I see a lot of adults for neuropsych testing who believe they may have undiagnosed Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Because ADHD starts in childhood, undiagnosed and untreated ADHD can have a major impact on all ages. I often get asked about what goes into an assessment for adult ADHD, so here is some info about what to expect, and how long the neuropsych testing process is for suspected ADHD in adults.
It's important to note here that lengthy testing is not always necessary to diagnose ADHD. A psychologist or psychiatrist who works a lot with ADHD may be able to make the diagnosis just through an interview. But, for many adults (and kids), ADHD is complicated by additional symptoms or problems, and in those cases where things are not straightforward, neuropsych testing is immensely helpful.
ADHD In Adults
In order to understand how long testing takes, we should first briefly cover what adult ADHD is (for a lot more detail, you can read my 3-part series on adult ADHD here). The symptoms of ADHD in adults are different for everyone, but in broad terms, they fall into these categories:
Inattention. Problems paying attention.
Hyperactivity. Restlessness and problems being still.
Impulsivity. Acting or speaking before thinking it through.
In addition to the general symptoms listed above, in adults in particular, ADHD may look like problems with:
Time management: Adults with ADHD may procrastinate, miss deadlines, or forget meetings.
Organization: Adults with ADHD may have messy desks or workspaces, and they may lose track of important paperwork or forget parts of tasks.
Follow-through: Adults with ADHD may start projects but not finish them, or make promises that they don't keep despite the best intentions.
Emotion regulation: Adults with ADHD may be quick to anger, frustration, or sadness.
Relationships: Adults with ADHD may be perceived as being unreliable or irresponsible, or have difficulty communicating effectively.
Not everyone will have all of these symptoms, but most people with ADHD can recognize a few in themselves. So, if this reminds you of yourself or someone you know, what should you (or they) expect from psych testing for ADHD?
Neuropsych Assessment of ADHD in Adults
The initial step in the ADHD testing process with a psychologist or neuropsychologist is usually a clinical interview. This interview will cover your:
Symptoms
Medical history
Personal/social history
Educational history
A comprehensive assessment for ADHD will include more than “just” ADHD tests, because ADHD often comes along with other mental health diagnoses or symptoms, and can also look like several different diagnoses. For example, many people with ADHD also experience depression or anxiety disorders, and these need to be teased apart because the treatments are different. People with Autism Spectrum Disorder are also more likely to have ADHD as well. So, it’s important to do a comprehensive testing battery to make sure we don’t miss anything that could explain some of the symptoms you are having. Testing only for what we think is going on is very likely to result in biased testing that does not give a complete picture, which can cause more pain and frustration in the long run if the right treatments aren’t offered. In addition to an interview, expect:
A “collateral” interview. This means that your psychologist will likely want to speak to someone who knows you and your behavior well, like a partner or family member.
Neuropsychological tests. These look at function in many cognitive domains, not just attention, because many areas of cognition are impacted by ADHD.
Rating scales filled out by you and someone else who knows you well. This is up to you. But, could include a parent, a partner, or a teacher who has observed your behavior. Getting more than one perspective can give valuable information in testing.
So, how long does ADHD testing take?
The amount of time it takes to complete all of the testing for adult ADHD will vary a bit depending on the type of testing that is done and your needs. (For example, if you also suspect you may have a reading disorder like dyslexia, or an emotional concern, like anxiety, that will require more and different tests). It’s important to allow enough time for the testing process so that you can get an accurate diagnosis and receive the appropriate treatment. In general, expect a testing day to take between 4 – 8 hours.
People are often surprised that testing takes so long. But one day of testing is a small investment of time in order to get a thorough, accurate diagnosis, and good information for what treatments will help you. Especially for those who have been living with undiagnosed and untreated ADHD; having clear answers and a path forward is often life-changing.
The most common reaction I get from testing patients after they get their results, including diagnoses and personalized recommendations, is relief, followed by gratitude. Testing feedback can be very emotional. Finally having answers and increased self-understanding is often the first step to healing from years (or a lifetime) of shame and self-blame related to undiagnosed ADHD.
Begin Psychological Testing for ADHD in Adults in Los Angeles, CA
If you are concerned that you may have adult ADHD, feel free to reach out for a consultation to see if neuropsych testing can help. Dr. Reger would be happy to offer support with addressing the symptoms of ADHD from my Los Angeles, CA-based practice. Start testing by following these simple steps:
Contact (424) 262-1925 to schedule your appointment
Meet with a Los Angeles Psychologist for your capacity assessment
Start receiving the support your loved one deserves
OTHER COUNSELING SERVICES OFFERED BY DR. REGER IN LOS ANGELES, CA
I know that you may encounter more than one mental health concern at a time. This is why I’m happy to offer multiple neuropsychological and psychological assessments in addition to the ADHD assessment. Other assessments include cognitive and dementia testing, pre-surgical assessments, and med-legal evaluations. In addition to evaluations, I also provide individual therapy, counseling for older adults, and mental health consultations and presentations.