Assessing for Adult ADHD

Many adults have spent the majority of their lives attempting to figure out how to cope with symptoms that are distressing and disruptive. Those symptoms could include overlooking details, difficulty staying on task, or struggling with task completion. Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) can contribute to feelings of stress, anxiety, and inadequacy (DSM-5-TR, 2022). Our work at Williams Psychological Services seeks to help individuals who struggle with ADHD symptoms gain diagnostic clarity and chart a path forward to live a more fulfilling life.

Despite the recent rise in mental health awareness and wide distribution of information across social media platforms, there are still misconceptions and stigmatizations surrounding the diagnosis. The presentation of ADHD in each person’s life can vary greatly. For some people symptoms presents as inattentiveness, while others may experience symptoms related more closely to hyperactivity. For others, it can be a combination of both categories alongside other emotional processes (Nussbaum, 2013). Our work as licensed clinical psychologists is to help our clients understand how symptoms present in their unique experience and what steps they can take to gain clarity.

Our process starts with a clinical interview to learn about our client’s life and seek to understand their symptomatic presentation. We will then take that information and decide which scientific testing materials are needed to gain diagnostic clarity. Following test administration, we take time for careful scoring, interpretation, and report writing. After reviewing the results, we then follow up with our clients and provide a feedback session. During this session, we review the testing results and discuss recommendations for next steps which often include options for treatment and support. Our goal is for the ADHD diagnostic process to be a mechanism for self-discovery.

The treatments for ADHD can vary based on the level of distress caused by the severity and settings in which the symptoms present. Often time, symptoms and diagnosis can become more distressing in specific life circumstances or settings (i.e.; occupational, romantic relationships, academic etc.) (Neukrug & Fawcett, 2020). We curate a customized plan alongside each client to help them thrive. Those plans may include, therapy, relational therapy, coaching, medication, support groups, apps, exercise, and a variety of unique options that may contribute to a more regulated and fulfilling lived experience.

If you are interested in learning more about our ADHD adult assessments or want to get started in the ADHD assessment process, contact our office at info@williamspsychological.org for more information.

Dr. Cedric Williams is a licensed clinical and consulting psychologist in Illinois (071.010742). He works with clients for psychological testing and assessment. Dr. Williams received his Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from an American Psychological Association accredited program at Fuller Graduate School of Psychology and Marriage and Family Therapy. In addition, to his work as a psychologist, Dr. Williams has served in the military since 2002. Dr. Williams holds a variety of cultural identities that helps him connect and build rapport with his clients.

References

Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders: DSM-5-TR. (2022). American Psychiatric Association Publishing.

Neukrug, E., & Fawcett, R. C. (2020). Essentials of testing and assessment: A practical guide for counselors, social workers, and psychologists. Cengage Learning.

Nussbaum, A. M. (2013). The pocket guide to the DSM-5 diagnostic exam. American Psychiatric Publishing.

Cedric Williams, Ph.D.