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Are you inattentive and easily distracted? Do you struggle with missing details, forgetfulness and have difficulty with organisation? Then you may have ADHD with mainly inattention (also known as ADD).

Get help with an ADD assessment

The understanding and diagnosis of ADD has come a long way in recent years. A few years ago, the DSM changed the name of ADD to ADHD with mainly inattention, but many people still call it ADD. There are treatments and medications for this neuropsychiatric condition, and they have become more effective in counteracting symptoms. Often people have felt that something hasn’t been working for a long time when they seek an assessment and it can provide answers to long-standing questions. In this article, we look at what an ADD assessment is, how it works and the steps to seek help.

Symptoms of ADD

ADHD with mainly attention deficit disorder is usually characterised by a combination of:

  • Concentration difficulties: problems with staying focused and completing tasks.
  • Memory difficulties: People often miss details and forget things.
  • Disorganised behaviour: Difficulty planning and organising.

If you or someone you know has lived with undiagnosed ADD, it may have been a tough journey. But remember, it’s never too late to seek help and get the care you need. The first step is to talk to a healthcare provider who can guide you through the assessment and diagnosis.

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How does an ADD assessment work?

If you or a loved one is showing symptoms of ADD, the first step is to seek professional help. As it may be unclear what this means, we have produced an overview of how an ADD assessment usually works:

  • Assessment by a specialist: A psychologist or psychiatrist will make an initial assessment.
  • Cognitive tests and interviews: These may include psychological tests, a diagnostic interview, and interviews with family members.
  • Reporting the results: An overall picture of your condition is drawn and a diagnosis is made. You will receive recommendations for further action.

How long does an assessment take?

An assessment takes about 8-20 hours in total and is completed within 4-12 weeks. Assessments for children usually take a little longer as the school is also involved. Below is an overview of the steps we take at Lavendla. We have short waiting times, making it easy get support and an improved quality of life.


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First step: Initial contact

When you recognise signs of ADD in yourself, such as difficulties with attention and concentration, the first step is to contact a licensed psychologist or psychiatrist. Book an introductory online consultation through the Lavendla website so a plan for an assessment can be done.

Second step: Pre-investigation assessment

Before the actual assessment process, we start with an assessment interview where we go through your background, symptoms and other factors that might explain your problems. You will be asked to complete forms and self-report tests related to your behaviour and difficulties.

Third step: ADD assessment

An assessment usually involves meeting with a licensed psychologist for interviews and testing, and a psychiatrist or a neurological assessment and orders testing. The different elements of ADD assessment for adults in private practice include:

  • Interviews: We conduct a diagnostic interview to see how your symptoms have affected you in childhood and adulthood, in areas such as work, leisure and relationships. To make sure that your symptoms have been present since childhood, we usually also have an interview with a family member.
  • Psychological tests: Measuring of attention, concentration, and other cognitive functions.
  • Doctor’s visit: As part of the assessment, you will see a doctor for a neurological assessment and blood tests.

Stage 4: Evaluation and diagnosis

After the assessment, the doctor and psychologist will summarise the results and make a diagnosis together. You will then receive a thorough review of the results with recommendations for further action. It is important to remember that a diagnosis is a tool for understanding your challenges and strengths, not a label defining who you are.

Step 5: Help after the ADD assessment

After receiving an ADD diagnosis, it is important to discuss treatment options with your doctor or investigating psychologist. If we make a diagnosis, different treatment options will be discussed with you. These may include:

  • Medication, if needed
  • Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) tailored to ADHD with mainly inattention
  • Support and adaptations in work or study

It is also common to combine medication and psychological treatment. For some people, medication does not help so you can try just going to therapy. This can help you focus better and give you tools to develop skills to improve your planning, organisation and stress management. It is also important to work on your self-confidence and self-image and we can help you with that. It is also good to keep in mind that a neuropsychiatric diagnosis also entails certain rights such as study mentoring and longer time on probation.

ADD assessment for children

If you are a parent and have wondered if your child has ADD, we can help. Every child is unique, so it is important that the assessment process is tailored to each child’s specific needs. Symptoms of ADHD can have many causes so before starting an assessment it is important to rule out that the symptoms are not due to other factors in the child’s life. These may include stress, parenting difficulties or bullying. Schools also have a duty to take measures to support students so we have a dialogue with the school and involve them in the investigation. An individual plan ensures that your child receives the support that is most effective for them. If you would like to proceed with an investigation, Lavendla can help.


