We provide psychological testing for ADHD in adults as part of our core services. Psychological testing for adult ADHD typically involves a comprehensive assessment since the diagnosis in adults can be challenging because the symptoms may overlap with other conditions. We often provide adult ADHD assessment as a stand-alone, but it can also be done as part of a comprehensive battery of tests.
Psychological testing for ADHD in adults is often done when the person has never been tested before and wants to know if that may be what is causing challenges. Psychological testing for adult ADHD is also sometimes done with people who do carry the diagnosis but wonder how it has evolved over the years.
What is Adult ADHD?
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, and it’s a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects both children and adults. In adults, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder can manifest as a persistent pattern of inattention, impulsivity, and sometimes hyperactivity that can interfere with functioning or development.
Adults with ADHD might have trouble with organization, time management, focusing on tasks, sustaining attention, or controlling impulsive behaviors. Due to these challenges, they might struggle in their personal relationships, work environments, or academic settings. For example, a couple may be stressed by one member’s inability to stay organized, complete tasks, and focus when being spoken to. At work, problems can occur if an adult with ADHD does not have certain accommodations or interventions that may be officially implemented or less formally through therapy or self-help.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder can be diagnosed in adults based on specific criteria outlined in diagnostic manuals like the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition) or the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD). Treatment often involves a combination of medication, therapy, and lifestyle adjustments tailored to manage symptoms and improve daily functioning.
Components of Psychological Testing for ADHD in Adults
Here are the four major components of psychological testing for Adult ADHD
Clinical Interview and Background
The psychological testing for adult ADHD in adults process usually begins with a clinical interview, where we gather information about your medical and mental health history, family history, and a detailed description of your symptoms and life experiences. With your permission, we might gather information from other sources, such as family members, close friends, or colleagues, to gain a broader perspective on your behavior and symptoms.
In some cases, this initial process will also involve self-reflection and observation. We might ask you to journal or otherwise reflect on your own behavior in different settings, such as at work, school, and home, which can provide valuable information about your ADHD symptoms and their impact on daily functioning.
Psychological Testing for Adult ADHD Rating Scales
Based on your history, we choose standardized rating scales, such as the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS), to assess the presence and severity of symptoms. These scales include questions about various inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity symptoms. We may also ask you to complete self-report questionnaires. Sometimes, we might even have someone important in your life who sees you a lot fill one of these out – a partner, work colleague, or family member.
Standardized Psychological Testing for ADHD in Adults
The next step involves taking standardized and normed psychological tests that assess cognitive functioning, attention, memory, and executive functioning. We use Wechsler’s Adult Intelligence Scales (WAIS), the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF), and some neuropsychological tests. Since there are many ways that this diagnosis in adults can manifest, we choose among different tests and even among the subtests within tests, to build the best battery we can.
Psychological Testing for ADHD in Adults Rule-Out Process
It’s important for the clinician to rule out other conditions that can mimic symptoms, such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, substance abuse, and sleep disorders. We may give a round of self-report questionnaires and rating scales that assess your mood, anxiety, and other emotional factors, as these can also contribute to symptoms that resemble Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.
The Psychological Testing for Adult ADHD Report
Psychological testing for adult ADHD does not just give a yes or no answer. Instead, we will provide detailed and personalized feedback and, if desired, treatment options.
Each person who has this diagnosis has a different symptom profile. Since each person also has unique reasons why they wanted psychological testing for adult ADHD, the report is specifically tailored and very detailed. Here are the general sections:
Results of Psychological Testing for ADHD in Adults
Here, we summarize the assessment results, including rating scale scores, observations, and any relevant neuropsychological findings. We note any significant discrepancies or patterns that emerged during the assessment. We look back at your reasons for pursuing the testing, in your words whenever possible, and answer questions you had directly and in detail.
Diagnosis and Differential Diagnosis
We will clearly state whether you meet the criteria for ADHD, including the specific subtype (Inattentive, Hyperactive-Impulsive, or Combined) based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5 list or the latest relevant version) criteria. We will also provide information about your unique symptoms and how they manifest. We’ll also discuss any other diagnoses considered and reasons for ruling them out (e.g., mood disorders, anxiety disorders, learning disorders).
Even if you don’t have a full diagnosis of ADHD, we will provide a list of your ADHD-related symptoms.
