ADHD Assessment For Adults Near Me
Making sure you have a clear diagnosis is crucial to receive the treatment you require. You may need psychotherapy or medication or the combination of both.
Your healthcare professional conducts an interview to discuss your symptoms as well as your family history and general functioning. The ADHD symptoms are assessed using a variety of standardized rating scales and questionnaires.
Signs and symptoms
You may want to talk about ADHD with your doctor if you are experiencing issues with relationships, losing your keys or completing work projects. You can start the conversation by describing your symptoms and asking for an appointment with a specialist in treating ADHD in adults. A lot of primary care doctors recognize the signs of this disorder and can refer you to an expert in mental health for an evaluation. You may also seek a a referral from your school counselor, who will routinely assess children for problems that impact their academic performance.
If you're visiting a specialist to get an ADHD assessment they'll take a detailed account of your behavior and symptoms. They'll look over your experience at school, at home and work and use ratings scales to make sure you're in line with the standard criteria for ADHD. They'll also do a physical exam to rule out medical reasons for your symptoms, including seizures and thyroid issues.
Adults with ADHD often hide their symptoms and have mastered the art of managing them, so the process of determining if they have ADHD isn't easy. The process of evaluation involves interviews with you and gathering information from your family members as well as teachers, coworkers, and friends. They will also utilize checklists and rating scales, conduct an examination of your body and provide additional tests.
A healthcare professional will then determine if your symptoms are related to ADHD, which type you have (inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive or combined) and what comorbid conditions, such as sleep disorders and learning disabilities, you have. They will also identify the risk factors for ADHD, including the history of your family and any alcohol or drug abuse. This information will help you develop your treatment strategy.
Diagnosis
An accurate diagnosis is the first step in determining the best way to manage ADHD symptoms. Anyone who suspects they have adult ADHD should talk to their primary care physician or a mental health professional. They can provide self-assessment questionnaires and rating scales that can help them determine if their symptoms meet the criteria for ADHD. They may also refer patients to a social worker or psychologist who is specialized in treating mental health challenges particularly for adults.
A thorough ADHD assessment consists of a series of in-person or online sessions. These can take up to 6 hours, depending on the person's needs and level of attention. During this time the physician will discuss the symptoms and how they impact the person's life. He or she will also inquire about the person's mood, history of mental health issues, as well as physical ailments. In addition, the clinician will conduct a physical examination to rule out other diseases or conditions that might cause similar symptoms.
In determining a diagnosis the psychologist or psychiatrist will refer to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) as guidelines. It sets specific criteria for identifying the three types of ADHD: Predominantly Inattentive, Hyperactive/Impulsive, and Combined. It is important for individuals to discuss their symptoms in a candid and honest manner, as well as their frustrations and issues caused by their behaviour.
Adults with ADHD often do not realize how their behavior affects family members. This can lead to tension in relationships. If possible, it is beneficial for clinicians to conduct interviews with family members and close friends as part of the diagnostic process. This will aid the patient and their loved ones to understand symptoms and work together in order to improve their quality of life.
Treatment
Recognizing that you have ADHD is the first step in gaining control of symptoms that make it difficult for people to function in their personal and professional. Adults who believe they may have ADHD should speak with their primary care physician. They can refer them to a mental health professional. The specialist may be a psychologist, psychiatrist or neurologist experienced in treating ADHD. These specialists may be able to prescribe medications to help reduce the symptoms of ADHD.
During an evaluation, the specialist will ask questions about the patient's history of behaviors and school experiences that date back to childhood. They will also inquire about stressors in the individual's life and how their ADHD-related problems impact them. They will employ standardized ratings scales to determine whether the person is in compliance with a set of ADHD criteria. In adhd assessment adults , they will look for other conditions that could cause symptoms similar to ADHD like an emotional disorder or thyroid disease.
Psychologists are trained to identify people suffering from disorders that affect their emotions and thinking. They are able to provide talk therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy that can help adults to change bad habits and patterns of thinking that may create or worsen symptoms of ADHD. Psychologists can suggest or provide different treatment options including lifestyle adjustments, strategies and tools for organization, and medications.
During the in-person evaluation you will be required to complete a number of psychological tests and questions. These include self-assessment scales as well as behavior rating checklists, as well a neuropsychological exam. These tests can help the doctor determine the severity of your symptoms and rule out other conditions that resemble ADHD like an anxiety disorder or a seizure disorder.
Medication
Adults seeking to receive an ADHD diagnosis should consult with an expert in mental health. Psychologists, psychiatrists, and other mental health professionals are trained to treat mental disorders and assist you in determining the cause of your symptoms. They can also suggest ways to help you manage your symptoms.
A comprehensive evaluation will involve a series of in-person or online appointments. Bring any documents that you believe might be helpful such as medical records and school report cards. You'll also need to complete an assessment questionnaire to evaluate your symptoms. This information will be used by our evaluator in determining whether you meet the ADHD criteria.
To be diagnosed with ADHD, you must have six or more established symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity for at least a month. The evaluator will employ standardized scales of assessment and other sources of information to determine that you meet the requirements.
In addition to analyzing your history, the evaluator will analyze how your symptoms impact your daily life now. This can include your job, social life, and relationships. They'll also determine if your problems are mild, moderate or severe. Severe symptoms can be accompanied by problems with driving, work performance, and relationships.
A psychiatrist or psychologist may treat adult ADHD by using medication or psychotherapy. Behavioral therapy can help you manage your ADHD symptoms by helping you improve your organization skills and using tools such as daily planners as well as lists and planners. Ritalin and Strattera are two drugs that can aid in reducing an impulsive or inattention. Other medications can reduce anxiety, including atomoxetine (Prozac). They can also boost your alertness, helping you focus on the task at hand and lessen the feeling of agitation.
Counseling
A counselor or life coach as well as providing you with a professional diagnosis, can help you establish a healthier routine and positive strategies for coping. For instance, they could help you develop better sleep habits or establish a regular workout schedule to boost your brain's serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine levels. They can also provide strategies to reduce and manage your ADHD symptoms. For example, they may help you organize tasks or improve your listening skills. They can also help spouses and partners understand and comprehend the effects of an ADHD diagnosis on their relationship.
During an evaluation, your psychologist may ask you about your ADHD symptoms and compare your answers with the responses of other people. These questionnaires do not provide a diagnosis by themselves, but can be utilized together with direct observations, self assessments, and other information gathered during your physical exam and during your history.
The evaluator can also discuss any mental disorders that might affect your performance, for example, depression and anxiety. These symptoms can make it difficult to cope with daily stressors and cause distress.
Your evaluator might consult with other health professionals before prescribing medication. This process can take several hours in person or three or two virtual evaluation sessions. Your therapist might also suggest non-pharmacological therapies, such as neurofeedback, dialectical behavior therapy, or cognitive behavioral therapy. They could refer you to specialists for ADHD, a psychiatrist or neurologist, or another mental health professional. You can also consult your primary care doctor for a referral or check the list of specialists on your insurance plan.