Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurotype often associated with children and adolescents, however, many adults also struggle with disorganization, distractibility and impulsivity, without ever receiving a formal diagnosis. There are a number of reasons why ADHD may have been overlooked in childhood. One common presentation is the smart but disorganized child who procrastinates work but manages to turn everything in and get by. The final product looks good but the process to get there is overwhelming and stressful. Another example is the more subtle ADHD neurotype that consists of internal distraction and disorganization without the more obvious signs of hyperactivity and impulsivity. For other children, these externalized traits can be misidentified as behavior problems and conceptualized through that lens rather than ADHD. The common thread that is woven through each of these anecdotes (aside from unidentified ADHD) is this: misunderstanding. Each of these children were misunderstood by others and maybe even received labels that did not fully capture their unique brains. If this sounds like you and you are thinking about getting an adult ADHD assessment, and are wondering what the process involves, we’ll walk you through what to expect in this blog.
How Do Adults Get Assessed For ADHD?
Reaching out to schedule an adult ADHD assessment can be intimidating, nervewrecking, exciting, and stressful all at once. If you are feeling these or other emotions, you are not alone. Reexamining your past experiences and considering alternative explanations can be overwhelming. Knowing what to expect can help ease any potential fears, so read on for more details about the assessment process and don’t hesitate to call our office to learn more.
The assessment usually takes about four to six hours and evaluates cognitive, executive functioning, and social-emotional functioning. You will engage in direct assessment measures that ask you to complete tasks and answer questions. You will also answer questionnaires and submit helpful records (e.g., report cards). If possible, family members, friends, or professionals will submit their observations and impressions as well. More extensive testing may be needed for adults seeking academic accommodations in college or graduate school.
The Initial Consultation
This first meeting, which is often completed by phone or video, is meant to get an understanding of your unique story. You will discuss your past and current experiences and concerns with one of our psychologists who specialize in adult ADHD testing. We’ll ask you about the specific challenges you’re facing and how these symptoms are impacting your work, relationships, and daily life. This session helps the clinician determine if a full ADHD evaluation is the right next step.
Questionnaires & Rating Scales
Part of the assessment involves detailed questionnaires. These tools are designed to measure the frequency and severity of ADHD symptoms. You will be asked questions about your ability to regulate your attention, remember information, organize, plan, control impulses, and manage hyperactivity. We’ll gather supporting documents, like report cards or past testing reports. With your consent, we will conduct consultations with other sources close to you, like parents or other relatives, friends, partners, therapists, or psychiatrists. We work with you to determine who will be most helpful, understanding that for some clients, there may not be others to consult with due to various life circumstances.
Cognitive & Social-Emotional Functioning & Executive Function Testing
These assessments are used to understand how a person thinks, feels, and behaves, when testing for adult ADHD. Here’s what each of them mean:
- Cognitive functioning measures how the brain processes information. You will be asked to answer questions and solve puzzles/problems to assess these abilities::
- Language
- Visual-Spatial processing
- Attention and focus
- Problem-solving and reasoning
- Working memory
- Processing speed
- Executive functioning is subset of cognitive skills focused on planning and self-management which includes:
- Organization and time management
- Decision-making
- Flexibility and adaptability
- Starting tasks and seeing them through
- Working memory
- Social-emotional functioning assesses emotional well-being, personality traits, and interpersonal relationships, including:
- Mood regulation and stress management
- Understanding and managing emotions
- Social energy and masking
- Coping strategies
What Should You Expect After The ADHD Assessment?
Once the evaluation is complete, you’ll have a virtual session with your clinician so they can discuss the evaluation and their findings with you. If you are identified with ADHD, they’ll explain what that means and discuss a personalized plan to support your work, life, health, and relationships goals. This could include:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- ADHD and executive function coaching to help you develop skills to address symptoms that affect your daily life.
- A medication consultation may be recommended to help manage specific symptoms.
- Lifestyle adjustments could help manage symptoms such as exercise, diet changes, and making sure you’re getting adequate sleep.
- Specific resources for productivity, time management, studying, and more.
How Do I Find A Professional Qualified To Diagnose Adult ADHD?
We understand that finding a professional qualified to diagnose adult ADHD can feel overwhelming. Our licensed clinical psychologists offer comprehensive assessments that aim to provide an accurate picture of you and your symptoms. Receiving an adult ADHD diagnosis can be life-changing. You finally have the opportunity to be truly seen and understood by a caring and compassionate professional who can help guide you toward the path of self-acceptance and healing.
If you have any questions about the assessment process or would like to schedule an assessment, contact Sarah Smathers, our Client Services Specialist, at sarah@georgetownpsychology.com or (301) 652-5550. We have offices in Georgetown (DC), Bethesda (MD), McLean (VA), and Alexandria (VA).
