ADHD assessment in adults
How is ADHD in adults different from ADHD in a child?
Though it is called adult ADHD, symptoms start in early childhood and continue into adulthood. In some cases, ADHD is not recognized or diagnosed until the person is an adult. Adult ADHD symptoms may not be as clear as ADHD symptoms in children. In adults, hyperactivity may decrease, but struggles with impulsiveness, restlessness and difficulty paying attention may continue.
Symptoms of adult ADHD
Many adults with ADHD are not aware they have it — they just know that everyday tasks can be a challenge. Adults with ADHD may find it difficult to focus and prioritize, leading to missed deadlines and forgotten meetings or social plans. The inability to control impulses can range from impatience waiting in line or driving in traffic to mood swings and outbursts of anger.
Adult ADHD symptoms may include:
Impulsiveness
Disorganization and problems prioritizing
Poor time management skills
Problems focusing on a task
Trouble multitasking
Excessive activity or restlessness
Poor planning
Low frustration tolerance
Frequent mood swings
Problems following through and completing tasks
Hot temper
Trouble coping with stress
Why do an ADHD assessment at Manor Clinic?
We recognize that finally being tested for ADHD as an adult can be a big step.
Unlike most other clinics in Edmonton, we offer ADHD diagnostic services by our highly experienced multidisciplinary ADHD assessment team, including a consultant psychiatrist and a registered psychologist. Our team has helped hundreds of clients with attention deficits get their lives back on track. Our team uses internationally recognized gold standard assessment tools for diagnosing ADHD. This improves the diagnostic accuracy of the adult ADHD assessment. Our psychiatrist can prescribe ADHD medications and instruct your family doctor/general practitioner to continue prescribing ADHD medications on an ongoing basis. We provide accommodations in school/work or extra time on standardized tests like the SAT, GRE, GMAT, MCAT, etc.
The assessment process at Manor Clinic
Your assessment is scheduled over two appointments. Your first meeting will be with the registered psychologist, and the second meeting will be with the consultant psychiatrist. Each appointment could last for about 60-120 minutes.
An adult ADHD assessment can include:
Questionnaires looking at how your symptoms affect the different areas of your life, including how you behave and socialize and your everyday coping.
Psychological testing
Taking a complete history of your psychiatric health and development (learning and challenges in childhood, etc.)
Talking about your current life, such as work, family, finances, and relationships
Observing how you interact, and your mental state
Looking at coexisting mental health issues and conditions and also your physical health
Recommended treatment for adult ADHD
Your ADHD specialist will create a multidisciplinary treatment plan to address your psychological, behavioral, and occupational/educational needs.
Medication is offered in severe cases and should be combined with psychological treatments and support, such as psychotherapy or ADHD coaching. Our psychiatrist will instruct your family doctor/general practitioner on initiating ADHD medications like Adderall, Vyvanse and Concerta.