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Are you easily distracted and inattentive? Do you struggle with forgetting details, missing things, and organizing? You may have ADHD with primary inattention (also known as ADD).
An ADD assessment
Understanding and diagnosing ADD has come a long way in recent years. A few years ago, the DSM changed the name of ADD to ADHD with primary 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 feel that something hasn’t been working for a long time when they seek an assessment, and it can provide answers to long-standing questions. This article examines an ADD assessment, how it works, and the steps to seek help.
Symptoms of ADD
A combination of usually characterizes ADHD with mainly attention deficit disorder:
- Concentration difficulties: Difficulty staying focused and completing tasks.
- Memory difficulties: People often miss details and forget things.
- Disorganized behaviour: Difficulty planning and organizing.
If you or someone you know has lived with undiagnosed ADD, it may have been an arduous 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.
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!
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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 and is completed within 4-12 weeks. Assessments for children usually take a little longer as the school is also involved. In this article, we will explain how we proceed at Lavendla. We have short waiting times so that you can get support and improve your quality of life.
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Step 1: Initial contact
When you recognize signs of ADD in yourself, such as difficulties with attention and concentration, the first step is to contact a licensed psychologist or psychiatrist. Lavendla will help you with an initial consultation, and we will plan your assessment together.
Step 2: Pre-investigation assessment
Before the assessment process, we start with an interview, during which we discuss your background, symptoms, and other factors that may explain your problems. You will also be asked to complete forms and self-report tests related to your behaviour and difficulties.
Step 3: The ADD assessment
An assessment usually involves meeting with a licensed psychologist, who conducts interviews and testing, and a psychiatrist, who performs a neurological evaluation 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: To measure attention, concentration, and other cognitive functions.
- Doctor’s visit: As part of the assessment, you will see a doctor for a neurological evaluation and blood tests.
Step 4: Evaluation and diagnosis
After the assessment, the doctor and psychologist will summarize 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 that defines 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, we will discuss different treatment options with you. This may include:
- Medication if needed
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) tailored to ADHD with inattention
- Support and adaptations in work or study
It is also expected to combine medication and psychological treatment. For some people, medication does not help, but you can try just going to therapy. This can help you focus better and give you tools to develop skills to improve your planning, organization and stress management. Working on your self-confidence and self-image is also essential; we can help you. 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 the assessment process must be tailored to each child’s specific needs. Symptoms of ADHD can have many causes, and before starting an assessment, it is essential 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 must take measures to support students, and we have a dialogue with the school, which is also involved in 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 investigation, we 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. Often, you have felt that something has not worked for a long time, and an assessment can answer questions you have been looking for for a long time. With us, you can get help quickly through a first conversation.
12 FAQs about ADHD with Primary 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.
What are the most common symptoms of ADD?
The most common symptoms include difficulty concentrating and difficulty planning and organizing activities. You may also be easily distracted, forget, or 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?
You are welcome to consult with us at Lavendla 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 compensate for childhood symptoms, and they become more apparent in adulthood as demands and responsibilities increase.
Do I need a referral for an ADD assessment?
In public health care, a referral from a medical centre is needed. Private clinics accept patients without a referral and often have shorter waiting times.
What is the difference between ADD and ADHD?
ADD is ADHD with primary symptoms of inattention, 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 from being a woman and having 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 significantly 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, finding the correct dose and type of medication can take time. The 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 standard method for managing symptoms and improving daily life. It is available in an adapted form specifically designed for neuropsychiatric patients. You will learn to organize, plan, manage stress, and build self-confidence through CBT.
Lifestyle changes for ADD
When you have a neuropsychiatric diagnosis, it is essential 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 sound 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, you must follow up regularly with your healthcare provider to determine whether adjustments must be made and ensure the treatment has a good effect.
Starting treatment can often seem daunting or challenging, so 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, which are 20—or 45-minute sessions. You can also book a call just to feel how it feels—anything to make the hard stuff easier.
