ADHD Assessments in Reno

An ADHD assessment, or screening, is how we diagnose ADHD. While there are many online ADHD assessments, we recommend screening with our licensed Board-Certified psychiatric nurse practitioners for the most accurate information.

What to Expect During an Assessment

The process for assessing and diagnosing ADHD comprises three steps:

1. Identifying symptoms in everyday life
2. Ruling out other possible causes for symptoms
3. Identifying any other disorders or disabilities that may also be present.

Before receiving an ADHD diagnosis, prospective patients must first receive a medical, physical, or neurodevelopmental exam to identify whether they meet the criteria for ADHD symptoms. If it is determined that you or your child meets the criteria, we’ll move forward with a full evaluation.

A full evaluation for an ADHD assessment requires an in-depth interview process. We’ll interview the prospective patient and may also ask to interview people close to them to learn about the history and prevalence of symptoms. For children, this usually involves interviewing parents; for adults, providers may ask to interview a spouse or partner. This interview will help us better understand the specific symptoms an individual is experiencing.

Finally, we’ll assess whether any other disorders are present with ADHD. Children with ADHD have high rates of experiencing learning disabilities in particular, and both children and adults with ADHD may also experience anxiety and depression. If these co-occurrences exist, we will tailor our therapy and treatment to address them as well.

Children who are diagnosed with ADHD may react in different ways. We encourage parents and caregivers to talk with their children about ADHD and what it means. If you don’t know how to answer your child’s questions, that’s okay — Mind and Body is here to help.

For both children and adults who are diagnosed with ADHD, our recommended next steps are to work with us to figure out the best treatment plan. We might recommend behavioral therapy or social skills groups for kids, and regular exercise can benefit both children and adults with ADHD. However, the most effective treatment for ADHD is typically medication, or a combination of medication and lifestyle changes.

Medication does not “cure” ADHD, but it helps to manage symptoms by increasing the levels of neurotransmitters, such as dopamine and norepinephrine, in the brain. Increasing the levels of neurotransmitters helps increase attention span, reduce hyperactivity, control impulsive behavior, and increase executive function in individuals with ADHD.

The two kinds of medications used to treat ADHD are stimulants and non-stimulants. Stimulants are the most commonly prescribed and are considered controlled substances, but they are safe to use as long as they are taken as prescribed by a medical professional. Non-stimulants are not controlled substances, but they may take longer to start working than stimulants.

ADHD medication is not one-size-fits-all, and there may be some trial and error before your medical provider finds the right medication and dosage for you or your child. Some medical providers may also prescribe antidepressants alongside ADHD medication for individuals who experience depression or anxiety along with ADHD.

Receiving an ADHD diagnosis can be life-changing, but we believe it means your life will change for the better. Understanding why you or your child struggles with certain things makes it easier to receive treatment and improve behaviors. Nowadays, many people even view ADHD as their “superpower,” because it enables them to see the world and process information differently.

However you are feeling after receiving a diagnosis for you or your child, the experienced therapists at Mind and Body are here to help. Schedule an assessment today, and start the journey to a more fulfilling life.

If you are interested in learning more about our individual therapy, call (775) 507-7222.