ADHD Evaluation: Steps to Getting the Help You Need
Do you or a loved one struggle with ADHD symptoms such as lack of focus, impulsivity, and hyperactivity? If so, it might be time to consider an ADHD evaluation.
ADHD Evaluations
An ADHD evaluation is the first step in getting the help you need to manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life. Whether you're an adult seeking help for yourself or a parent concerned about your child's behavior, understanding the ADHD evaluation process can help you take control of your health and well-being.
Understanding an ADHD Evaluation
The ADHD evaluation process plays a crucial role in accurately diagnosing symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Through a comprehensive assessment, healthcare professionals evaluate symptoms, medical conditions, and mental health disorders to ensure an accurate diagnosis. These evaluations follow standardized diagnostic criteria set by organizations like the World Health Organization. Understanding the ADHD evaluation process is essential in getting the help you need. Proper evaluation helps identify the inattentive type of ADHD and any associated impairment. By conducting evaluations, healthcare providers can create an effective treatment plan tailored to each individual's specific needs.
The Purpose of ADHD Evaluation
ADHD evaluation serves to assess symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. This evaluation is crucial in determining appropriate treatment options for ADHD, aiming to improve quality of life and social functioning. It also helps identify any underlying learning disabilities or medical conditions. The diagnostic process involves corroborating symptoms from different sources. By following these steps, healthcare professionals can gain an overview of the individual's condition and provide the necessary support and intervention required.
Who Provides ADHD Evaluations at Banyan Tree
At Banyan Tree, ADHD evaluations are meticulously conducted by experienced psychiatrists and clinicians, including Kelsi Nummerdor.
Kelsi is a licensed psychologist in the state of Georgia (#PSY004741). However, given that she is early in her career, she sometimes pursues consultation from specialists in the field of evaluation. Dr. Nummerdor will discuss this with you if applicable to your case.
We do not offer evaluations for learning disorders, autism spectrum disorder, forensic purposes, or neuropsychological concerns, ensuring a specialized and comprehensive approach to behavioral therapy and ADHD symptom treatment.
The ADHD Evaluation Process
The ADHD evaluation process involves several steps to ensure an accurate diagnosis. The first step is the initial consultation, where patients discuss their symptoms and medical history with healthcare professionals. Patient interviews are conducted to gather detailed information about their behavioral patterns and other potential underlying causes. In addition to patient interviews, interviews with loved ones provide valuable insights into the patient's childhood behavior. ADHD evaluations may also include a physical exam and assessments for mental health conditions. This comprehensive approach helps healthcare providers make an informed diagnosis and develop an appropriate treatment plan for individuals with ADHD.
Initial Consultation
During the initial consultation for ADHD evaluation, the healthcare provider takes the time to understand the patient's concerns and gather important information. In this session, the symptoms of adult ADHD are discussed in detail, allowing the patient to gain a deeper understanding of their condition. It's an opportunity for patients to ask questions and learn about the diagnostic process. The healthcare provider also explains the available treatment recommendations and options. Scheduling an initial consultation is the crucial first step toward obtaining a proper diagnosis for ADHD.
Patient Interview
During the patient interview as part of the ADHD evaluation, healthcare providers gather crucial information about the symptoms experienced by the individual. They ask about inattentive, hyperactivity, and impulsivity symptoms to understand the specific presentations of ADHD. The interview also covers questions about how these symptoms affect the individual's functioning in various areas of their life, such as school, work, and relationships. Patients are encouraged to report any mental health conditions or medical disorders that may contribute to their symptoms. The patient interview is a vital step in the diagnostic process of ADHD evaluation.
Interview of a Loved One
During the ADHD evaluation process, interviewing a loved one can provide valuable insights into a person's childhood behavior. Loved ones can share observations of symptoms in various settings, such as social situations, school, and chores. The healthcare provider may ask about attention and hyperactivity symptoms that occur at home. Input from family members is crucial in accurately diagnosing ADHD symptoms. This interview serves as an important step in gathering additional information and enhancing the accuracy of the ADHD evaluation process
Post-Evaluation Steps
After an ADHD evaluation, it is important for patients to understand the results of their evaluation. This understanding is crucial in determining appropriate treatment options. Patients have the opportunity to discuss treatment recommendations with their healthcare provider, who can provide guidance and answer any questions they may have. Follow-up steps after an ADHD evaluation may include therapy, medication, or behavioral interventions, depending on the individual's needs. The Banyan Tree offers comprehensive care and support to individuals after their ADHD evaluation.
