ADHD Testing | Denver & Golden
Your Journey Towards a Better Day
Do you or a loved one frequently struggle with disorganization, running late, forgetfulness, impulsivity, or feeling overwhelmed by everyday tasks? You could be experiencing symptoms of Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). People often think that challenges with focus and organization are due to a lack of effort or discipline, which can cause negative self-thoughts. However, ADHD is actually a “circuitry issue” in the brain and these symptoms are not outcomes of you or your child’s discipline.
ADHD is a highly manageable condition when treated. Beginning psychiatric care and/or therapy for ADHD is a proactive step toward improving your mental well-being. We provide compassionate and evidence-based mental health care for both adult and youth patients suffering from ADHD.
A Better Day Psychiatry offers a team of qualified professionals who specialize in child, adolescent, and adult ADHD testing, diagnosis and treatment in Denver, Golden, Lakewood, and throughout Colorado.
ADHD Evaluation
A Better Day Psychiatry evaluates ADHD through a combination of patient and/or family interviews along with utilizing ADHD rating scales. To be most accurate, rating scales are completed by the patient, family members, and teachers. These rating scales provide more objective data on past symptoms, as well as, can be used as a tool to monitor response to treatment moving forward.
The interview is a 60-minute evaluation where your provider will screen for signs of:
- Inattention
- Memory problems
- Hyperactivity
- Restlessness
- Impulsivity
- Emotional lability and more.
Additionally, your provider will screen for other mental health issues that may overlap with ADHD such as depression, anxiety, insomnia, substance abuse and trauma, to name a few.
Your medical professional will also assess
- How long the symptoms of ADHD have been present
- If they occur in multiple settings (such as at home and school or work)
- The level of dysfunction the individual experiences as a result of their symptoms.
ADHD testing can be done entirely virtually via a telehealth appointment.
ADHD Diagnosis
The Process at A Better Day Psychiatry
A Better Day Psychiatry providers diagnose ADHD using the criteria set forth in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V)
There are three possible diagnoses:
- ADHD Combined Type
- ADHD Predominantly Inattentive Type
- ADHD Predominantly Hyperactive Type
The ADHD diagnosis can help with self-understanding, be used for targeted treatment, and can assist in getting more support and resources at school and work. Early diagnosis and intervention for ADHD can offer numerous benefits for individuals affected by the disorder.
ADHD Treatment Options
At A Better Day Psychiatry we work with the patient and family collaboratively to provide a tailored treatment approach. We view our relationship with you as a partnership and believe that reaching the treatment decisions together as a team leads to the best outcomes.
The first step in our ADHD treatment process involves education about the treatment options and what may be the best fit. Treatment options may include:
A Better Day Psychiatry provides anxiety therapist in denver with qualified and caring providers.
The first step in our ADHD treatment process involves education about the treatment options and what may be the best fit. Treatment options may include:
- Behavioral therapy
- Lifestyle modifications
- Medications
- Holistic approaches
Regarding medications, our mindset is to have the least amount of medications at the lowest effective doses, and when starting, to go “low and slow.” There are both stimulant and non-stimulant medications for ADHD. Your provider would discuss the pros and cons of each. This would include education on how long a medication may take to start working, potential side effects, and if there are any things notable to monitor, such as changes in blood pressure, heart rate, weight and growth changes. We like to follow up with a patient within 4 weeks or less of starting or changing a medication. This is part of our medication management program. Once a patient is on a stable dose, visits can change to every 3 months.
Lastly, we monitor over time the appropriateness of staying on medication long term and have the goal of reducing the dose or tapering off of medication when indicated. Ultimately, your voice matters. Your feelings and input shape the care we provide.
About ADHD
Facts and Symptoms in Adults and Children
ADHD manifests in childhood, with symptoms often persisting into adolescence and adulthood. Typically, symptoms become noticeable before the age of 12. ADHD is one of the most common childhood neurodevelopmental disorders, affecting about 1 in 10. It is more commonly diagnosed in boys than girls but this does not mean it is more prevalent in boys. While ADHD is often associated with childhood, many adults with ADHD were simply not diagnosed in childhood.
Untreated ADHD can have significant impacts on various aspects of an individual’s life, including academic or work performance, relationships, self-esteem, financial wellness, mental health, and overall quality of life.
ADHD Symptoms in Adults and Children
The core symptoms of ADHD in adults, children, and teens include:
- Inattention: difficulty focusing on tasks.
- Hyperactivity: restlessness or fidgeting.
- Impulsivity: acting without thinking.
There are differences in how the symptoms manifest and are experienced. Of note, you do not need to experience all symptoms to be diagnosed with ADHD.
