Our Services
Adult ADHD Assessment
Understand Your Mind, Empower Your Life
Are You Struggling with Focus, Organization, or Energy?
You’ve heard people joke about being “scatterbrained,” but it’s not a joke for you. ADHD symptoms often start in childhood and can persist into adulthood, highlighting the importance of recognizing childhood symptoms.
The constant battle to focus, meet deadlines, or finish simple tasks feels overwhelming. Maybe your thoughts race, or you zone out during conversations. You might be highly creative and full of ideas, but staying on task is like climbing a daily mountain due to challenges with executive functioning.
If any of this resonates with you, you could be dealing with ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder), a complex mental health condition that requires thorough evaluation to differentiate it from other conditions.
Understanding the ADHD Experience and Symptoms
The challenges of ADHD can impact every area of life, including:
- Work: Struggling to meet deadlines, feeling anxious or ashamed when tasks pile up.
- Relationships: Feeling misunderstood by loved ones who don’t grasp why you forget plans or seem “distracted.”
- Everyday Life: Losing track of time, misplacing keys, or constantly starting projects without finishing them.
Privately, you may wonder: “If I could just get organized… If I could focus like everyone else… If only I could unlock my potential without feeling overwhelmed all the time.”
You’re Not Alone—ADHD Is Common & Treatable
Therapy, cognitive-behavioral strategies, and executive functioning training offer tools to help manage symptoms effectively.
Recognizing ADHD Symptoms
Getting Started with ADHD Screening Tools
Several screening tools, including an ADHD test, are available to help you better understand if ADHD is impacting your life. Each screener is available online, and you can take them for free in the privacy of your own home. These tools are designed to identify potential ADHD symptoms and guide further evaluation:
- Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS v1.1): A screening tool for adults who suspect ADHD. It helps individuals self-assess their symptoms and provides a preliminary indication of whether further evaluation is needed.
- Barrett Impulsiveness Scale (BIS-11): A self-report questionnaire comprising 30 questions that measure impulsivity, a common symptom of ADHD.
- Structured Adult ADHD Self-Test (SAAST): A comprehensive, self-administered test that assesses ADHD symptoms in adults. It is designed to be completed within 20 minutes and provides a score based on the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria, including hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity.
- Copeland Symptom List for Adult ADHD: This self-report questionnaire assesses ADHD symptoms in adults based on the DSM-IV diagnostic criteria. It includes 26 items and takes about 10 minutes to complete.
These screening tools are invaluable in identifying ADHD symptoms and determining the need for a more in-depth evaluation. They provide a structured approach to diagnosing ADHD, ensuring that all relevant aspects of the condition are considered. A clinical evaluation is often the next step after initial screening.
After you have taken one or more of the ADHD screening tools, you may want to consider an ADHD Assessment with us. This will involve a comprehensive evaluation by our team. The assessment and diagnostic process will include an in-depth review of your medical history, a thorough examination of your symptoms, and possibly additional testing to rule out other potential causes for your symptoms.
The Diagnostic and Assessment Process for ADHD
The diagnostic and assessment process to diagnose ADHD involves a comprehensive evaluation by a qualified healthcare professional. This process typically includes several key components to ensure an accurate diagnosis:
- Clinical Interview: Discuss your symptoms, medical history, and personal experiences thoroughly. This helps the clinician understand how ADHD symptoms manifest in your daily life.
- Mental Status Examination: This is conducted to rule out underlying medical conditions that may contribute to your symptoms. This step ensures that other health issues are not mistaken for ADHD.
- Psychological Assessment: Standardized tests and questionnaires are used in evaluations and behavior. These tools provide a structured way to measure the presence and severity of ADHD symptoms.
- Review of Medical and Mental Health History: This includes examining your medical records and any previous mental health conditions. Identifying potential co-occurring conditions is crucial for comprehensively understanding your mental health.
- Neuropsychological Testing: This involves a series of tests to measure cognitive functions and identify any deficits related to ADHD.
A comprehensive evaluation is essential to ensure an accurate diagnosis of ADHD and an effective treatment plan. This thorough approach helps tailor interventions to your specific needs, paving the way for better management of ADHD.
What Happens During an ADHD Assessment?
Seeking an assessment is a decisive first step toward clarity and relief. Here’s what you can expect when you book a session with us:
Initial Intake Session
We’ll explore your personal and family history, including your experiences with focus, attention, and behavior patterns.
Comprehensive Evaluation
Feedback & Next Steps
ADHD Assessments for Adult ADHD
Uncover the factors driving your difficulties with focus, organization, or impulsivity, and learn how to regain control. An ADHD assessment is significant in diagnosing ADHD symptoms that persist from childhood into adulthood. Using cutting-edge tools like the CAARS-2, Brown EF/A, and DIVA-5, we don’t just scratch the surface; these assessments dig deep to uncover the root causes of your challenges:
- CAARS-2 (Conners’ Adult ADHD Rating Scales): Examines how ADHD impacts daily life and relationships.
