Navigating ADHD Assessment as an Adult

Navigating ADHD assessment can be daunting for anyone, but it often comes with its own unique set of challenges for adults. While ADHD is commonly associated with childhood, many individuals continue to struggle with symptoms well into adulthood. However, getting an accurate diagnosis as an adult can be complex due to various factors. In this blog post, we’ll explore adults’ challenges when seeking ADHD assessment and offer strategies to navigate the process effectively.

• Recognition and Awareness: Unlike children who may exhibit hyperactive or impulsive behaviours, adults with ADHD often experience more subtle symptoms such as disorganisation, forgetfulness, and difficulty concentrating. As a result, many adults may not recognise these symptoms as signs of ADHD, leading to delays in seeking assessment.
• Stigma and Misconceptions: There is still a stigma surrounding ADHD, particularly in adults. Many individuals may feel ashamed or reluctant to seek assessment due to fear of being labelled or judged. Additionally, there are misconceptions that ADHD is a childhood disorder that individuals outgrow, which can further deter adults from seeking evaluation.
• Lack of Knowledge and Resources: Adults seeking ADHD assessment may encounter barriers such as limited access to knowledgeable healthcare providers or resources specialising in adult ADHD. This can make it challenging to find professionals who understand the complexities of diagnosing ADHD in adulthood.
• Co-occurring Conditions: ADHD often coexists with other mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, or substance abuse disorders. Untangling symptoms from these comorbidities can complicate the assessment process and require a comprehensive evaluation by trained professionals.

• Educate Yourself: Take the time to learn about ADHD symptoms in adults and how they may manifest differently from childhood. Understanding the disorder can empower you to recognise potential symptoms and advocate for yourself during the assessment process.
• Seek Support: For guidance and encouragement, contact trusted friends, family members, or support groups. Connecting with others who have navigated the ADHD assessment process can provide valuable insights and reassurance.
• Find a Specialist: Look for healthcare providers specialising in adult ADHD assessment and treatment. Psychiatrists, psychologists, or neurologists with experience in ADHD can offer comprehensive evaluations and personalised treatment plans.

During an ADHD assessment, a psychiatrist plays a crucial role in evaluating an individual’s symptoms, history, and overall functioning to determine if they meet the criteria for ADHD diagnosis.

 Here’s what a psychiatrist typically does during an ADHD assessment:

• Initial Evaluation: The psychiatrist begins by conducting a thorough initial evaluation, often including a comprehensive interview with the individual seeking assessment. They may ask about symptoms, medical history, family history of ADHD or other mental health conditions, developmental history, academic or work performance, and any past treatments or interventions.
• Symptom Assessment: The psychiatrist assesses the presence and severity of ADHD symptoms, including inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. They may use standardised assessment tools such as the DSM-5 criteria or specific rating scales like the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS) to gather information about symptoms and their impact on daily functioning.
• Rule Out Other Conditions: ADHD symptoms can overlap with those of other mental health conditions, such as anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder. The psychiatrist conducts a differential diagnosis to rule out other potential explanations for the individual’s symptoms and ensure an accurate assessment.
• Review of Medical History: The psychiatrist reviews the individual’s medical history, including any past or current medical conditions, medications, or treatments that may contribute to or influence ADHD symptoms.
• Assessment of Functional Impairment: ADHD can significantly impact various areas of functioning, including academic or work performance, relationships, and daily activities. The psychiatrist evaluates the extent to which ADHD symptoms interfere with the individual’s ability to function effectively in these areas.
• Collaboration with Other Professionals: Depending on the case’s complexity, the psychiatrist may collaborate with other healthcare professionals, such as psychologists, neurologists, or primary care physicians, to gather additional information or conduct specialised assessments.
• Development of Treatment Plan: Based on the assessment findings, the psychiatrist develops a personalised treatment plan tailored to the individual’s needs and goals. Treatment options may include medication management, psychotherapy, behavioural interventions, lifestyle modifications, or accommodations.
• Ongoing Monitoring and Follow-Up: ADHD is a chronic condition that often requires constant monitoring and adjustment of treatment over time. The psychiatrist provides regular follow-up appointments to assess treatment response, address any concerns or side effects, and modify the treatment plan.

Overall, a psychiatrist plays a central role in conducting a comprehensive assessment of ADHD and collaborating with the individual to develop an effective treatment plan aimed at improving symptoms and overall functioning.

Keep a Symptom Journal: Documenting your symptoms and challenges can provide valuable information to share with healthcare providers during the assessment. Note specific instances where ADHD symptoms impact your daily life, relationships, work, and overall functioning.

