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Are you struggling with missing details, forgetting things, and struggling with organization? You might have ADHD with primary inattention (also known as ADD). We can help you gain clarity and ensure you are well-informed before you take a step towards an adult ADD assessment.
How do I start an assessment?
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 been working for a long time and an assessment can provide answers to questions you have been looking for for a long time. With us, you can get help quickly through a first conversation.
How long does an assessment take?
An ADD assessment, which is a neuropsychiatric assessment, takes about 8-10 hours in total. In this article, we will go through how we proceed with an ADD assessment for adults at Lavendla. We have short waiting times, where you can get support and an improved quality of life.
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Step-by-step guide to an ADD assessment
When you recognize signs of ADD in yourself, such as difficulties with attention and concentration, the first step is to contact a psychologist or psychiatrist. At Lavendla, we will help you with an initial consultation and make a plan for your assessment together.
Step 1: Preparing for the ADD assessment
Before the assessment process, we start with an assessment interview, during which we review your background, symptoms, and other factors that may explain your problem. You will also be asked to complete assessment forms related to your behaviour and difficulties.
Step 2: The ADD assessment
An assessment usually involves meeting with a licensed psychologist, who will conduct interviews and testing, and a psychiatrist, who will perform a neurological examination and order tests. The different parts of an adult ADD assessment in private practice usually include:
- Interviews: We conduct a diagnostic interview to examine how your symptoms have affected you in childhood and adulthood, such as work, leisure, and relationships. We usually also interview a family member to ensure your symptoms have been present since childhood.
- 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.
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Step 3: 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 a written report and 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 4: After the assessment
If we make a diagnosis, we will discuss different treatment options with you. This may include:
- Medication if necessary
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is adapted for ADHD with primary inattention.
- Support and adaptations in working life or studies
It is also good to keep in mind that a neuropsychiatric diagnosis also entails certain rights, such as study mentoring and more extended periods of probation.
Can you have ADD as an adult?
ADD is present in adults, and often, people have spent a long time feeling that something is wrong. It is not uncommon to miss the diagnosis during childhood, especially in women. Symptoms can also become more pronounced in adulthood as the demand for self-care increases with more personal responsibility. Sometimes, parents may have compensated for the difficulties during childhood, and they may become more pronounced when you have children of your own. It is, therefore, essential to seek an assessment if you suspect that you may have ADD so that you can get support and help.
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Why is an assessment critical?
An assessment can give you answers and help you understand yourself and how you function. You can learn more about your difficulties, leading to better support and help. It can also be a relief to get an explanation of why certain things have always been a challenge.
We at Lavendla want to make the difficult easier. If you are considering an ADD assessment, contact us. We are here to guide and support you on the journey to understand better and manage ADD symptoms whenever you feel ready to take the first step.
11 FAQs about ADHD with Primary Inattention
What is an ADD assessment for adults?
An ADD assessment is a process in which psychologists and doctors conduct various tests and interviews to determine whether an adult has ADHD with primary inattention, a condition often characterized by attentional problems and distractions.
How does an ADD assessment work?
The assessment usually includes cognitive tests, interviews and a thorough medical and psychological history to understand your history and current situation, which helps identify how the symptoms affect different areas of your life.
How long does an assessment for ADD take?
The duration of an ADD assessment can vary, but it usually takes 8-10 hours over 4-6 weeks, depending on the extent and severity of the symptoms.
What are the symptoms to look out for that could indicate ADD?
Symptoms can include problems organizing and completing tasks, a tendency to procrastinate, difficulty sustaining attention, and memory issues involving forgetting and losing things.
Can you have ADD without having had it as a child?
The symptoms should have been present since childhood, but it is possible that unnoticed symptoms only become apparent or problematic in adulthood. They may become more obvious as demands or responsibilities increase.
What is the difference between ADD and ADHD?
A few years ago, it was decided to remove ADD from the DSM (the Mental HealthDiagnostic Manual) and instead call it all ADHD, but with three different forms of inattentive, combined where you also have impulsivity and hyperactivity and one where you only have hyperactivity/impulsivity. We know it’s a bit confusing.
Do I need a referral for an ADD assessment?
In public health care, a referral from a clinic is required to start an ADD assessment, but waiting times can be extended. In the private sector, no referral is needed.
What treatment options are available if I am diagnosed with ADD?
Treatment may include medication, cognitive behavioural therapy adapted for ADHD, support from an occupational therapist to manage everyday life, and aids to organize work and studies.
What can I do to prepare for an ADD assessment?
You don’t need to prepare before the investigation begins. Still, if you have started previous investigations or want a second opinion, bringing that material to your investigator may be helpful.
Do I have any rights once I have been diagnosed?
A neuropsychiatric diagnosis entails certain societal rights, such as extra support for studies, even in adulthood. You also have rights based on discrimination legislation.
Can I get help for other problems, such as anxiety, depression or stress?
If you have symptoms of ADD but also other psychiatric symptoms, you can get treatment for this, too. This is usually effective.
What kind of treatment can I get for ADD?
Seeking help and treatment for ADHD with mainly inattention is a necessary process that can significantly improve your quality of life. If you suspect that you are suffering from ADD-related symptoms, you can follow these steps:
1. Pay attention to your symptoms:
Note when and how your symptoms affect your daily life. This may include forgetfulness, difficulty organizing tasks, or trouble staying focused.
2. Consult a healthcare provider:
Schedule an appointment with Lavendla to learn how we can help you. We can also conduct an initial assessment to determine whether an assessment is necessary.
3. Evaluation and diagnosis:
A doctor and psychologist will conduct a series of evaluations, including interviews and cognitive testing, to determine if your symptoms are consistent with ADD.
4. Treatment plan:
After diagnosis, a treatment plan will be developed. This may include medication, therapy, occupational therapy, and strategies for managing everyday life.
5. Medication:
Stimulant and non-stimulant medications may be prescribed to help control symptoms. The medications’ effects and side effects will be closely monitored.
6. Therapy and support:
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) adapted for ADHD may be recommended to help manage symptoms and improve organizational skills.
7. Training and job adaptation:
Educate yourself about ADD to better understand your condition. Talk to your employer about any adaptations needed in the workplace. As a student, you are entitled to support such as mentoring and extra time during exams.
8. Follow-up and adjustments:
Regular follow-up meetings with your doctor are needed to adjust the treatment plan and address any side effects or questions.
9. Taking care of yourself:
Lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, a healthy diet, and adequate sleep are essential in managing ADD. They are also necessary to manage stress and improve self-esteem.
Starting treatment can often seem challenging, so the best step can be 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. You can also book a call just to feel how it feels, all to make the hard stuff easier.
