What is ADHD and How Can I Get an Assessment?
Do you show up to things late, struggle with starting mentally exhausting tasks, or did you miss another appointment? These are just a few symptoms that could be related to Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The National Institute of Mental Health explains ADHD as a, “Developmental disorder characterized by an ongoing pattern of one or more of the following types of symptoms:
Inattention, such as having difficulty paying attention, keeping on task, or staying organized.
Hyperactivity, such as often moving around (including during inappropriate times), feeling restless, or talking excessively.
Impulsivity, such as interrupting, intruding on others, or having trouble waiting one’s turn.”
Depending on which subtype(s) the symptoms fall under, it can be diagnosed as one of three variations of ADHD:
Predominately Inattentive Subtype - There are a number of inattention symptoms that are causing the most issues. There may be some hyper/impulsive symptoms, but not enough clinically significant issues for the hyper/impulsivity to be the underlying issue.
Predominately Hyper/Impulsive Subtype - The most clinically significant symptoms are hyperactivity and impulsivity. There may be a few inattentive symptoms, but there are not enough to meet criteria.
Classic Combined Presentation - there are numerous inattentive and hyper/impulsive symptoms causing distress in multiple contexts.
These are then categorized by mild, moderate or severe depending upon the number and severity of symptoms.
What causes ADHD? ADHD is likely caused by a combination of factors.
Genetics - There is scientific research that suggests it can be passed down through genetics.
Brain Development/function - Differences in areas of the brain related to attention, impulse-control and executive function.
Environmental factors - Preterm birth, low birth weight and exposure to toxins during fetal development (drugs/alcohol)
Age of Onset- ADHD is a childhood diagnosis, typically diagnosed before age 12. However, there are other variables that can mask attention issues which may cause it to go undiagnosed for years. Adults can also receive a diagnosis if symptoms were present before the age of 12 and there was some variable at play that prevented them from receiving help or that masked their symptoms.
Co-occurring Mental Health Conditions- Anxiety, depression, oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) and other neurodevelopmental disorders such as learning disability or autism may also exist with ADHD. That is why ADHD testing is so important. In order to treat your symptoms, we need to know what exactly it is that we are treating.
Presentation of Symptoms- There are other disorders to keep in mind when assessing for ADHD as symptoms can sometimes be misdiagnosed as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, sleep disorders, etc.
How Can I Get Assessed? The approach to an assessment varies by client and by agency. At Beyond the Storm Counseling, we offer two versions of ADHD assessment to meet your needs.
1) Brief ADHD assessment:
This cost-effective 2 session assessment involves an initial assessment where the assessor will be collecting information and background history, followed by e-mailed paper forms that you and someone else who knows you well will fill out based on your symptoms. This final session will include the report with results, a discussion of interventions and the diagnosis.
2) Comprehensive ADHD assessment:
This 4 session assessment involves an initial assessment where the assessor will be collecting information and background history, followed by e-mailed paper forms that you and someone else who knows you well will fill out based on your symptoms. The second session will include a brief intelligence test and a memory test to rule out or confirm any other variables that may be coming into play and how it affects you. The third session will be a shorter session involving a computerized ADHD assessment (a laptop or desktop is needed for this test). The final session will include the report with results, a discussion of interventions, an accommodation letter, medication recommendations for providers, and the diagnosis.
If you’ve ever had struggles with focus, task completion, zoning out, impulsivity or being fidgety, these may be more than just your everyday challenges. You are not alone. Experiences and symptoms display differently from person to person. Understanding ADHD is the first step towards gaining insight into how your brain works. Getting an assessment provides you with techniques and strategies tailored to you in order to manage symptoms in day to day life.
For pricing and scheduling your assessment, please visit our website at www.beyondthestormcounseling.com
