADHD resources available online, covering:
Take Dr. Sultan's Free ADHD Quiz using DSM-5 diagnostic criteria. This 18-question self-assessment helps identify ADHD symptoms but cannot replace professional evaluation.
Watch Dr. Sultan explain ADHD on PIX11 television, covering diagnosis, treatment, and parenting strategies.
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Dr. Sultan's patients report life-changing improvements in focus, productivity, emotional regulation, and quality of life through accurate diagnosis and optimized ADHD treatment. |
Note: Patient stories are anonymized and represent common treatment outcomes, not specific individuals.
Sarah, 35, Marketing Executive
"I always knew something was different about me. I was smart but struggled to finish projects, constantly lost things, and felt like I was working twice as hard as everyone else just to keep up. When Dr. Sultan diagnosed my ADHD, everything made sense. The medication changed my life - suddenly I could finish tasks, remember appointments, and my brain wasn't constantly jumping between thoughts. I wish I'd been diagnosed 20 years ago."
Michael, 28, Software Engineer
"I'd tried four different ADHD medications with three other psychiatrists and nothing worked. Dr. Sultan spent time really understanding my symptoms and tried a combination approach I hadn't heard of before. Now, for the first time, I can actually concentrate on my coding for hours without getting distracted. My productivity at work has tripled."
Jennifer, 42, Teacher and Mom
"I was diagnosed with anxiety and depression for years, but Dr. Sultan recognized that I actually had ADHD. The inattentive type that looks like spaciness and forgetfulness, not hyperactivity. Once we treated the ADHD, my 'anxiety' and 'depression' improved dramatically. Turns out they were secondary to years of struggling with undiagnosed ADHD."
Tom's Parents (Tom, age 8)
"Our son was struggling in school and having daily meltdowns at home. The school said he had a behavior problem. Dr. Sultan did a comprehensive evaluation and diagnosed ADHD with emotional dysregulation. With the right medication and strategies, Tom is now thriving - his grades improved, he has friends, and our home is peaceful. Dr. Sultan's expertise changed our family's life."
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Dr. Sultan sees ADHD patients at Columbia University Irving Medical Center, NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, and Integrative Psych NYC in Chelsea, Manhattan for comprehensive evaluations and ongoing treatment. |
Columbia University Irving Medical Center
Department of Psychiatry
New York, NY 10032
Columbia Psychiatry Profile
NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital
Department of Psychiatry
New York, NY
One of the nation's top-ranked hospitals
Integrative Psych NYC
Chelsea, Manhattan
www.integrative-psych.org
(212) 335-0236
Insurance acceptance varies by practice location. Contact the specific practice for details:
Availability varies by practice location and time of year. Contact Columbia Psychiatry or Integrative Psych NYC for current availability for new ADHD evaluations.
Comprehensive ADHD evaluations typically take 1-2 hours, including clinical interview, rating scales, review of prior records, and diagnostic formulation. This is longer than typical "15-minute checklist" evaluations but ensures accurate diagnosis.
In most cases, yes. A thorough 1-2 hour evaluation provides enough information for diagnosis in straightforward cases. Complex cases may require additional collateral information or follow-up assessment.
Yes, medication management is a core part of Dr. Sultan's ADHD treatment. He prescribes stimulants (Adderall, Vyvanse, Ritalin, Concerta) and non-stimulants (Strattera, Qelbree, Intuniv) based on individual needs.
Dr. Sultan specializes in treatment-resistant ADHD. Many patients who "failed" medications were actually on wrong medication, wrong dose, or had comorbid conditions interfering with treatment. A fresh expert evaluation often leads to successful treatment.
While medication is the most effective ADHD treatment (70-80% response rate vs. 40-50% for therapy), Dr. Sultan respects patient preferences and works collaboratively on treatment planning. Non-medication approaches are discussed but may be less effective.
Yes, Dr. Sultan's double board certification (Adult Psychiatry and Child/Adolescent Psychiatry) means he treats ADHD across the entire lifespan - from preschoolers through elderly adults.
Insurance acceptance varies by practice location. Contact the specific practice for details about your insurance plan.
Yes, parents commonly schedule ADHD evaluations for their children. For adults, the patient should ideally be involved in scheduling, but family members can make initial inquiries.
Telehealth availability varies by practice location and has changed post-COVID. Contact the practice directly for current telehealth policies for ADHD evaluations and follow-ups.
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Patients choose Dr. Sultan because he combines Columbia University academic expertise, NIH-funded research knowledge, 13+ years of clinical experience, and genuine understanding of ADHD's impact on daily life. |
| Factor | Dr. Sultan's Advantage |
|---|---|
| Academic Position | Columbia University faculty with access to cutting-edge research |
| Research Expertise | NIH-funded research on ADHD treatment patterns and outcomes |
| Publications | 411+ citations demonstrating national/international impact |
| Double Board Certification | Treats children through adults (age 4 through elderly) |
| Comprehensive Evaluations | 1-2 hour assessments, not 15-minute "checklist" appointments |
| Treatment-Resistant Expertise | Helps patients who haven't responded to prior treatments |
| Substance Use Knowledge | Expert in ADHD + substance use comorbidity (NIH research focus) |
| Patient Education | Extensive online resources reflecting teaching commitment |
"Dr. Sultan is incredibly knowledgeable about ADHD and takes time to explain everything clearly. He doesn't rush appointments and really listens. The medication he prescribed has been life-changing." - Adult ADHD patient
"We saw three psychiatrists before Dr. Sultan who all missed our daughter's ADHD because she wasn't hyperactive. Dr. Sultan recognized it immediately and now she's thriving in school." - Parent of child with ADHD
"As someone with both ADHD and a substance use history, I needed a psychiatrist who understood both. Dr. Sultan's research expertise in this area made him the perfect fit." - Adult with comorbid conditions
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Ready to get expert help for ADHD? |
For patient appointments:
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Dr. Sultan's website contains 50+ evidence-based ADHD resources including comprehensive guides, symptom explanations, treatment information, and the latest research findings accessible to patients. |
Start Here:
ADHD Symptoms & Types:
ADHD Treatment:
ADHD Comorbidities:
Understanding ADHD:
Learn more about Dr. Sultan's background, research, and expertise:
Dr. Ryan S. Sultan, MD
ADHD Specialist & Researcher
Assistant Professor of Clinical Psychiatry
Columbia University Irving Medical Center
Credentials:
Double Board-Certified: Adult Psychiatry (2015) & Child/Adolescent Psychiatry (2016)
NIH-Funded ADHD Researcher | 411+ Research Citations
NIDA K12 Scholar | JAMA Network Open Author
Specializing in:
Adult ADHD | Child/Adolescent ADHD | ADHD in Women
Treatment-Resistant ADHD | ADHD + Substance Use Disorders
ADHD Paralysis | ADHD Burnout | Complex Medication Management
Helping patients with ADHD since 2011
Online ADHD education since 1994
Schedule an ADHD Evaluation →
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Last updated: February 2026 | © 1994-2026 Ryan S. Sultan, MD