ADHD Assessment
The test will be administered by a healthcare professional who is specialized in mental health disorders or neurological disorders. They will use self-reports and standard rating scales, and interview additional sources such as family members or teachers in order to get an overall picture of the individual's behavior.
They may also request tests to rule out other medical conditions that could be similar to ADHD symptoms.
Symptoms
Hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity are a hallmark of ADHD. Adults with ADHD typically have difficulty in various areas of their lives, such as work, school and relationships. In some instances the frustrations triggered by ADHD symptoms can lead them to seek a diagnosis. They may believe that they are lagging in their work due in part to the difficulty of meeting deadlines or that their relationships are in trouble because they can't listen or feel empathy.
During an ADHD evaluation, a psychologist or psychiatrist will talk to the patient about their symptoms and how they affect their lives. They will also review the patient's medical, family and psychiatric histories. They will also conduct standard tests to determine if the patient suffers from ADHD. These tests include questionnaires, a behavioral rating system and information from relatives and friends.
In addition, the specialist at NYU Langone will ask about other conditions that could be responsible for the symptoms. This includes anxiety and depression, which can often coexist with ADHD. The expert will analyze the symptoms of both conditions to determine if there's any connection between them. They will then provide treatment recommendations based upon their findings.
A person who undergoes an ADHD assessment often feels relieved that they are able to finally express their issues and realize that they're not just lazy or unwilling to try. They might also feel anger and frustration that they did not receive the diagnosis earlier, as well as sadness over the effect that their untreated ADHD has affected their lives and the lives of those who are closest to them.
If an adult decides to seek diagnosed with ADHD the first step is to find a psychiatrist or psychologist who has received specialized training in this disorder. They may be referred by their physician or an organization that provides support for people with ADHD. They can also call the local hospital that is affiliated with a university or a graduate school in psychology to request recommendations. You can also look online for specialists in ADHD. They can also reach out to their insurance company to see if they have providers in network who are qualified to conduct ADHD assessments.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of ADHD is a medical procedure. A psychiatrist, who has medical qualifications and a authorization to prescribe medication will conduct a thorough analysis of the psychological and physical aspects of the disorder. They will ask about your childhood experiences and how your symptoms interfere with your daily life. The psychiatrist will also review your medical history in order to determine if there are any co-existing conditions contributing to your symptoms.
A Psychiatrist may also interview your spouse, partner, parents, children and close friends to understand your symptoms, how they affect you and if they began before you reached the age of 12. They may give you one or more of the Barkley Adult ADHD Rating Scales IV (BAARS-IV) surveys to complete. These are reliable tools to aid healthcare professionals in understanding your symptoms and the impact they have on your daily life. The BAARS-IV also includes self-reports as well as reports from your family friends, partners, and other family members.
Your doctor will want know how your symptoms interfere with school, work and your relationships. They will inquire about your medical and educational histories and any medications you're taking or have previously taken, and any other health issues that you are suffering from. They will also ask about your life style, including any stress you may be experiencing 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 difficulty 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 psychiatrist will discuss with you the treatment options, and may even suggest a comprehensive plan. This could include medication and therapy. Many people report that, when treated with various therapies, their symptoms decrease or disappear altogether. In some instances the psychiatrist can determine that another psychiatric condition can mask the symptoms of ADHD and treat that.
Treatment
If you get a diagnosis of ADHD, a psychiatrist can prescribe medication. They may also suggest talk therapy and other non-medical treatment strategies. They usually collaborate with counselors, psychologists, and social workers to oversee the patient's needs and coordinate medical and other treatments. The majority of insurance plans that cover mental health will cover visits to psychiatrists.
Your psychiatrist will ask you about your symptoms and the impact they've had on your life. They may also want to talk with your parents or partner, too. They'll likely be interested in hearing about your experiences in childhood. The more your doctor understands about your past, the better they will be able to assist you with your current issues.
Psychiatrists are uniquely qualified to prescribe ADHD medication, such as stimulants, which are believed to boost and balance levels of neurotransmitters in the brain. They can alter the dosage depending on the response you get to the medication. They can also prescribe different kinds of medicines, such as the non-stimulants atomoxetine as well as bupropion, which work more slowly than stimulants, however they can be a good alternative in the event of health issues or aren't able to take stimulants due to the risk of side effects.
Some people with ADHD are also suffering from other mental health conditions like anxiety or depression. Your NYU Langone doctor will ask you questions regarding your mood to determine if one of these issues is responsible for your ADHD symptoms.
Psychological counseling, or talk therapy, can help people with ADHD learn to manage their symptoms and deal with the issues they face at home and at work. A therapist can guide you through cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which can help change negative thinking patterns and increase your ability to control your behavior. Counseling can help you develop techniques for dealing with problems at workplace or at home.
Certain people with ADHD struggle with relationships at home and work because of their impulsive behavior. Counseling can help you manage your emotions and improve your communication with family members and coworkers. It can also help you find ways to deal with disappointment and anger that are typical in adulthood.
Counseling
Many people who suffer from ADHD symptoms are also suffering from mental health issues such as depression, anxiety disorder, or substance use disorders. adhd diagnosis assessment can help coordinate treatment for all these conditions, helping a person with ADHD find a solution that is effective for them. The psychiatrist might even be able to recommend a therapist who specializes in treating ADHD.
Psychiatrists are able to assess your symptoms and suggest a treatment plan that includes psychotherapy, coaching and nuanced medication plans. They are specially qualified for prescribing stimulant medication to treat ADHD and adjusting dosages according to the patient's response to treatment. Psychologists are more likely than other professionals to use cognitive behavioral therapy and other behavioral interventions that can help someone suffering from ADHD manage their ADHD symptoms.
Counselors who are licensed mental health counselors or licensed professional counselors can also be helpful to people who suffer from ADHD. They can talk about the emotional and psychological challenges that are associated with ADHD and can help with issues in relationships and at work. They can also offer family counseling and teach coping skills to those struggling with the symptoms of ADHD. Most insurance plans cover services of counselors. They are cheaper than psychologists or psychiatrists.
Another option for assessing and managing ADHD symptoms is Neurofeedback therapy, which uses electroencephalography (EEG) to monitor brain activity. The data used is used to identify and correct attentional issues by instructing the brain to regulate its internal activities. In addition to its application to treat ADHD, Neurofeedback is a helpful tool for people with depression, anxiety or sleep disturbances.
Finding the best psychiatrist or therapist is not an easy task, but it is crucial to take into consideration the patient's specific needs and symptoms as well as the background and experience of the doctor. Patients can narrow their choices by using online resources and local listings. Patients should be aware of the credentials of the therapist, reviews from clients and experiences of patients to determine which practice is best for them.