- Brown EF/A (Executive Function/Attention): Focuses on executive functioning, addressing areas like memory, time management, and task organization.
- DIVA-5 (Diagnostic Interview for ADHD in Adults): Aligns your experiences with current ADHD diagnostic criteria in the DSM-5TR to ensure an accurate diagnosis.
Together, these tools create a comprehensive picture of your unique needs, empowering you with insights and a clear path forward. Cognitive behavioral therapy is often recommended as part of the treatment plan.
Diagnostic Criteria and Guidelines
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) provides the diagnostic criteria and guidelines for ADHD. According to the DSM-5, the criteria include:
- A Persistent Pattern of Inattention and/or Hyperactivity-Impulsivity: These symptoms must interfere with functioning or development.
- Presence of Symptoms in Multiple Settings: At least five symptoms of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity must be present in two or more settings (e.g., home, school, work).
- Duration of Symptoms: Symptoms must have been present for at least six months.
- Early Onset: Symptoms must have been present since childhood, although they may not have been recognized or diagnosed until later in life.
The American Psychiatric Association (APA) and the World Health Organization (WHO) also provide guidelines for diagnosing ADHD. These guidelines ensure that the diagnosis is based on a standardized set of criteria, which helps achieve an accurate and consistent diagnosis across different healthcare settings.
Differential Diagnosis and Comorbidities
Differential diagnosis is essential to rule out other conditions that may mimic ADHD symptoms. Practitioners may conduct tests of cognitive ability and academic achievement to rule out the presence of a learning disability, emphasizing the need to differentiate between ADHD symptoms and potential co-existing conditions like learning disabilities during diagnosis. A psychiatric evaluation is often conducted to rule out other mental health conditions.
Common conditions that may be misdiagnosed as ADHD include:
- Mood Disorders: Conditions such as depression and anxiety can present symptoms similar to ADHD, such as difficulty concentrating and restlessness.
- Learning Disabilities: Dyslexia, dyscalculia, and other learning disabilities can affect attention and academic performance, often overlapping with ADHD symptoms.
- Sleep Disorders: Issues like sleep apnea and insomnia can lead to fatigue and inattention, which may be mistaken for ADHD.
- Substance Use Disorders: Substance abuse can impact cognitive function and behavior, mimicking ADHD symptoms.
Here’s a breakdown of our ADHD Assessment process:
Diagnostic Assessment Cost: $900
Report Fees:
*If desired
- Diagnostic Note: $200
- Diagnostic Summary Report: $400
- Comprehensive Evaluation Report: $800
Accommodation Letters:
For Employment or Education: $200
What Ongoing ADHD Therapy Can Do for You
Through ADHD therapy, you’ll gain:
- Understanding: Learn how ADHD affects your brain and life patterns.
- Skills and Strategies: Develop tools to enhance focus, manage time, and stay organized.
- Emotional Support: Work through feelings of frustration, shame, or low self-esteem often tied to ADHD.
- Behavioral Therapy: Techniques to modify negative behaviors and reinforce positive ones.
Our compassionate and client-centered approach focuses on your unique goals and challenges. Together, we’ll turn your perceived “weaknesses” into strengths and help you navigate life more easily.
Our ongoing therapy services are designed to support individuals with ADHD in their daily lives. We understand that receiving an assessment and diagnosis is the first step in managing this condition.
It is the continuous support and guidance that truly makes a difference.
Through our therapy sessions, you will gain a deeper understanding of how ADHD affects your brain and behavior patterns. This knowledge can help you make sense of any challenges or difficulties you may face daily.
But understanding alone is not enough. That’s why we also provide practical skills and strategies to help manage your symptoms.
These tools can enhance your ability to focus, manage your time more effectively, and stay organized – all crucial skills for those living with ADHD.
In addition to these tangible benefits, our therapy sessions offer a safe, nonjudgmental space to talk about your experiences. Sometimes, sharing your thoughts and feelings with someone who understands can make a big difference in managing ADHD.
Common Concerns About ADHD Diagnostic Criteria and Assessment
Seeking an ADHD diagnosis can feel overwhelming. Here’s how we address the most common concerns:
I’m worried an ADHD diagnosis will label me for life.
What if I don’t have ADHD, but I’m still struggling?
What happens if the process is overwhelming or costly?
What if I’m hesitant to try medication?
Will my diagnosis affect my job or relationships?
Ready to Take Control of Your Life?
We understand the hesitation and concerns that accompany seeking treatment for mental health issues. Our experienced team supports you every step of the way and provides personalized care that considers your unique needs. We offer a free 15-minute initial consultation to discuss your concerns and explain the assessment process. Whether seeking an ADHD assessment and diagnosis or simply trying to understand your mind better, we’re here to help. Contact us today to schedule your initial consultation!