Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Assessment for Adults
Many adults with AD/HD have struggled for a longtime. You may have felt you had to work harder or longer, and have likely developed strategies to support you. Sometimes, you might feel that they aren’t enough. Though a proper AD/HD diagnosis won’t change anything, it may help you understand why things have been hard.
What Is AD/HD?
AD/HD, often referred to as ADD or by its full name, Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, is a neurodevelopmental disorder that effects attentiveness and executive functioning. Executive functions are the skills that individuals use to organize their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors to set and reach goals. Most people diagnosed with this condition receive their diagnosis in childhood because lack of focus and excess energy cause chronic behavioral problems or a gap between their efforts, perceived intellect, and success. In recent years, more adults are receiving the diagnosis as we begin to recognize the lasting and complex impact AD/HD has on daily life. While most adults with undiagnosed ADHD have developed coping strategies (some healthier than others) to manage symptoms, a diagnosis can still empower these adults to have increased knowledge of the impact ADHD has on their lives and what resources are available to improve their symptoms.
Some of the common symptoms experienced by adults with ADHD include:
Difficulty with organization.
Difficulty prioritizing tasks.
Difficulty finishing projects.
Difficulty controlling impulses.
Difficulty concentrating, especially for an extended time.
Difficulty managing feelings of frustration.
How Is ADHD Assessment for Adults Performed?
It’s both easier and more difficult to diagnose AD/HD in adults. An adult can answer questions more clearly, and they bring a greater level of self-awareness and understanding to questionnaires, rating scales, and interviews. However, some adults have learned to mask their AD/HD symptoms so well over the year, even the best assessment psychologists may struggle to make a confident diagnosis. Additionally, many of the ways that AD/HD presents in adults can be perceived as typical responses to stress, exhaustion, and other pressures of daily life for most adults. For these reasons, assessments may be more thorough and go beyond symptomology to truly get an understanding of a person’s strengths and abilities. We may ask to look at childhood report cards, speak with your family members, roommates, or spouse, and having you complete some hands-on activities.
Get Started with ADHD Testing for Adults
We know you’re busy and making the decision to move forward with assessment may feel like just another extra task on your plate. That’s why we don’t want to make the process of scheduling an appointment any more difficult than it needs to be. We’ll begin with a free, 15-minute consultation to discuss assessment options and ensure you feel completely comfortable moving forward working with the Connected Minds NYC team in our Park Slope or Financial District location. Simply take a few moments to complete our contact form to get started today.