ADHD Assessments

Diagnosing Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Our providers are experienced at diagnosing attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), a psychiatric condition that affects a person’s focus, behavior, and ability to pay attention. It is often diagnosed in childhood, when symptoms may affect a child’s social interactions and performance in school. However, sometimes a diagnosis of ADHD is missed in childhood altogether, or a child’s symptoms may be attributed to conditions such as depression or anxiety, which are often present along with ADHD. Even with treatment in childhood, ADHD symptoms can persist into adulthood. About 50 to 60 percent of children with ADHD continue to have symptoms into adulthood.

Our providers understand the complexities of this condition and recognize that some adults with ADHD may not have been properly diagnosed in childhood, even if they had symptoms. Others may have been misdiagnosed, either in childhood or adulthood, as having anxiety or depression. ADHD is diagnosed equally as often in men and in women. Its exact cause is unknown, although researchers suspect there is some genetic component.

The disorder often runs in families: About 85 percent of people with ADHD have a family member with the condition. Depending on the symptoms, an adult or child may be diagnosed with one of three presentations of ADHD—predominantly inattentive type, predominantly hyperactive-impulsive type, or combined type ADHD. Children are more likely than adults to show hyperactive symptoms, because hyperactivity tends to wane as a person reaches adulthood. Adults with ADHD are more likely than children to show inattentive symptoms.

Evaluation and Diagnostic Tests

Several types of professionals who can diagnose ADHD, including clinical psychologists, clinical social workers, nurse practitioners, neurologists, psychiatrists and pediatricians. Regardless of who does the evaluation, he or she will make a clinical decision following a comprehensive clinical evaluation, which can include, but is not limited to:

  • Physical examination

  • Clinical interviews

  • Parent / teacher / self-reports by use of validated rating scales

  • Objective ADHD test such as neuropsychological testing

Based on information gathered during a clinical comprehensive evaluation, a diagnosis is made when the adult’s ADHD symptoms meet the criteria as set out in a medical classification system, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders – 5th edition (DSM-5).

Adult ADHD

Adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common condition affecting more than 4% of adults in the United States—many who remain undiagnosed and untreated. Without proper diagnosis and care, ADHD can create personal and professional difficulties, including relationship problems, substance abuse, and problems at work and school.

Specialists at Augustin Psychiatric Associates offer comprehensive diagnostic and treatment services for ADHD, including:

  • Comprehensive diagnostic evaluations

  • Medication consultation and management

  • Neuropsychological testing

Since ADHD treatment frequently involves the use of a special class of medications called stimulants, we take extra care to confirm the diagnosis of ADHD. Stimulants have a lot of benefits, and risks involved with their usage. Hence, an appropriate diagnosis of ADHD is crucial. Due to the lack of informants such as teachers and parents to corroborate their symptoms, adult ADHD is significantly more challenging to diagnose than childhood ADHD. Adult patients seeking ADHD evaluation without a documented ADHD diagnosis and adults with a self-reported history of childhood ADHD who are unable to provide documentation of prior diagnosis or treatment records will need a neuropsychological evaluation and a series of screening and testing to confirm ADHD diagnosis.

Adults Seeking ADHD evaluation Without Documentation of Childhood ADHD diagnosis 

  • It is suggested that the diagnosis of adult ADHD requires several visits. 

  • Assessment of ADHD is not a clinical emergency and requires enough time to gather necessary evidence for the diagnosis. 

ADHD Medications

The pathophysiology of ADHD is complex and involves dysregulation in multiple brain regions and neurotransmitter systems. A comprehensive understanding of ADHD and the effects of medications requires considering the interactions between multiple brain regions and neurotransmitters involved in the disorder.

It's important to note that the choice between stimulant and non-stimulant medications should be based in a comprehensive evaluation by a healthcare professional and individual factors such as the individual's age, symptom profile, medical history, individual response, potential side effects, treatment preferences and the presence of other comorbidities. At Augustin Psychiatric Associates, your provider will work closely with you to determine the most appropriate treatment approach for your specific needs.