Expert ADHD Assessment Quiz for Adult Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) – NYC (ADHD Test)
Adult ADHD Testing for People Living In New York or New Jersey
Have you every thought about an Adult ADHD Assessment?
Do you feel that you have been struggling for years to get your life together?
Feeling like you are always late, or overwhelmed, not completing tasks, losing things, trouble organizing or underachieving?
Many people with Adult Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) or Adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) have sought a diagnosis or treatment for years but have either been misdiagnosed or not adequately treated.
For example, the other day, I saw Richard*, whom I have been treating for the past two months for Adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. He was on the verge of tears out of happiness and relief.
He said, “I never thought I would ever get on my feet. I have been pushing and pushing for years with NO results. But, after I received an accurate diagnosis from you and effective treatment, I suddenly have been feeling like how other people must feel. I can read a newspaper and understand what I’m reading. I can focus on my work rather than getting distracted by my co-workers or looking at Facebook. I always thought I was just lazy. I just wish I had sought treatment sooner.”
Treating patients like Richard is so rewarding because an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment can greatly impact a person’s career, health, and quality of life.
What are the Signs of ADHD in Adults? What does ADHD in Adults Look Like?
Now, lets discuss background information about Adult ADHD. This disorder has a heritability rate of 87%. The prevalence of ADHD in children and adolescents is between 8-15% and the prevalence of adult ADHD is approximately 4%. Only a small percentage of professionals feel confidently in diagnosing and treating Adult ADHD, and yet it is highly responsive to effective treatment. This is why I have a passion for treating people with Adult ADHD.
ADHD has a classic triad cluster of symptoms including inattention, restlessness, and impulsivity. There are two subtypes of ADHD including the hyperactive type and inattentive type. Most often, adults present with the inattentive type even if they had symptoms of hyperactivity as children.
The diagnosis of adult ADHD can be challenging since many other psychiatric and medical illnesses can mimic many of the same symptoms such as anxiety, depression, bipolar, dementia, seizures, post-chemotherapy, traumatic brain injury, substance abuse, and side effects of medications.
Many experts believe that in order to officially have a diagnosis of ADHD, one must have symptoms starting prior to 7 years old; however, many research studies have demonstrated that adults with ADHD are often poor historians and underreport their symptoms from childhood. Thus, it is helpful to get a report from someone who knew the patient during childhood.
The diagnosis of ADHD is determined based upon a cluster of the following symptoms from the DSM-V.
The patient must have 6 out of 9 of the following ADHD symptoms:
- Organization Difficulty
- Looses things frequently
- Leaves tasks unfinished
- Poor focus
- Easily distracted
- Difficulty listening
- Easily forgetful
- Careless Mistakes
- Avoids tasks that require concentration
and 6 out of 9 of the following ADHD symptoms:
- Impulsivity/hyperactivity
- Talks excessively
- Blurts out answers
- Interrupts frequently
- Can play or work quietly
- Fidgets
- Leaves one’s seat
- Restless
- Always on the go
- Can’t wait for his/her turn
Treatment for Adult ADHD – NYC
The mainstay of treatment for adult ADHD is stimulants and Straterra, a non-stimulant. Only Straterra is FDA approved for adult ADHD. The medicines that I most often use in my practice are Ritalin (methylphenidate) and the mixed amphetamine salt, Adderall. Ritalin is effective for 3-4 hours and often requires bid dosing. Thus, one of the longer-acting agents such as Ritalin LA, Metatdate CD, or Concerta or commonly prescribed. I often will start a patient at 5 mg once a day and titrate up to 20 mg bid as tolerated.
Adderall’s duration is also 3-4 hours; however, many clinicians have noticed that its effective activity is moderately long and that some patients only require once a day dosing. I often start a patient at 5 mg of Adderall once and titrate up to 10 mg bid as tolerated.
Diagnosis and Treatment Can Help – NYC
An Adult ADHD assessment and treating adult ADHD can make an enormous difference in a person’s life. With my patients, I use state-of-the-art treatments that may include medications, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and coaching. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is an essential component of effectively treating Adult ADHD which includes teaching specific strategies and tools to improve focus, planning, organizing, time management, and productivity. Cognitive behavioral therapy has been shown in research studies to be a very effective treatment for Adult Attention Deficit Disorder.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) can be very challenging to treat. However, seeking an experienced professional can help you receive an accurate diagnosis and start effective treatment whether it is medications, cognitive behavioral therapy, or some combination of both. By seeking effective treatment from an experienced professional, you can improve your symptoms and overcome many of the challenges of ADHD.
* Names and details have been changed to maintain confidentiality.
