ADHD Assessment Process: What to Expect During Evaluation and Testing - Part 2

If comprehensive assessment isn't affordable, prioritize components. A thorough clinical interview with standardized rating scales may suffice for diagnosis, with cognitive testing added later if needed for accommodations. Ask about payment plans or sliding scales. Some clinicians offer unbundled services – you might complete rating scales and history independently, reducing face-to-face time. Consider health savings accounts (HSAs) or flexible spending accounts (FSAs) for assessment costs. Post-Assessment Processing Schedule downtime after assessment. Many adults experience emotional vulnerability or cognitive fatigue. Avoid making major decisions immediately. Journal about the experience while it's fresh. If diagnosed with ADHD, resist information overwhelm – you don't need to research every treatment immediately. If ADHD is ruled out, remember that your struggles are still valid and deserve appropriate support. Request specific referrals for whatever conditions are identified. ### Frequently Asked Questions About ADHD Assessment Q: How long does a comprehensive ADHD assessment take? The actual face-to-face time typically ranges from 2-4 hours, though some comprehensive evaluations span multiple sessions. Factor in additional time for completing questionnaires (1-2 hours), gathering historical information, and attending feedback sessions. The entire process from initial contact to receiving results often takes 3-4 weeks, though this varies significantly by provider and setting. Q: Can I be diagnosed with ADHD if I don't remember childhood symptoms? Yes, though childhood onset remains a diagnostic criterion. Skilled clinicians use various strategies to identify childhood symptoms: reviewing report cards for coded language ("needs to apply herself"), exploring why certain subjects were harder, asking about friendships and play patterns. Family member input helps but isn't mandatory. Many adults discover childhood symptoms were attributed to other factors like "sensitivity" or "immaturity." Q: What if I disagree with the assessment results? Second opinions are your right and sometimes necessary. If you feel the evaluation was superficial, the clinician seemed biased, or important information was overlooked, seek another assessment. However, also consider that diagnosis can be complex. Sometimes what feels like ADHD is actually anxiety, trauma, or another condition requiring different treatment. A good clinician explains their reasoning and remains open to dialogue about conclusions. Q: Do I need to stop my medications before assessment? This depends on the specific evaluation and should be discussed with the assessing clinician beforehand. Some providers prefer assessing unmedicated baseline functioning, while others recognize that severe anxiety or depression might invalidate results. Never stop psychiatric medications without medical supervision. Be completely honest about all substances you use, including caffeine and alcohol, as these affect attention and assessment results. Q: Will my assessment results be shared with anyone? Mental health records are protected by confidentiality laws. Providers cannot share information without your written consent, except in specific circumstances (imminent danger, mandated reporting). You control who receives your assessment report. Some adults worry about employment implications – medical records are separate from employment files, and you're not obligated to disclose diagnosis to employers unless seeking accommodations. Q: What if I can't afford comprehensive testing but need documentation for accommodations? Start with whatever assessment you can afford. A thorough clinical interview with rating scales may suffice for workplace accommodations under ADA. For academic accommodations requiring extensive documentation, explore whether the institution offers reduced-cost assessment through their disability services. Some vocational rehabilitation services cover assessment if ADHD impacts work. Document functional impairments carefully – this matters more than test scores for accommodations. ### Resources and Next Steps Completing an ADHD assessment marks the beginning, not the end, of your journey. Whether diagnosed with ADHD or discovering other explanations for your struggles, you now have valuable information to guide next steps. The key is translating assessment results into actionable plans for improvement. Immediate Post-Assessment Actions: - Schedule follow-up appointments to discuss treatment options - Request a comprehensive written report of findings - Share results with your primary care provider for coordinated care - Begin researching treatment options aligned with your diagnosis - Connect with support groups for community and practical advice Understanding Your Assessment Report: Your report should include: - Summary of assessment methods used - Detailed findings from each component - Diagnostic conclusions with supporting evidence - Cognitive strengths and weaknesses identified - Specific treatment recommendations - Suggestions for accommodations if applicable Questions for Your Feedback Session: 1. What specific type of ADHD (if diagnosed) do I have? 2. What other conditions were identified or ruled out? 3. What are my cognitive strengths that I can leverage? 4. What treatment approach do you recommend starting with? 5. How will we monitor treatment effectiveness? 6. What resources do you recommend for education and support? Moving Forward After Diagnosis: If diagnosed with ADHD, avoid the temptation to change everything immediately. Start with one intervention – whether medication, therapy, or lifestyle changes. Build incrementally as you learn what works. Remember that ADHD management is highly individual; what works for others may not work for you. Be patient with the process of finding optimal treatment. When ADHD Is Ruled Out: If assessment doesn't support ADHD diagnosis, your struggles remain valid. The evaluation should identify what IS causing your difficulties. Perhaps it's anxiety masquerading as inattention, depression affecting executive function, or unrecognized trauma impacts. Follow through with recommendations for addressing identified conditions. Some adults benefit from re-assessment after treating other conditions, as masked ADHD sometimes emerges. Long-Term Perspective: Assessment provides a snapshot of your functioning at one point in time. As you age, experience life changes, or develop new coping strategies, your presentation may shift. Some adults benefit from re-assessment every few years, particularly when facing new challenges. Keep your assessment report in a safe place – it provides valuable baseline data for future reference. Remember that assessment is a tool for understanding, not a final verdict on your potential. Many successful adults describe ADHD diagnosis as liberating, finally providing an explanation for lifelong struggles and opening doors to effective support. The next chapter explores one of the most common but complex aspects of ADHD treatment: medication options and how they work in the adult ADHD brain.