ADHD Assessment
A healthcare practitioner who specializes in neurology or mental health disorders will conduct the evaluation. They will use standardized ratings scales, self-reports, and may interview collateral sources such as teachers or family members to gain a complete picture of the person's behavior.
They will also order tests to rule out any other health conditions that could mimic ADHD symptoms.
Signs and symptoms
Symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity are a hallmark of ADHD. Adults who suffer from ADHD may have difficulty in a variety of areas of their life, including work, school, and relationships. In some cases the stress caused by ADHD symptoms lead them to seek a diagnosis. They may feel that they are falling behind in their work due to difficulties working to deadlines, or that their relationships are in trouble because they can't listen or understand.
In an ADHD assessment the psychiatrist or psychologist will interview the person about their symptoms and the impact on their lives. They will also look over the patient's family, medical, and psychiatric history. They will also conduct standard tests to determine if the patient has ADHD. These tests include questionnaires, a behavioral rating system and also information from family members and friends.
In addition, the specialist at NYU Langone will ask about other conditions that may be behind the symptoms. This could include depression and anxiety, which can often coexist with ADHD. The expert will examine the symptoms of both conditions to determine if there is any connection between them. They will then make treatment recommendations based upon their findings.
iampsychiatry who is subjected to an ADHD assessment often feels relieved that they have the ability to finally articulate the reasons behind their struggles and know that they are not just lazy or unwilling to try. They may be frustrated and angry for not receiving a diagnosis earlier and also sadness over the effect that their untreated ADHD has had on their life and the lives of those closest to them.
If an adult decides to get an assessment for ADHD, the first step is to find a psychologist or psychiatrist who has received specialized training in this disorder. They can be referred by their family doctor or an organization that provides support for people who suffer from ADHD. You can also request an appointment by calling the local hospital or graduate psychology school. They can also utilize an online database to locate specialists in ADHD. They can also reach out to their insurance company to find out whether they have providers in their network who are able to perform ADHD tests.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing ADHD is a medical process. A psychiatrist, with an MD degree and a authorization to prescribe medication is able to conduct a thorough investigation of the psychological and physical aspects of the disorder. They will inquire about your childhood experiences and how your symptoms interfer with your daily life. The psychiatrist will also go over your medical history to determine if there are co-existing conditions that could be causing your symptoms.
A Psychiatrist may also interview your spouse or spouse, parents, children and close family members to understand your issues in different settings, how they affect your life, and whether they began before the age of 12. They might give you one or more of the Barkley Adult ADHD Rating Scales IV (BAARS-IV) questionnaires to fill out. These are trustworthy tools that aid healthcare professionals in understanding your symptoms and their impact on your life. The BAARS-IV includes self-reports from you as well as reports from family members, friends, or partners.
Your psychiatrist will inquire about the impact your health issues have on your school, work and relationships. They will inquire about your past medical and educational histories as well as any medications you're taking or have previously taken, and any other health issues you are experiencing. They will also inquire about your life style and any stress you might be experiencing.
The psychiatrist will evaluate whether you have the inattentive or hyperactive/impulsive type of ADHD, or a combination of both. The inattentive form of ADHD is defined as being unable to pay attention to important details, and forgetting what you did. The hyperactive/impulsive pattern of ADHD is characterized by fidgeting, interrupting others, and being always on the go.
Your psychiatrist will discuss with you your treatment options and may even recommend a comprehensive treatment plan. This could include medication and psychotherapy. When combined with other therapies, a lot of sufferers notice their symptoms improving or even disappear. In some instances, a psychiatrist will identify and treat another mental health condition that masks the symptoms of ADHD.
Treatment
A psychiatrist may prescribe medication if you are diagnosed with ADHD. They might also suggest talk therapy as well as other non-medical treatments. They often work closely together with counselors, psychologists and social workers to oversee the patient's treatment and to balance medical and other treatments. The majority of insurance plans that cover mental health cover visits to psychiatrists.
When you see your psychiatrist, they will ask about your symptoms and how they've affected your life. They may also want to talk with your parents or your partner as well. They may also be interested in your childhood experiences. The more your doctor knows about your past, the better he or she can understand your current issues.
Psychiatrists are the only professionals who can prescribe ADHD medications like stimulants, that are thought to increase and balance brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. They can alter the dosage based on your response to the medication. They can also prescribe other types of medications, including the non-stimulants atomoxetine as well as bupropion. They work more slowly than stimulants however they can be a good alternative if you have health problems or are unable to take stimulants because of the adverse effects.
Some people with ADHD may also suffer from anxiety or depression. Your NYU Langone doctor will ask you questions about your mood to help determine if one of these issues is responsible for your ADHD symptoms.
Talk therapy or psychological counseling can help adults with ADHD manage their symptoms and face the challenges they face at work and at home. A therapist will teach you cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) an approach that can help you change negative thinking patterns and improve the capacity to control your behavior. Counseling can help you develop how to manage relationships to solve issues at home or at work.
Some people with ADHD struggle with relationships both at home and at work because of their impulsive behavior. Counseling can help you control your emotions and improve your conversations with your family members and colleagues. It can also help you find ways to deal with frustration and disappointment, which are common in adulthood.
Counseling
Many people with ADHD symptoms also suffer from other mental health issues, such as depressions, anxiety disorders or addiction disorders. A psychiatrist can coordinate treatment for all these conditions, and assist the person suffering from ADHD find a solution that is effective for them. The psychiatrist might even be in a position to recommend the services of a specialist in treating ADHD.
Psychologists are able to evaluate your symptoms and recommend a treatment plan that includes psychotherapy and coaching along with a customized medication strategy. They are uniquely qualified to prescribe stimulant medication for ADHD and adjust dosages based on the person's responses to treatment. Psychologists are more likely to employ behavioral interventions, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, which can assist the person suffering from ADHD develop skills that reduce or manage their ADHD symptoms.
Counsellors who are licensed mental health counselors or licensed professional counsellors can also be helpful to people with ADHD. They can talk about the emotional and psychological issues associated with ADHD including issues with relationships and performance at work. They can also provide family counseling and teach coping techniques to people who struggle with the symptoms of ADHD. Counselors are often less expensive to visit than psychiatrists or psychologists and many insurance plans will cover their services.
Another option for assessing and managing ADHD symptoms is Neurofeedback therapy, which uses electroencephalography (EEG) to monitor brain activity. The data is used to identify and training attentional problems, by teaching the brain how to better process and control its internal activity. Neurofeedback can be used to treat ADHD and depression, anxiety, or sleep disorders.
Finding the best psychotherapist or psychiatrist is not an easy task, but it's important to consider the individual's particular needs and symptoms as much as the doctor's experience and background. When choosing a therapist, patients can make use of online sources and local listings to narrow their search choices. They should pay special attention to credentials, reviews and experiences of clients to determine if the practice is the right fit.