ABSTRACT
This chapter shows that the reader is comfortable with descriptive, Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) interviewing and diagnostic assessment, or is willing to learn. All of psychiatric prescribing at this beginning level is based on regulatory findings, approvals, and indications that are psychiatric disorder specific. Psychotropics will only deliver the outcomes promised if the patient at hand actually has been accurately identified as having adult attention deficit–hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Commonly, ADHD in adults is confounded by other psychiatric disorders such as anxiety, substance misuse, depression, and personality disorder. If the patient answers positively, this should trigger the use of a full DSM-5 symptom interview or use of a validated, reliable ADHD rating scale. A higher level technique discussed in the next section for the more Advanced Prescriber would be to explain the biological basis of ADHD and how the prescribed medication functions to lower ADHD symptoms.
