Inattentive ADHD evaluation

Get help with an ADHD evaluation

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurobiological condition that affects concentration, organization, focus, and planning. Inattentive ADHD is a form of ADHD without hyperactivity. Individuals with inattentive ADHD often spend lots of time daydreaming, have difficulty sticking to a task, are forgetful, and are easily distracted. 

ADHD is caused by a variety of factors including genetics and environmental influences. Neuroscientists have confirmed that there are differences in the brains of people with ADHD from non-ADHD brains in parts responsible for planning and execution.

In this article, we look at what an ADHD evaluation is, how it works, and how to get help.

Symptoms of ADD

ADHD is usually characterized by a combination of:

• Concentration difficulties: Problems with staying focused and completing tasks.
• Memory difficulties: People often miss details and forget things.
• Disorganized behavior: Difficulty planning and organizing.
• Hyperactivity: Fidgeting and trouble sitting down for prolonged periods of time. This symptom is not seen in people with inattentive ADHD.

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 process.

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

How does an ADHD assessment work?

If you or a loved one is showing symptoms of ADHD, the first step is to seek professional help. Here is an overview of how an ADHD 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: A full report is written and explained to the individual and their family. If a diagnosis of ADHD is given, the psychologist will provide recommendations for further action.

How long does an assessment take?

An ADHD assessment usually takes several hours and is completed within 4-6 weeks. There are ADHD assessments for adults and ADHD assessments for children. A formal assessment is not necessary for a diagnosis if there is documentation that symptoms occur in two or more settings (at home and school or work, for example).

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First step: Initial contact

When you recognize signs of ADHD in yourself, such as difficulties with attention and concentration, the first step is to contact a licensed psychologist or psychiatrist. Therefore, Lavendla will help you with an initial consultation and together we will make a plan for your assessment.

Second step: Pre-investigation assessment

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

Third step: The ADHD assessment

An assessment usually involves meeting with a licensed psychologist, who conducts interviews and testing. Sometimes a psychiatrist will conducts a neurological assessment and order testing. The different elements of ADHD assessment for adults in private practice include:

• Interviews: These gather information to see how your symptoms have affected you in childhood and adulthood, in areas such as work, leisure and relationships.
• Psychological tests: These measure attention, concentration, and other cognitive functions.
• Doctor’s visit: As part of the assessment, you may see a doctor for a neurological assessment.

Stage 4: Evaluation and diagnosis

After the assessment, the psychologist will summarize the results and decide whether a diagnosis is needed. 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 that defines who you are.

Step 5: Help after the ADHD assessment

After receiving an ADHD diagnosis, it is important to discuss treatment options with your doctor or investigating psychologist. If a diagnosis is made, they will discuss different treatment options with you. This may include:

• Medication
• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) tailored to inattentive ADHD
• Support and accommodations for work or study

It is common to combine medication and therapy for ADHD. Both can help you focus better and give you tools to develop skills to improve your planning, organization and stress management. It is also important to work on your self-confidence and self-image.

ADHD assessment for children

If you are a parent and have wondered if your child has ADHD, 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 and 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, family conflict, or bullying. Schools also have a duty to take measures to support students and we have a dialogue with the school during the investigation. An individual plan ensures that your child receives the support that is most effective for them. If you want to proceed with an ADHD evaluation, we can help.

What happens after I have had an ADHD 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.

Medications

Medication 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 behavioral therapy (CBT) for ADHD

Cognitive behavioral 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 organize, plan, manage stress and work on self-confidence.

Lifestyle changes for ADHD

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 good effects 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 we offer introductory sessions with our therapists with no obligation to commit to treatment. We know it’s tough to seek support – our goal is to make the hard things easier.