Adult ADHD Evaluations
What does this evaluation involve?
Dr. Lewis uses an interview-based evaluation that is conducted to assess for symptoms of ADHD, as well as other mental health conditions that co-occur with ADHD or ‘look like’ ADHD. Additionally, various screeners will be used to support diagnostic interpretations.
How does this evaluation differ from others?
This is an interview-based evaluation, which differs from performance-based evaluations. I will not ask you to complete any tasks or activities (like the Continuous Performance Test) where you are to ‘perform.’ Rather, I will ask about your personal experiences and draw conclusions based on self-reported symptoms. This evaluation does not constitute a full neuropsychological evaluation.
What is the process?
After an evaluation has been scheduled, we will meet for 1.5 - 2 hours for the interview. I provide a written report that is sent electronically and password protected. The report is typically generated within 2-3 weeks after the evaluation date. You are free to share the evaluation with whomever you wish.
How will this help me?
A diagnostic evaluation to assess for ADHD is useful in identifying whether an individual meets criteria for ADHD, and therefore, informs treatment. The written report will include recommendations that can be provided to other clinicians and professionals that are involved with your health care.
What if I do not meet criteria for ADHD?
Diagnoses and recommendations are based on information gathered from the interview and screeners. If an ADHD diagnosis is not given, I will provide recommendations based on alleviating the symptoms (whether they are part of a formal diagnosis or not). The evaluation is intended to assess for ADHD specifically, therefore, other diagnoses may not be entirely within the scope of this evaluation. It is possible to get other/additional diagnoses from this evaluation (e.g., Generalized anxiety disorder, depression, PTSD).
How much does this evaluation cost?
The adult ADHD evaluation package is $650 and includes the interview and written report with recommendations. Accepted payments include cash, check, Venmo, credit card, or HSA. A ‘superbill’ can be provided to you to submit for reimbursement from insurance if your insurance plan covers ‘out-of-network’ providers.
More about adult ADHD
What does ADHD look like in adults?
ADHD in adults rarely looks like the restless kid at the back of a classroom. Visible motor activity tends to fade with age, and what remains is internal: difficulty settling, talking more than you meant to, a running sense of being overwhelmed. Impulsivity shows up as impatience, irritability, and trouble managing time and money.
Most adults who come in for an evaluation have been managing it for years. Common patterns include performing below your ability at school or work, strained relationships, low self-esteem, and long-standing anxiety or low mood alongside the attention difficulties.
Why is ADHD so often missed in women?
ADHD is diagnosed more often in males overall, but that gap is largely driven by subtype. The combined type, which includes visible hyperactivity, is more common in men. The inattentive type is more common in women, and it is much easier to miss.
Girls with inattentive ADHD show fewer outward, disruptive symptoms. What shows instead is often anxiety or low mood, and that is what gets treated. Many women reach their thirties or forties having been told for years that they are anxious, disorganized, or not applying themselves, without anyone asking whether attention was the underlying issue.
If that sounds familiar, an evaluation can give you an actual answer.
Does ADHD have to start in childhood?
Yes, for a diagnosis. ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition, which means symptoms need to have been present before age 12. It does not mean anyone recognized them at the time. Part of the interview involves looking back at your early school years and history, which is why the evaluation covers more ground than just how you are doing now.
What are the subtypes?
Clinicians specify one of three: predominantly inattentive, predominantly hyperactive-impulsive, or combined. The subtype does not change whether you have ADHD. It describes how it presents, and it shapes which recommendations will actually be useful to you.
What happens after a diagnosis?
ADHD is treatable. The two main routes are medication, which is prescribed by a physician or psychiatric provider rather than a psychologist, and behavioral approaches such as therapy, coaching, and structured systems for managing time and tasks. Many adults use both.
A diagnosis also opens the door to formal accommodations at work or in a degree program. The written report includes recommendations you can give to an employer, a school, or another clinician.When diagnosing individuals with ADHD, clinicians specify ‘subtype’ to better illustrate the symptom profile - inattentive type, hyperactive-impulsive type, or combined type. Overall, ADHD is more prevalent in males; however, this varies by subtype -the combined subtype is more common in males and the inattentive type is more common for females. There is concern that the gender disparity is, in part, due to consistent misdiagnosis of women resulting from differences in symptom presentation that cloud the clinical picture. For instance, women tend to exhibit fewer externalizing symptoms and may present with greater levels of anxiety and depression.
Individuals with ADHD are able to treat their symptoms with medication and/or behavioral treatments. Lifestyle changes (e.g., exercise, proper nutrition and supplementation) can also be beneficial in alleviating the symptoms of ADHD. Adults with ADHD may seek accommodations at work and children benefit greatly from classroom management strategies and an adequate teacher-classroom match.
Ready to schedule? Book your evaluation directly, or call (737) 231-1789 with questions.