Adult ADHD Assessments

The Dorn Clinic takes a comprehensive approach to assessing and evaluating adult Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It is important to note that no single test can conclusively determine if a person has ADHD. For this reason, our assessments involve a robust and cohesive selection of testing elements to consider a variety of important cognitive, emotional and behavioral indicators across time and from different points of view. Our approach to assessment aligns with the guidance from the World Federation of ADHD International Consensus.

Our Process

Phase 1: Background and Preparation  

Prior to our first meeting, you will complete a variety of measures which includes standardized ADHD behavior checklists, symptom rating scales and ratings from individuals who have observed your behavior in various settings

Measures include (but are not limited to):

  • Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function® Adult Version (BRIEF-A)

  • Conners Adult ADHD Rating Scales 2nd Edition (CAARS-2)

  • Barkley Adult ADHD Rating Scale—IV (BAARS-IV, including current, childhood, and other report)

  • Personality assessment

  • Other reports such as: executive functioning rating scales, sleep apnea scales, social responsiveness scales, anxiety and depression scales.

  • Additional measures are client-specific and will be decided on an as needed basis.

Phase 2: In Office or Telehealth Session 

The in-office or telehealth segment of the assessment will last between 3-4 hours, and include:

  • Establishing a developmental timeline

  • Gathering psycho-social history including medical issues that can produce ADHD-like symptoms (including hormonal or thyroid imbalances, sleep disorders, drug use, or prior brain injuries.)

  • Conducting a structured diagnostic interview for ADHD in adults

  •  Conducting a modified clinical interview to rule out or identify other possible diagnoses

  • (Optional) Neurocognitive Testing* - This screening evaluates cognitive skills such as organizational abilities, time perception and management, emotional regulation, working memory, cognitive processing speed, and sustained attention.  

Phase 3: Review 

The third phase of the assessment includes scoring, test interpretation, clinical decision-making, and report generation. This phase is completed by your clinician.

Phase 4: Feedback Session  

The assessment will conclude with a 45-minute feedback session going over the clinical findings, discussing a recommended care plan and answering any questions. A written report summarizing the results and recommendations will be sent to you via email 2-4 weeks following our feedback session. This report is not provided during the feedback session because new information or clarifications may emerge during the meeting, which are then incorporated into the report.

Scheduling

If you are seeking an ADHD assessment or want better insight into your ADHD-like symptoms, please reach out.

*Note on Neurocognitive testing

Additional intelligence testing or executive functioning testing is not needed to make a proper diagnosis. However, in complicated cases it can be helpful to have this additional information. Alternatively, if a client is wanting to better understand their specific strengths and weaknesses related to their ADHD or ADHD-like symptoms, these tests do provide valuable insight and can help guide subsequent treatment. 

If you are interested in this additional testing, please let us know when inquiring.