ADHD Assessment
A specialist in healthcare who specializes in mental health or neurological disorders will conduct the evaluation. They will use self-reports and standardized rating scales and interview collateral sources like family members or teachers in order to get a general picture of the individual's behavior.
They may also conduct tests to rule other health conditions that could mimic ADHD symptoms.
Signs and symptoms
ADHD is characterized by the symptoms of hyperactivity, inattention and an impulsive nature. 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 frustrations triggered by ADHD symptoms can lead people to seek a diagnosis. They may feel that they're falling behind in their work due in part to the difficulty of keeping deadlines or that their relationships are in trouble because they are unable to listen and feel empathy.
During an ADHD assessment, a psychiatrist or psychologist will speak with the person about their symptoms and how they impact their life. They will go over the patient's medical, psychiatric, and family history. They will also administer standard tests to determine if the patient suffers from ADHD. These tests include questionnaires, a behavioral rating system and information from family and friends.
Additionally, adhd assessment at NYU Langone will ask about other conditions that could be behind the symptoms. This includes depression or anxiety, which often coexists 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.
If someone is undergoing an ADHD assessment, they often feel a sense of relief that they can finally talk about their issues and realize that they're not inactive or unmotivated. They might also be dissatisfied and angry that they didn't receive the diagnosis earlier, as well sadness about the effects of untreated ADHD on their lives and those closest to them.
If an adult decides to seek diagnosed with ADHD the first step is to find a psychologist or psychiatrist who has been trained in this disorder. They can be referred by their physician or an organization that provides support for people who suffer from ADHD. You can also ask for a referral by calling the local hospital or a graduate psychology school. 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 perform ADHD tests.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of ADHD is a medical process. A psychiatrist with a medical license and a medical education will analyze the physical and mental aspects of the condition. They will ask you about your childhood and how your symptoms impact your daily life. Psychiatrists will also take a complete medical history to identify co-existing conditions that might be treating your symptoms, for example, thyroid problems or anxiety disorders.
A Psychiatrist may also speak with your spouse, partner parents, children, and close friends in order to better understand your symptoms and how they affect you and if they began before you reached the age of 12. You may be asked to take one or more Barkley Adult ADHD Rating Scales IV surveys (BAARS-IV). These are dependable tools to help healthcare professionals understand your symptoms and their impact on your daily life. The BAARS-IV includes your own self-reports as well as reports from family, friends or your partner.
Your psychiatrist will inquire about how your symptoms impact your work, school and relationships. They will ask you about your educational and medical history, the medications you are currently taking or have previously taken and any health issues you may be experiencing. They will also ask about your lifestyle, and any stress you may be facing and how you cope with 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, missing important details, and forgetting about things you've done. The hyperactive/impulsive pattern of ADHD is characterized by fidgeting, interrupting others, and being always on the go.
Your doctor will discuss your treatment options and may suggest a complete treatment plan. This could include medication and psychotherapy. When combined with other treatments, many people see their symptoms improve, or even disappear. In some instances the psychiatrist can identify another psychiatric disorder that is masking the symptoms of ADHD and treat that.
Treatment
A psychiatrist can prescribe medication if you are diagnosed with ADHD. They might also suggest talk therapy and other non-medical treatments. They usually collaborate with counselors, psychologists and social workers to oversee the patient's needs and coordinate medical and other interventions. The majority of insurance plans that cover mental health cover visits to a psychiatrist.
Your psychiatrist will ask you about your symptoms and the impact they have had on your life. They might also want to talk to your parents or partners. They will also probably want to know your childhood experiences. The more your doctor understands about your past, the more they will be able to assist you with your current problems.
Psychiatrists are the only professionals who can prescribe ADHD medications like stimulants, that are thought to increase and balance levels of neurotransmitters in the brain. They can also adjust dosages based on how you respond to the medicine. They can also prescribe other types, such as nonstimulants such as atomoxetine and bupropion. These medications act slower, but they are a good alternative for those who suffer from health issues, or who cannot take stimulants due to side negative effects.
Some people with ADHD also have depression or anxiety. Your NYU Langone physician will ask you about your moods to determine whether it is this issue that's the cause of your ADHD symptoms.
Psychological counseling, also known as talk therapy, can assist adults with ADHD learn to manage their symptoms and face the challenges they face at home and at work. A therapist will teach you cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) an approach that can help you change negative thinking patterns and increase the ability to control your behavior. Counseling can help you learn how to manage relationships to solve problems at home or at work.
Certain people with ADHD struggle with relationships both at home and work because of their impulsive behavior. Counseling can teach you how to calm your emotions and have better conversations with your family members and colleagues. It can help you cope with frustration and dissatisfaction that are common among adults.
Counseling
Many people who suffer from ADHD symptoms also suffer from other mental health problems, like depression, anxiety disorder or substance use disorders. A psychiatrist can provide treatment for all of these conditions, and assist a person with ADHD find effective therapy that works for them. The psychiatrist may also be in a position to recommend the services of a specialist in treating ADHD.
Psychiatrists are able to assess your symptoms and suggest the best treatment plan, which includes psychotherapy, coaching and nuanced treatment plans. They are ideally qualified to prescribe stimulant medications for ADHD and adjust dosages according to the patient's response to treatment. Psychologists are more likely to employ behavioural interventions such as cognitive therapy, which may assist the person suffering from ADHD develop skills that reduce or manage their ADHD symptoms.
Counselors, who are licensed mental health counselors (LMHCs) or licensed professional counselors (LPC), can be helpful for people with ADHD as well. They can help discuss the psychological and emotional challenges that come with ADHD, including difficulties in relationships and at work. They can also help you develop strategies for coping and offer family counseling to those who are struggling to cope with the symptoms of ADHD in their loved family members. Most insurance plans cover the services of 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 training attentional problems, by teaching the brain how to better manage and regulate its internal activities. In addition to its use to treat ADHD, Neurofeedback is a helpful tool for people with depression, anxiety or sleep disorders.
It is not easy to pick the right psychotherapist or psychiatrist. However it is crucial to consider your personal needs and symptoms, and also their background and experience. When selecting a therapist, patients can use online resources and local listings to narrow their options. Patients should look at credentials, client reviews and patient experiences to determine which practice is the best fit for them.