AD(H)S - Clarification - Vienna Couch

ADHD assessment - explained step by step. The assessment of ADHD (attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder) is a multi-stage process that ensures that a sound diagnosis can be made and appropriate measures recommended.

1. medical examination

Before a clinical-psychological diagnosis is carried out, an examination by a specialist in psychiatry should always be carried out. This doctor can rule out physical and neurological causes for the symptoms and assess whether there is a concomitant psychiatric illness.

2. referral by specialists

A referral for further clarification can be made by aspecialist doctor, a psychologist or a psychotherapist. It is important that the person who issues the referral has a comprehensive overview of the symptoms to date and that you have a comprehensive examination by a psychiatrist in any case.

3. clinical-psychological diagnostics

The symptoms are recorded in detail as part of the clinical-psychological diagnosis. These include

Medical history interview: A comprehensive survey of the patient's medical history, which also takes family and social factors into account.
Test procedure: Special standardized tests to check the ability to pay attention and concentrate as well as impulse control.
Observation: Depending on the age of the person concerned, behavioral observation in different contexts (e.g. at home, at school, at work) may be useful.

4. evaluation and recommendation

The results of the diagnostics are carefully evaluated. On this basis, there are clear recommendations for the next steps, which may include the following, for example:

Therapy options (e.g. behavioral therapy, drug treatment)
Support in everyday life (e.g. structural assistance, coaching)
Cooperation with other specialists (e.g. physiotherapy, education)

Why is this process important?

Symptoms can have a variety of causes and are often easy for non-medical professionals to confuse with other illnesses. The correct diagnosis is crucial to avoid misunderstandings and incorrect treatment. Thanks to the clearly structured process, individual needs can be identified and tailor-made solutions found.

Diese Therapeutinnen bieten es an:

Fachärztin für Psychiatrie und psychotherapeutische Medizin

Mir ist wichtig, dass sich meine Patient:innen in ihrem Anliegen verstanden fühlen. Eine somatische und psychologische Abklärung ist für mich ein selbstverständlicher Bestandteil der Behandlung.

Klinische Psychologin, Traumatherapeutin/ EMDR, Kinder-, Jugend- und Familienpsychologin, Elementarpädagogin

Adina takes a sensitive, holistic and resource-oriented approach in her work with clients.

Klinische Psychologin, Gesundheitspsychologin, Klinische Hypnose

Im Zentrum von Nadines Arbeit steht die maßgeschneiderte Gestaltung von Therapieprozessen, die auf die einzigartigen Herausforderungen und Ziele jeder einzelnen Klientin und jedes einzelnen Klienten abgestimmt sind.

Klinische- und Gesundheitspsychologin, klinisch-psychologische Traumabehandlerin, Ernährungspsychologin, Zertifizierte Yogalehrerin und Pilatestrainerin

Bianca begleitet Menschen, die sich durch traumatische Erfahrungen, belastende Emotionen oder automatisierte Verhaltensweisen – wie Ess-Brech-Sucht, Esssucht – gelähmt fühlen und etwas verändern möchten.

Specialist in psychiatry and psychotherapeutic medicine

Mr. Priv.-Doz. DDr. Gernot Fugger is a specialist in psychiatry and psychotherapeutic medicine. He will be happy to look after you at the Vienna Couch as an elective doctor in German or English.