• Be Honest and Open: During the assessment, be honest about your symptoms, experiences, and concerns. Accurate information is essential to ensure a precise diagnosis and appropriate treatment recommendations.
• Advocate for Yourself: Be bold and ask questions, seek clarification, or request additional testing if necessary. You know yourself best and advocating for your needs is essential in obtaining an accurate assessment and accessing the support you need.

Navigating ADHD assessment as an adult can be challenging, but with awareness, perseverance, and support, it is possible to obtain an accurate diagnosis and access appropriate treatment and resources. By educating yourself, seeking support, finding knowledgeable professionals, and advocating for yourself, you can navigate the assessment process effectively and take the first steps towards managing ADHD and improving your quality of life. Remember, you are not alone, and support is available to help you along the way.

How do the Positive Mind Works Psychiatrists assess ADHD?

Introducing the Creyos test: an innovative tool designed to objectively assess symptoms associated with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and aid in diagnosis and treatment planning.

The Creyos ADHD test is a digitised and gamified assessment tool designed to evaluate symptoms associated with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Developed by a team of experts in psychology and neurology, the Creyos ADHD test aims to provide accurate and reliable results to assist in diagnosing and managing ADHD. This test typically involves a series of questions or tasks that assess various domains of ADHD symptoms, including inattention, hyperactivity, impulsivity, and executive functioning. The Creyos ADHD test may be administered remotely online or in person by qualified professionals and is tailored to individuals of different age groups, from children to adults. By gathering detailed information about an individual’s symptoms and functioning, the Creyos ADHD test helps clinicians make informed decisions about treatment options and interventions to support individuals with ADHD in their daily lives.

How can the Positive Mind Works Psychologists assist?

Psychologists play a significant role in managing ADHD by providing a range of therapeutic interventions and strategies tailored to the individual’s specific needs and challenges. Here’s how a psychologist could manage ADHD management:

• Psychoeducation: A psychologist helps individuals and their families understand ADHD, including its symptoms, causes, and impact on daily functioning. Psychoeducation aims to increase awareness and knowledge about ADHD, reduce stigma, and promote effective coping strategies.
• Psychoeducation: A psychologist helps individuals and their families understand ADHD, including its symptoms, causes, and impact on daily functioning. Psychoeducation aims to increase awareness and knowledge about ADHD, reduce stigma, and promote effective coping strategies.
• Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT is a structured, evidence-based therapy that helps individuals with ADHD develop practical skills to manage their symptoms and improve executive functioning. This may include techniques such as cognitive restructuring, behaviour monitoring, time management, organisation skills, and problem-solving strategies.
• Behaviour Therapy: Behaviour therapy focuses on modifying specific behaviours associated with ADHD, such as impulsivity, inattention, and hyperactivity. Psychologists may use contingency management, token economies, positive reinforcement, and behavioural contracts to promote desired behaviours and reduce problematic ones.
• Social Skills Training: Many individuals with ADHD struggle with social skills, such as communication, empathy, and conflict resolution. Psychologists can provide social skills training to help individuals develop and improve interpersonal skills, enhance social awareness, and navigate social interactions more effectively.
• Parent Training and Support: For children and adolescents with ADHD, psychologists often work with parents to provide training and support in managing their child’s symptoms and behaviour. This may involve teaching parenting strategies, behaviour management techniques, and effective discipline strategies to create a supportive home environment.
• Executive Functioning Coaching: Executive functioning refers to mental skills that enable individuals to manage time, organise tasks, prioritise activities, and regulate emotions and behaviour. Psychologists offer coaching and support to help individuals with ADHD improve executive functioning skills through goal setting, planning, self-monitoring, and self-regulation techniques.
• Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques: Mindfulness-based interventions teach individuals to cultivate present-moment awareness, nonjudgmental acceptance, and self-compassion. Psychologists may incorporate mindfulness practices, relaxation techniques, and stress management strategies into ADHD treatment to promote emotional well-being and reduce symptoms of anxiety and impulsivity.
• Academic and Workplace Accommodations: Psychologists collaborate with educators, employers, and other professionals to advocate for accommodations and support services that accommodate the individual’s ADHD-related needs. This may include extended time on tests, preferential seating, assistive technology, or flexible work schedules.
• Multimodal Treatment Approach: Psychologists recognise that ADHD management often requires a multimodal treatment approach that combines medication management, psychotherapy, behavioural interventions, and lifestyle modifications. They work collaboratively with other healthcare providers to ensure coordinated and comprehensive care tailored to the individual’s needs.

Overall, psychologists play a critical role in ADHD management by providing evidence-based interventions, support, and guidance to help individuals with ADHD improve their functioning, develop coping skills, and achieve their full potential. Positive Mind Works has some well-trained psychologists in managing ADHD.

Dr David Dunbar

Joe Guse

Isabel Chua

Harpreet Deol

Karen Barnes

Deb Kaita Kakiiza

Moira Howson

Ale Held