Understanding the results of ADHD Evaluation
Understanding the results of ADHD evaluation is crucial for appropriate treatment planning. The evaluation helps identify the type of ADHD, whether it's inattentive, hyperactive, or combined. By understanding the evaluation results, patients can gain insights into how their symptoms impact their daily life. This understanding provides clarity, validates their symptoms, and reduces stigma. Discussing these results with a healthcare provider is an important step in the process, as it allows for further guidance and support. Ultimately, understanding the evaluation results empowers individuals to take necessary steps towards managing their ADHD effectively.
Possible Follow-Up Steps After an ADHD Evaluation
After an ADHD evaluation, healthcare providers may recommend further assessment or treatment options based on the individual's needs and symptoms. These follow-up steps can include therapy, behavioral interventions, or medication, depending on what is deemed most effective for managing ADHD symptoms. In some cases, additional diagnostic processes such as a diagnostic interview may be necessary to gather more information. Recommendations for ADHD assessment in other life domains, such as school or work, may also be provided to ensure comprehensive care. The goal is to tailor the follow-up steps to address the specific challenges faced by the individual and promote their overall well-being and success.
Why choose the Banyan Tree?
Choose Banyan Tree Center for a holistic approach to wellness in Athens, GA. Our team of therapists offers premier counseling and psychotherapy, fostering personal growth, relationship enrichment, and the development of new skills. In our safe space, explore and overcome barriers to a fulfilling life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Our typical clients are between the ages of 13 and 65+. They come to improve their lives in many different areas, including personal, school, career, and family. They may have relationship problems, addictions, parenting challenges, difficulties managing stress, depression. or anxiety. They may be learning to cope better with life's difficulties, such as illness, finding meaning in life, transitions, and decision-making. Maybe you've heard of people going to counseling and because of a stigma or belief that it was for people with "real problems," you hesitated to contact a therapist. Counseling teaches truly effective ways to deal with common, everyday irritations as well as more entrenched patterns of living. At the Banyan Tree, we can help you with whatever concern prompted you to look into our services. If we don't work with your particular concern, we will help you find someone who does. So whatever you're facing, please contact us. You will be taking a big first step to living the life you want to live!
Due to the nature of their work and the complexity of their schedules, our counselors are often not immediately available by telephone. The Banyan Tree phone number (706-850-7041) is answered Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. by our office manager and intake coordinators. During other times, it is answered by a confidential answering machine, and calls will be returned by our office manager during the times listed above. The answering machine is also monitored once or twice daily during weekends and holidays. Please speak clearly and give numbers slowly, since we may not have any way to look up your number. If you have an urgent need, please make this very clear in your message. However, since we do not carry pagers, there may be a delay in our receiving your call request. If you are unable to reach us and feel that you can't wait for a return call, please contact your family physician or the nearest emergency room or mental health crisis center. If your counselor will be unavailable for an extended time, we will provide you, via our outgoing message, with the name of a colleague to contact, if necessary.
Our purpose is to help you resolve problem areas in your life. Although no one can solve your problems for you, we are trained to help people cope more effectively with their difficulties. We will do our best to understand you as a unique individual and help you work through your difficulties. We will listen, understand, and help you to the fullest extent of our professional training and experience. It is your responsibility to help us understand your life situation, thoughts, and feelings and to have the courage to try to master your problem areas. As a patient, you have the following rights:
- To ask for and receive information about our qualifications, including licensure, education, training, experience, membership in professional organizations, specific areas of practice, and limits on practice
- To have written information before therapy about fees, method of payment, insurance coverage, number of sessions that may be needed, on-call therapists used in case of vacations and emergencies, and cancellation policies
- To refuse to answer any question or give any information you choose not to answer or give
- To know if your case will be discussed with others (for instance, supervisors or consultants) and what information will be shared
- To ask about your progress
- To have any therapy procedure, including pros and cons of its use, explained to you before it is used
- To end treatment at any time (However, please schedule at least one session with your therapist before terminating treatment.)
The ADHD evaluation process for individuals under 18 focuses on childhood behavior and symptoms. Healthcare providers use rating scales, diagnostic criteria, and behavioral assessments to determine if ADHD is present in children or adolescents. Information is gathered from parents, teachers, and healthcare professionals who have observed the child in various settings. Proper diagnosis in childhood is crucial for providing appropriate treatment and support.
Counseling is a confidential process. We adhere to strict professional standards of ethics and confidentiality. We are required by practice guidelines and standards of care to keep records of your counseling sessions. However, information can only be released with your permission and written consent unless mandated by law. You should be aware; however, that there are a few exceptions regarding confidentiality. For example, therapists are required to take appropriate action when a client is judged to be in imminent danger of harming oneself or threatens grave bodily harm to another person, and this action supersedes confidentiality. We must also report all incidents of child or elder abuse, whether it has already occurred or is likely to occur. Finally, under certain circumstances, confidentiality may be superseded by a court order. If you have any questions regarding confidentiality, bring them to the attention of your therapist.