How ADHD Symptoms often present in Children
- Difficulty focusing on tasks and easily distracted
- Making careless mistakes
- Forgetting things and frequently losing items
- Fidgeting and difficulty staying seated
- Excessive talking or interrupting others
- Acting without thinking
- Difficulty waiting their turn
- Commonly making impulsive decisions
How ADHD Symptoms often present in Adults
- Difficulties in focusing and sustaining attention
- Struggle with organizing tasks and activities
- Frequently switching between tasks and overall forgetfulness
- Inner restlessness or difficulty sitting still for long periods
- Tendency to engage in activities that involve physical movement or stimulation
- Difficulty controlling impulses, such as speaking out of turn, spending money, or eating
- Engaging in risky behaviors without considering the consequences
Do these symptoms resonate with your or your child? Pursuing ADHD testing in Denver is the first step toward building focus, confidence, and wellness.
Begin your Journey towards a better day.
At A Better Day Psychiatry, we can help you or a loved one improve your quality of life despite the challenges ADHD presents. Our providers will accurately evaluate and diagnose ADHD. We then offer comprehensive care to manage your symptoms and improve wellbeing.
ADHD FAQs
At A Better Day Psychiatry, we want you to be informed and empowered in understanding the clinical process of ADHD evaluation in adults and kids. Below are answers to frequently asked questions about ADHD testing Denver.
What is the difference between ADD and ADHD?
The short answer is they are the same thing! In the past, ADD (Attention-Deficit Disorder) was used to describe individuals with inattentive symptoms, and ADHD (Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) was used to describe individuals with hyperactive symptoms. With the latest version of the DSM-V used to diagnose ADHD, both of these terms fall under the umbrella of ADHD. They are then just further classified as either combined type, predominantly inattentive subtype, or predominantly hyperactive subtype.
What is Adult ADHD? Does Adult ADHD exist?
Adult ADHD has gained a lot more recognition in recent years but has caused some controversy in the field, with some providers insisting it does not exist. Adult ADHD does exist, though in the majority of cases, it is primarily undiagnosed childhood ADHD. There are many reasons people may go undiagnosed, but the prototype would be a female who had inattentive symptoms and did not get in trouble or distract the class and did good enough at school to fly under the radar. Individuals who were not diagnosed as children may find they could compensate through intelligence or through modifying their environment (writing everything down, google calendar, organization apps, etc.) but at some point the demands in their life (think higher education, demanding jobs, balancing family and work) overcome these accommodations and the ADHD starts to have a noticeable negative impact on their life. In these cases, diagnosing and treating ADHD can have an enormous impact on improving that person’s quality of life.
How much does ADHD testing cost?
Our ADHD testing is the same price as our initial intake appointment costs. The reason for this is the initial diagnostic assessment where we focus on the presenting symptom but then screen for other mental health issues, review past medical, social, psychiatric, family history, etc. is essential for an accurate diagnosis and then a safe and tailored treatment.
Is my ADHD Diagnosis Confidential?
Ensuring the confidentiality of your ADHD diagnosis is a priority. We are dedicated to protecting your sensitive information in compliance with legal regulations. Your treatment specifics will be kept confidential, and we will not disclose them to any party without your explicit written authorization. However, as licensed mental health professionals, we are mandated reporters under certain circumstances. In the event that we become aware of instances involving child abuse or potential harm to oneself or others during treatment, we are obligated by law to report these to the appropriate authorities.
What are potential impacts of untreated ADHD?
Untreated ADHD can lead to various challenges, including academic underachievement, low self esteem, relationship issues, substance misuse as a means to self-medicate symptoms, involvement in delinquent behavior, and diminished life satisfaction. Many individuals with untreated ADHD may struggle to reach their full potential and experience a decline in overall well-being. Thus, early identification, diagnosis, and appropriate treatment of ADHD are crucial for addressing these potential impacts.
Will I get addicted to a stimulant if I am prescribed one?
While stimulant medications are commonly prescribed for ADHD treatment, the risk of addiction is minimal when taken as directed under the supervision of a healthcare professional. Research shows that when used appropriately, stimulant medications are safe and effective for managing ADHD symptoms. However, like any medication, there is a potential for misuse or dependency if not taken as prescribed. It’s essential to follow your healthcare provider’s instructions carefully and communicate any concerns or side effects experienced during treatment. Your healthcare provider will monitor your response to the medication and make adjustments as needed to ensure optimal treatment outcomes.
Read Our Blog to Learn More
Read Our Blog to Learn More. Explore mental health topics, find helpful resources, and learn how we can support you on your journey to a better day
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