ADHD Assessment
A specialist in healthcare who specializes in mental health or neurological disorders will conduct the evaluation. They will employ standardized rating scales, self-reports and may interview other sources like family members or teachers to gather a picture of the individual's behavior.
They may also conduct medical tests to rule out other health conditions that may be causing ADHD symptoms.
Signs and symptoms
Symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity are a hallmark of ADHD. Adults with ADHD may have difficulty in many areas of their lives, including school, work and relationships. In some cases the frustrations triggered by ADHD symptoms prompt them to seek a diagnosis. They might feel that they are lagging in their work due in part to the difficulty of meeting deadlines or that their relationships are suffering because they are unable to listen and understand.
In an ADHD assessment the psychiatrist or psychologist will interview the person about their symptoms and impact on their lives. They will also look over the patient's family, medical and psychiatric histories. They will also conduct standardized tests to determine if the patient suffers from ADHD. These tests include questionnaires, a behavior rating scale, as well as information from friends and relatives.
The doctor at NYU Langone may also ask about any other conditions that could be causing symptoms. This includes depression and anxiety that can be co-occurring with ADHD. The specialist will look at the symptoms of both conditions to determine if there is a connection between them. They will then make treatment recommendations based on their findings.
Anyone who has an ADHD evaluation often feels relief that they are able to finally express the reasons behind their struggles and know that they are not just indifferent or unwilling to try. They might also feel angry and frustrated for not receiving an assessment sooner and also a sense of sadness over the negative impact of untreated ADHD on their lives and those closest to them.
If an adult decides to seek a diagnosis of ADHD the first step is to locate a psychiatrist or psychologist who has been trained in this disorder. They can be referred to them by their family doctor or a support group for those with ADHD. You can also ask for a referral by calling a local university hospital or a graduate psychology school. They can also use an online database to locate specialists in ADHD. They can also contact their insurance company to find out whether they have providers in their network who are certified to conduct ADHD assessments.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing ADHD is a clinical process. A psychiatrist with medical license and medical degree will look at the physical and mental aspects of the condition. They will ask questions about your childhood and how your symptoms impact your daily life. The psychiatrist will also look over your medical history to determine if there are co-existing conditions contributing to your symptoms.
A Psychiatrist can also talk to your spouse or parent, child, partner, and close friends to find out about your issues in different situations, how they impact your life, and whether they started before you were 12. They might give you one or more of the Barkley Adult ADHD Rating Scales IV (BAARS-IV) questionnaires to fill out. These are reliable tools that allow healthcare professionals to assess the severity of your symptoms and how they affect your life. The BAARS-IV also includes self-reports as well as reports from your family friends, family, and partners.
Your psychiatrist will ask you about the impact your health issues have on your work, school and relationships. They will ask about your past medical and educational history, any medications you are taking or have taken in the past, and any other health issues you are experiencing. They will also inquire about your lifestyle, including any stresses you may be facing and how you manage these.
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 characterized by difficulties paying attention, not being aware of important details, and forgetting what you have just done. The hyperactive/impulsive pattern of ADHD is characterized by fidgeting, interrupting others, and being always on the go.
Your doctor will discuss with you the treatment options, and may even suggest a comprehensive plan. This could include medication or therapy. Many people report that when they receive the combination of therapies, their symptoms improve or disappear completely. In some cases a psychiatrist will be able to diagnose and treat a mental illness that is causing the symptoms of ADHD.
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If you get a diagnosis of ADHD, a psychiatrist may prescribe medication. They may also suggest talking therapy or other non-medical treatments. They often work closely together with counselors, psychologists and social workers to manage the patient's treatment and to balance medical and other treatments. Most insurance plans that cover mental health also include visits to a psychiatrist.
Your psychiatrist will ask you about your symptoms and the impact they've had on your life. They may want to talk with your parents or a partner, too. They may also be interested in your childhood experiences. The more information your doctor has about your past, the better they can help you with your current problems.
Psychiatrists are specially qualified to prescribe ADHD medications like stimulants, that are thought to increase and regulate levels of neurotransmitters in the brain. They can adjust the dose based on your response to the medication. They can prescribe other types, such as nonstimulants such as atomoxetine and bupropion. These drugs work more slowly, but are an excellent alternative for those with health problems, or who cannot take stimulants due to side effects.
Some people who suffer from ADHD also suffer from other mental health conditions, such as anxiety or depression. Your NYU Langone doctor will ask you questions regarding your mood to determine if one of these conditions is causing your ADHD symptoms.
Psychological counseling, also known as talk therapy, can assist people with ADHD learn to manage their symptoms and deal with the issues they face at home and at work. A therapist can teach you cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which can help you overcome negative thinking patterns and increase your ability to manage your behavior. Counseling can also teach you the skills to be a better partner, which can help in dealing with issues at home or in the workplace.
Some people suffering from ADHD have trouble with relationships 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 as well as coworkers. It can help you cope with discontent and anger, which are common among adults.
Counseling
Many people with ADHD symptoms also suffer from other mental health issues, like depressions, anxiety disorders or substance abuse disorders. A psychiatrist can help coordinate treatment for all these conditions, helping the person suffering from ADHD find a solution that is effective for them. The psychiatrist may even be in a position to recommend the services of a specialist in treating ADHD.
Psychiatrists can assess your symptoms and suggest an appropriate treatment plan that incorporates coaching, psychotherapy and medication plans. They are uniquely qualified to prescribe stimulant medications for ADHD and adjust dosages based on the patient's response to treatment. Psychologists are more likely to utilize behavioural interventions such as cognitive therapy, which may aid the person suffering from ADHD develop skills that reduce or manage their ADHD symptoms.
Counsellors who are licensed as mental health counselors or licensed professional counselors can also be beneficial to those who suffer from ADHD. They are able to discuss the difficult emotions and psychological issues that come with ADHD, such as difficulty with relationships and work performance. They can also help you develop coping strategies and provide family counseling for those who are struggling to cope with the symptoms of ADHD in their loved ones. The majority of insurance plans cover the counseling services provided by counselors. They are less expensive than psychiatrists or psychologists.
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 correct attentional issues by instructing the brain to improve its processing and regulate its internal activity. Neurofeedback can be used to treat ADHD and depression, anxiety, or sleep disorders.
Choosing the right psychotherapist or psychiatrist isn't an easy task, but it's essential to take into account the patient's particular needs and symptoms as well as the doctor's experience and background. When choosing a therapist, patients can use online resources and local listings to narrow down their options. Patients should be aware of the credentials of the therapist, reviews from clients and experiences of patients to determine which one is the best fit for them.