Finding an ADHD Psychiatrist in Philadelphia: Diagnosis and Treatment

Getting Diagnosed and Treated for ADHD by a Psychiatrist in Philadelphia

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental condition characterized by inattentiveness, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. If you suspect you may have undiagnosed ADHD or want confirmation of a diagnosis, consulting a psychiatrist in Philadelphia can help.

Understanding ADHD

People with ADHD struggle with executive functioning and self-regulation. This leads to issues with:

Staying focused and completing tasks
Organization and time management
Controlling impulsive behaviors
Regulating emotions

These difficulties can significantly impact school, work, relationships, and other parts of life. An ADHD specialist can assess symptoms and suggest treatment approaches.

Finding an ADHD Psychiatrist in Philadelphia

Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in mental health conditions like ADHD. Steps for locating one include:

Check with your primary doctor - Ask for referrals to psychiatrists familiar with adult ADHD
Search online directories - Resources like Psychology Today listing help narrow options
Contact local hospitals/clinics - Penn Medicine and Jefferson Health have psychiatry departments
Search ADHD organization sites - CHADD provides resources to find providers
Check credentials - Confirm psychiatrist is board-certified in your state

When researching, prioritize specialists with significant ADHD patient experience. Having a robust understanding of your insurance coverage will also streamline finding affordable care.

The ADHD Diagnosis Process

Meeting with a psychiatrist is key for confirming an ADHD diagnosis. The step-by-step process involves:

Medical History Review

Discussing your current lifestyle, past medical issues, family history of ADHD/other conditions, and any medications establishes helpful background.

Physical Exam

A basic physical exam assesses your heart rate, blood pressure, hearing, vision, reflexes and coordination to rule out other potential reasons for symptoms.

Laboratory Tests

Blood work or other tests check for thyroid dysfunction, sleep disorders, or other medical problems with overlapping symptoms.

Psychological Evaluation

Answering questions about behavior, emotions, thoughts, and past issues paints a picture of how ADHD affects your life.

Computerized Testing

Special diagnostic exams measuring attention span, impulsiveness,memory and information processing adds objective data.

Combining these elements facilitates determining if ADHD is the root cause of your struggles. From there, treatment methods can be explored.

ADHD Treatment Approaches

After confirming an ADHD diagnosis, Philadelphia psychiatrists may recommend:

Stimulant Medications

Prescriptions like Adderall, Vyvanse, Ritalin or Concerta help regulate executive functioning deficits by increasing dopamine and norepinephrine activity.

Non-Stimulants

Drugs like Strattera, Intuniv or Wellbutrin may be alternatives for those who don't respond sufficiently or tolerate stimulant side effects.

Education and Guidance

Psychiatrists provide coaching on ADHD, teach coping methods, identify target symptoms and create treatment goals.

Therapy and Counseling

Cognitive behavioral therapy aimed at ADHD provides skills to minimize related issues.

Often a combination approach with lifestyle changes produces optimal relief. Support groups also reinforce education and bonding.

Preparing for Your Appointment

Being organized for that initial psychiatric evaluation facilitates efficient diagnosis and treatment planning. Helpful tips include:

Track Symptoms

Note examples of forgetfulness, procrastination, emotional outbursts or other ADHD indicators over a few weeks. Specifics help accuracy.

Gather Health Records

Collect documents of medical, mental health, school and workplace history to showcase longstanding issues.

Invite Someone Who Knows You Well

A close friend or family member can corroborate impairment and provide insight unavailable to clinicians.

Prepare Questions

Jot down medications, therapies, coping methods or other support you want to discuss regarding ADHD.

Arriving organized demonstrates how ADHD affects functionality and facilitates diagnosis plus treatment.

Ongoing ADHD Care and Coping Strategies

Managing ADHD requires ongoing appointments to evaluate progress and adjust interventions if needed. Those with ADHD can also employ tactics like:

Planning and Prioritizing

Use planners and calendars to schedule obligations and break down big tasks. Prioritize what's critical.

Reducing Distractions

Minimize noisy disruptions when concentrating. Silence phones/alerts and avoid busy settings when possible.

Healthy Living

Nutritious eating, sufficient sleep and regular exercise bolster mental stamina for coping with demands.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

CBT provides mechanisms for emotion/behavior regulation and addressing distorted thinking patterns.

Experiment to find what ADHD strategies allow you to manage responsibilities while minimizing stress. Support groups also provide validation and ideas.

Finding an ADHD Specialist in Philadelphia

Connecting with a skilled ADHD psychiatrist facilitates proper diagnosis and access to medications and therapies that can drastically improve functioning.

Schedule an evaluation if struggling with inattention, impulsiveness or hyperactivity that interferes with obligations. Research providers, understand your coverage and prepare records to streamline helpful solutions.

FAQs

What are common symptoms of ADHD?

Hallmark ADHD symptoms involve difficulty staying focused, controlling impulses, regulating emotions and managing time. This impairs school, work, relationships and more.

Why see a psychiatrist for an ADHD diagnosis?

Psychiatrists are medical doctors specialized in mental health. Their expertise and testing methods facilitate accurately identifying and ruling out other conditions with similar symptoms.

What treatments may Philadelphia psychiatrists recommend for ADHD?

After confirming an ADHD diagnosis, common interventions include stimulant medications, education on coping methods, counseling for emotion regulation, and lifestyle changes to bolster mental stamina.

How can I prepare for my first ADHD evaluation?

Track your symptoms over a few weeks, gather medical/academic/work records showing longstanding issues, bring someone to corroborate observations, and prepare questions about medications or therapy options.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.