4,7 of 5 in 5000+ reviews
Thousands of clients trust Lavendla Therapy for delivering exceptional service and support.
Do you suspect you have ADHD? This neuropsychiatric disorder is not just a 'childhood disease'. At Lavendla, you can take an adult ADHD assessment to get clarification.
Can I really do an assessment?
Life can be a roller coaster ride, especially if you have difficulty focusing, organising yourself or if you are impulsive. If these problems affect your everyday life, you may have wondered if you could have ADHD. Adults with symptoms of ADHD in Ireland are referred to their local General Adult Psychiatry Service for mental health assessment. It’s never too late to make your life easier and to understand yourself, and an adult ADHD assessment can be the first step on your journey. It may feel strange to have an ADHD assessment later in life, but that should not stop you from potentially feeling better and finding the structure that helps you.
The first step
Before moving forward with an ADHD assessment, it’s important to take the first step:
- Talk to loved ones: Discuss your symptoms and concerns with people you trust.
- Make an appointment with a healthcare provider: To officially start the process, make an appointment with a therapist or psychologist. Patients can speak to their GPs about their symptoms and if the GP thinks it is appropriate they can make a referral to the patient’s local Community Adult Mental Health Team (CAMHT), this is based on the patient’s home address. The CAMHT will carry out an initial screening and if the patient screens positive for possible ADHD they will be referred on to the Adult ADHD service as appropriate. The referral going through the Community Adult Mental Health Team is an important part of the process as there is a higher association of co-morbidities with other mental health problems such as depression and anxiety with adults who have ADHD.
What set our therapist apart was her genuine empathy and personal insight. Not only did she possess a deep understanding of neurodiversity, but she also shared personal experiences that resonated with us, creating an instant connection and fostering a sense of trust!
Benedetta Osarenk
Our counsellors
Click here to view all psychologists, therapists, and coaches.
Understanding the process: ADHD assessment for adults
An adult ADHD assessment in private care differs from that in public care mainly in terms of accessibility and speed. Here are the steps you can expect:
- First contact: You start by contacting a private healthcare provider who offers ADHD assessments. This could be by phone or an online form on the provider’s website.
- Preparation: Before you start your assessment, you may want to gather important information. This may include previous grades, work evaluations, or other relevant documents that can provide a picture of your history.
- Assessment meetings: You will go through a series of meetings with psychologists and doctors. This may include interviews, questionnaires and various tests aimed at assessing your symptoms and how they affect your life.
- Evaluation: The results of these tests and interviews are combined to give the psychologist or psychiatrist a complete picture of your situation.
- Diagnosis: If the assessment reveals ADHD, you will receive a diagnosis. This can open the door to new resources and strategies, such as medication, therapy, and work adjustments.
Book a meeting
Fill in the form, choose a counsellor and proceed to payment.
Getting help
It is important to remember that ADHD does not define a person; it is part of the complex mosaic that makes each individual unique. Undergoing an adult ADHD assessment can provide answers and explanations to the challenges you have faced throughout your life. It is also an opportunity to understand your inner potential and strengths that may have been overshadowed by ADHD symptoms.
For many, a diagnosis is the beginning of change. It can lead to a deeper self-awareness and the development of personal strategies that make life less chaotic and more manageable. With the right tools and understanding, people can find ways to flourish despite, or perhaps because of, the characteristics of ADHD.
Why Lavendla?
Choose your own counsellor
Browse and select a counsellor based on reviews, area of focus, and education, ensuring you find the perfect match.
45, 60 or 90 min sessions
Choose a 45, 60, or 90-minute session, or a package, providing flexibility and control over the duration and intensity.
One step closer to answers
If you are ready to start an investigation, we have a network of experienced psychologists and therapists to help you. As we believe that the threshold for assessment and treatment should be low, we have made it easy to get in touch with a specialist via our contact form.
7 common questions and answers about ADHD
What is ADHD?
ADHD stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and is a neuropsychiatric diagnosis. It is a lifelong condition that usually affects concentration and impulsivity.
How does an ADHD assessment work?
An ADHD assessment often involves a combination of medical evaluation, psychological tests and interviews. The process is carried out by specialised doctors and psychologists to establish an accurate diagnosis.
What are the most common symptoms of ADHD?
The most common symptoms include difficulty concentrating, impulsivity, overactivity and inability to complete tasks. Therefore, it can be difficult to focus on one thing at a time.
What treatment options are available?
Treatment for ADHD can include medication, behavioral therapy or a combination of both. The aim is to reduce symptoms and improve quality of life.
How long does it take to get an ADHD diagnosis?
The time it takes to get an ADHD diagnosis can vary. However, it usually takes a few months from the first visit to the doctor to the final diagnosis, depending on waiting times and the extent of the investigation.
How much does an ADHD assessment and treatment cost?
The cost of an ADHD assessment and treatment can vary depending on where you live and the type of care you seek. It is therefore important to consult with your doctor to get an idea of possible costs.
Can adults get ADHD?
Yes, although ADHD is usually diagnosed in childhood, adults can also be diagnosed. As the symptoms may be slightly different and less prominent than in children, they may be more difficult to detect.
Steps in the treatment of ADHD
After a diagnosis, it may be time to start treatment. Therefore, we would like to give you an overview of the steps involved in the treatment of ADHD.
Step 1: Diagnosis
First of all, it is important to get a correct diagnosis. An evaluation is usually carried out by a psychiatrist or psychologist, but may also include other professionals such as neuropsychologists and social workers.
Step 2: Drug treatment
Drug treatment can include stimulant drugs such as Ritalin, or non-stimulant ones such as Strattera. As each individual is unique, finding the right dose and type of medication can take time.
Step 3: Psychotherapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a common method that can help you manage your symptoms and improve your daily life.
Step 4: Lifestyle changes
- Regular exercise
- Sleep hygiene
- Structured diet
Lifestyle changes can make a big difference in how you manage your symptoms.
Step 5: Support systems
A good support system can do wonders for your mental health. Therefore, family, friends and support groups can give you the extra push you need.
Step 6: Follow-up and adjustment
After starting treatment, it is important to have regular follow-ups with your healthcare provider to see if adjustments need to be made.
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. This is why we offer introductory sessions with our therapists where you can be seen over video for 20 or 45 minutes. So you can book a call just to feel how it feels, anything to make the hard stuff easier.
