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What is ADHD?
What is ADHD?
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (or ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that is highly heritable and lifelong. To receive an ADHD diagnosis as an adult, you will need to provide information about your childhood and demonstrate that you've been experiencing pervasive ADHD symptoms prior to the age of 12. This can be done through report cards, school work with a teacher's concern or comments, medical or psychiatric records, or by providing consent for me to speak with family members.
There are three ADHD types that one can be diagnosed with:
Inattentive Type: loses focus consistently, frequent daydreaming, unable to concentrate.
Hyperactive and Impulsive: Fidgeting all the time, inability to stay focused, impulsive in conversation or interjecting loudly, and impulsive behaviors.
Combined Type
Mental health disorders and other neurocognitive disorders can also co-exist with ADHD including learning disorders, anxiety disorders, tic disorders, Autism Spectrum Disorder (or ASD), or depression.
Exploring Your Lived Experience
Exploring Your Lived Experience
It can throw anyone off to start the day feeling two steps behind, five minutes late, and restless. It's likely they'd shake it off and rest up for a better day tomorrow. But what if this was more of an every day feeling?
If you've experienced the following for as long as you can remember - it may be time for ADHD testing:
Your house or office is full of half-done projects.
You find yourself re-reading instructions or books but find it hard to remember the important parts.
Your clutter or disorganization has led to being late at work, missing keys, money, or phones, etc.
You feel chronically restless (tapping fingers, shuffling feet, etc.).
You frequently day dream.
You struggle with starting, planning, or executing events or managing your calendar.
You often make impulsive decisions regardless of the known consequences.
You are known to consistently interrupt others during conversations.
While all of these behaviors are seen as normal - they become problematic when they are pervasive. This means that these are behaviors you can't "turn on or off" - they happen at work, school, home, or out with friends. They impact your self-worth, ability to progress in school or work, create stress in relationships, and can lead to poor sleep or eating habits.
The Testing Process
The Testing Process
Getting to the root cause of your suffering can be exciting, relieving, and confusing all at once. The online testing services I offer are designed to be flexible, secure, and have the potential to be transformational for adults. Services are always secure and HIPAA compliant, and the telehealth aspect allows for less time off from school or work and less stressful travel. As a neurodivergent clinician myself - I'll collaborate with you to ensure that the testing process is accommodating. Testing typically includes:
Initial Consultation (15 minutes)
Our initial phone conversation helps me get to know your needs and determine if I'm the right psychologist to serve you. If I'm not, I'll point you to referrals and resources within the community that may be better suited to help. If I am, we'll schedule your online testing. As we move forward, if there are records you think would be useful for me to review, it's important to discuss this prior to testing.
Comprehensive Clinical Interview (Approximately 60 - 90 minutes)
This interview is an opportunity for me to get to know the past you, the current you, and the hopeful future you. I'll be asking about your upbringing, family history, relevant medical and mental health information, experience in school, work, and at home, and your current concerns.
Core Testing (Approximately 3-5 hours)
There is no "one" test to diagnose ADHD. I will utilize a comprehensive set of assessments that may include self-report checklists, structured task assignments, and questionnaires. Each assessment battery is customized to the unique referral question of each patient.
Feedback Session (Approximately 60 minutes)
Once I've completed the scoring of your assessments and reviewed your interview alongside your results, I'll compile the information and make a reasonable diagnosis. You and I will have a virtual feedback session where I'll review your results, discuss my observations, and answer any questions or concerns. During this feedback session, I'll discuss various treatment options based around you and your specific needs.
Once we've wrapped that session up, I'll complete a detailed report that includes the strengths and unique ways you move in the world, your overall testing results, my diagnosis and my overall clinical analysis. It will also include resources that are specific to you, recommendations that might be helpful, and my professional title, contact information, and license number.
Next Steps
When you've been made to feel less than simply because you don't fit into a neatly organized box - finding your way towards success or proactively advocating for yourself can feel uncomfortable. My goal is to provide you with warmth, non-judgmental curiosity, and quality testing services that leave no stone unturned.
To get started, contact me today for a free 15-minute phone consultation. If you are ready to schedule your testing, please fill out and submit this form. If you'd like to get to know me better, check out my bio or learn about my other services.
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