Psychological Testing for ADHD in Adults Recommendations:
The recommendations section of our report may be the most important part, given that they go well beyond just stating whether or not you have ADHD; they also go over how you can manage any symptoms you do have. We present recommendations based on the assessment findings that may include:
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- Psychoeducation about the diagnosis, such as what causes it and how it evolves over time
- Behavioral interventions and strategies that you can use to combat your unique symptom profile
- Whether you might benefit from a medication evaluation (if appropriate)
- Therapy options, including the types of therapy that would help. If you already have a therapist, this section can provide recommendations for your work together.
- Supportive accommodations you might need. If you are a student, this may mean extra time on tests, extra help focusing on the material, or extra help with organization. In the workplace, these can also include extra supervision and support.
- Information about whether follow-up assessments or monitoring would help
Adult ADHD Assessment Example
Here is a fictionalized example of what an adult ADHD assessment might look like in our practice.
Josie is a 28-year-old graphic designer who has difficulty staying focused at work. She also experiences forgetfulness, restlessness, and attention issues. Due to her disorganization, her relationship with her fiancee is strained. Josie has always wondered whether she has attention-deficit disorder, even though she did well in school. Her friends have always joked that she has the diagnosis.
Adult ADHD Assessment Step 1: Clinical Interview
We conducted a comprehensive interview with Josie, asking about current symptoms, when they started, how they affect her daily life, any past diagnoses or treatments, family history of ADHD or other mental health conditions, and any relevant medical history. We ask about family members’ behaviors and personalities, not just whether they were formally diagnosed.
Josie reports a long-standing history of struggling with organization, procrastination, forgetfulness, and impulsivity. She describes difficulties in school in more “boring” classes, including difficulty focusing and completing tasks. She also notes ongoing challenges at work, where he frequently switches tasks, misses deadlines, and struggles to follow through on projects.
The psychiatrist speaks with John’s partner, who confirms observations of John’s inattention, impulsivity, and disorganization at home. They also note strain in their relationship due to communication difficulties and unmet responsibilities.
Adult ADHD Assessment Step 2: Symptom Checklist
The next step in the adult ADHD assessment is to have Josie complete a self-report questionnaire assessing symptoms. She indicates frequent experiences of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, as well as difficulties in multiple areas of functioning, including work, relationships, and daily responsibilities.
Adult ADHD Assessment Step 3: Psychological Testing
Now that we have sufficient background information to know that Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a possibility, the next step in an adult ADHD assessment is to administer a battery of psychological tests to assess Josie’s cognitive functioning, attentional abilities, and emotional well-being. The results indicate difficulties with sustained attention, executive functioning, and emotional regulation, which are consistent with the diagnosis.
After completing all three steps, we compare Josie’s symptoms and history to the criteria. She meets the criteria for a diagnosis of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, predominantly inattentive presentation. We consider other possible explanations for her symptoms, such as anxiety or depression, but conclude that Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder best accounts for her longstanding pattern of difficulties with attention, organization, and impulse control.
Based on the adult ADHD assessment findings, we discuss treatment options with Josie, including therapy (such as cognitive-behavioral therapy or coaching) and self-help modifications (such as improving organization and time management skills). Our psychological testing report will show Josie how to maximize her strengths, overcome barriers, and develop strategies to reach her personal and professional goals. The process brings Josie a significant sense of relief and understanding, and she opts to have her fiancee join some of the feedback session so he can learn about the diagnosis.
This example illustrates the typical steps involved in assessing and diagnosing adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, including gathering information, conducting evaluations, considering differential diagnoses, and developing a personalized treatment plan in collaboration with the patient.
Conclusions and Our Work
It’s important to note that diagnosing ADHD in adults can be complex, and a thorough evaluation is essential to ensure an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Your unique assessment process will depend on why you decided to come for testing and the questions you want answered. We sometimes do follow-up evaluations for people who want to see whether therapy, self-help strategies, or work and school accommodations have worked.
Psychological Testing for ADHD in Adults: Our Services
We provide psychological testing for adult ADHD as a stand-alone and as part of other test batteries such as Career Testing and Compatability Testing. We can provide you with the information you need to get work and school accommodations formally or to guide individual therapy and self-help techniques. We will also make sure you get the most out of the advantages of having ADHD. If you suspect you have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or are seeking a diagnosis, please feel free to contact us to determine whether psychological testing for ADHD in adults may be a good fit.