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ADD assessment for adults

Seeking an understanding and possible diagnosis of ADD as an adult can feel like an overwhelming process but it doesn’t have to be. You might have felt something has not been working for a long time. An assessment can provide answers to questions you have been wanting to ask for a long time. At Lavendla, you can get help quickly with an initial online session with one of our experts.


12 common questions about ADHD with mainly inattention

What is ADD?

ADD is a neuropsychiatric diagnosis of ADHD with predominantly inattentive symptoms. It is a lifelong condition that usually affects concentration and focus.

How does an ADD assessment work?

The assessment usually includes cognitive tests, diagnostic interviews and a thorough medical and psychological history to understand the individual’s history and current situation. When assessing children, both parents and schools are involved in the assessment.

What are the most common symptoms of ADD?

The most common symptoms include difficulty concentrating, with difficulties in planning and organising activities. You may be easily distracted, forget and lose things, which can cause stress.

What treatment options are available?

Treatment for ADD can include medication, behavioural therapy or a combination of both. The aim is to reduce symptoms and improve quality of life. Support can also be provided in school as a child and in studies as an adult.

How long does it take to get an ADD diagnosis?

An ADD assessment takes about 8-20 hours and is usually completed within 4-12 weeks. Assessments for children tend to take a little longer.

How much does an ADHD assessment and treatment cost?

Visit the Lavendla website to get an estimate of the cost of an ADHD assessment.

Can adults get ADHD?

You can be diagnosed with ADHD as an adult but symptoms have been present since childhood. Sometimes parents have compensated for the symptoms in childhood and they become more apparent in adulthood as demands and responsibilities increase.

Do I need a referral for an ADD assessment?

Through the NHS, a referral from a GP is required. Private clinics such as Lavendla accept patients without a referral and usually have much shorter waiting times.

What is the difference between ADD and ADHD?

ADD is ADHD with mainly symptoms of inattention and not hyperactivity and impulsivity.

Is ADD hereditary?

Research shows that ADD has a genetic component. If a parent or sibling has it, there is a chance that other family members have it too.

Is it different to be a woman and have ADD?

ADD is often underdiagnosed in girls and women. There are also factors such as hormones that can affect behaviour and it has been seen that self-esteem can be greatly affected in women.

How can I manage my anxiety and depression?

If you have symptoms of ADD but also anxiety and depression, you can get treatment for this too. This is usually very effective.

What happens after I have had an ADD assessment?

After a diagnosis, it may be time to start treatment. Therefore, we also want to give you a more detailed overview of the steps involved in treatment.

Drug treatment

Drug treatment may include stimulant drugs such as Ritalin, or non-stimulant drugs such as Strattera. As each individual is unique, it can take time to find the right dose and type of medication. Medication works for many but not all and for those with milder symptoms, psychological treatment may be sufficient.

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) for ADHD

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is a common method that can help you manage your symptoms and improve your daily life. CBT is available in an adapted form specifically designed for those with a neuropsychiatric diagnosis. You will learn how to organise, plan, manage stress and work on self-confidence.

Lifestyle changes for ADD

When you have a neuropsychiatric diagnosis, it is important to have good routines to feel better and manage your symptoms. This can include

  • Regular exercise
  • Sleep hygiene
  • Structured diet

Support systems and rights

A good support system can do wonders for your health. Therefore, family, friends and support groups can give you the extra push you need. There are also training courses for family members that can be helpful.

A neuropsychiatric diagnosis also means certain rights, such as support at school if you are a child and mentoring and more time in exams if you are an adult.

Follow-up and adjustment

After starting treatment, it is important to follow up regularly with your healthcare provider to see if adjustments need to be made and to make sure you are getting a good effect from the treatment.

As starting treatment can often seem daunting or challenging, the best step in the right direction can be just having a conversation with a psychologist or therapist. That’s why Lavendla makes it easy to book an introductory session with our therapists. We make the difficult easier.


Written by Dominic Wardall

Dominic is a Cape Town-based copywriter and editor with extensive background and studies in psychology. Dominic is a central part of the articles written on Lavendla.