Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
To determine whether you meet the diagnostic criteria for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), I conduct an ADHD evaluation consisting of two clinical intake interviews to obtain information about your concerns, symptoms, educational, social and employment history. You will be asked to fill out the Conners' Adult ADHD Rating Scales–Self Report: Long Version (CAARS–S:L). With your consent, someone close to you will be asked to complete the CAARS Other adult version. The CAARS is a self-report questionnaire about your ADHD symptoms. Sometimes it is helpful to receive academic records to assist in the diagnosis. The first interview is 90 minutes long. The second appointment is a 60- minute conclusion to the interview about the history of your symptoms.
During the third 60-minute feedback session I will:
-
Share the results of the CAARS with you, as well as my professional opinion indicating if you meet diagnostic criteria for ADHD.
-
Offer a resource list to learn more about ADHD including of books, articles, videos, and blogs to learn more about ADHD.
-
Discuss strategies to address ADHD challenges.
-
If warranted, recommend a medication consultation from a medical professional to explore medication to manage ADHD symptoms. Depending on the medical provider’s feedback, medication may be necessary to obtain the most positive effect from therapy sessions.
ADHD symptoms do not always occur in isolation. It is not at all uncommon for a client to also have a diagnosis of:
-
A Mood disorder
-
Dyslexia
-
Learning disabilities
-
Anxiety
-
Depressive disorders
-
And/or Substance use or other addictive disorders
If co-occurring disorders exist, we will address the primary diagnosis first, and subsequently work on secondary disorders. Since stress can exacerbate ADHD, leading to more difficulty with focus, memory and time management, we will find ways to manage life stressors more effectively. Visual and auditory strategies such as lists, schedules, reminders, and apps on your phone are often helpful in managing ADHD symptoms.
I also address the emotional impact of ADHD on your work, home and interpersonal areas of your life. It is not uncommon to have feelings of sadness or anxiety as a result of ADHD. Often, treatment of ADHD will help to alleviate associated symptoms of anxiety and depression. Many adults whose ADHD was not diagnosed in childhood feel the residual effect of years of misunderstood challenges and benefit from addressing these feelings in therapy.