As Amanda waited for another boring meeting to finish, her stomach dropped: “Oh, no, I forgot my kid’s soccer gear…again!” A wave of guilt and shame washed over her like an ocean current. She felt like a horrible mother. Suddenly, her boss said, “Well, Amanda, what do you think about that?” She had no choice but to come clean. “I’m so sorry, I lost focus. Can you recap a little?” Since having kids, this has become increasingly common. She couldn’t hate herself anymore; there had to be a reason she was so distracted…other than “stress.” Out of desperation, Amanda rushed to her office and immediately searched for the term: “ADHD testing near me.”
Amanda had learned from a friend last month that ADHD symptoms in women look different. There exists such a thing as ADHD misdiagnosed as anxiety…and Amanda knew a thing or two about anxiety. She had been in therapy for anxiety since the age of 12. Therapy, meditation, coping skills, medication…she’d done it all. And all that time, no one expressed that she could have ADHD.
Amanda thought, “How could I have ADHD? My brother has ADHD. But he got in trouble all the time as a kid…” Amanda had been the teacher’s pet since the day she was born.
But Amanda would quickly learn that this is also common in ADHD women, and that unaddressed ADHD fuels her anxiety.
The Overlap Between ADHD and Anxiety
ADHD is often dismissed as anxiety. Think about it: racing thoughts, restlessness, overthinking. Many people assume, “Ok, I’m just an anxious person.” However, only when you look closely at the cause does it become clear that focusing issues are causing anxiety in adults with ADHD. Not the other way around. 
If you’re wondering what fuels the oversight, it’s stigma. The classic image of “Dennis the Menace” is what we all have about people with ADHD. Research from the 1970s is where the criteria of ADHD are based, and it relied solely on middle school boy participants.
However, what if a person with focusing issues doesn’t act like Dennis the Menace? What if they are a woman, an adult working professional, or a busy parent? So far, it seems as though an ADHD diagnosis is less likely to be considered. And the result is struggling for years without effective ADHD treatment.
The Turning Point: Finding “ADHD Testing Near Me”
Amanda was encouraged by her friend to explore a series of blogs and podcasts on ADHD…and they all told the story of her life. Despite how well she connected to content on ADHD symptoms in women, she still thought: “How can this be? I’m not a hyperactive kid. There is just no way!”
Amanda began to doubt herself, a common problem in adults with diagnosed ADHD. Especially in women with ADHD—who are disproportionately overlooked—a tendency to dismiss your ideas is common.
Not this time.
This time, Amanda decided to follow her gut and move forward with ADHD testing in Columbus, Ohio.
What ADHD Testing Looks Like
Amanda was surprised by the efficiency and depth of the ADHD testing process. First, she spoke to an ADHD specialist on the phone, who gave her the entire roadmap. She had to complete rating scales at home, including one or two that were completed by someone who knew her well. Testing was completed in one day, with a thorough interview, rating scales, and neuropsychological testing. The best part was that the test spent three hours on ADHD, which helped her feel confident that no stone was left unturned.
After ADHD testing, she reviewed a feedback session filled with in-depth information, a personalized treatment plan, and resources for learning more about ADHD.
How Life Changed After an ADHD Diagnosis
Amanda finally got the tools she was looking for to manage life with more ease. Maybe she still forgot her keys now and then, but she couldn’t remember the last time she forgot her kid’s soccer gear. Now, when people reminded her she was a great mom, she believed them.
ADHD medication, therapy, and the personalized skills that fit her life as a busy working mom helped her meet the demands of life with confidence.
What Amanda found most helpful was the emotional shift she experienced. Knowing the reason behind her distracted mind provided relief from self-blame, improved her confidence, and renewed her ability to take control of her time and life.
Turns out, Amanda’s issue wasn’t willpower after all; it was undiagnosed ADHD.
Key Takeaways
- ADHD presents differently in women, professionals, individuals under stress, or with other conditions
- ADHD can be misdiagnosed as anxiety
- Undiagnosed ADHD often fuels more anxiety
- It’s common to feel self-doubt as someone with overlooked ADHD
- Trying harder rarely works as effectively as an accurate diagnosis
Begin Adult ADHD Testing in Columbus, OH
Wondering if you have ADHD? You don’t have to live your life feeling scattered without knowing why. Comprehensive ADHD testing can help you find answers. Our Columbus, OH counseling practice has caring therapists who specialize in ADHD Treatment. To start your counseling journey, follow these simple steps:
- Fill out the contact form to schedule a free 15-minute phone call.
- Meet with one of our caring therapists.
- Stop feeling stressed and overwhelmed. Start finding your calm.
Other ADHD Services Offered at Focused Mind ADHD Counseling
Adult ADHD testing is not the only service we offer at our Columbus, OH counseling practice. At Focused Mind ADHD Counseling, we offer a variety of mental health services, including ADHD treatment. As an adult with ADHD, we know you may also benefit from ADHD counseling, anxiety treatment for ADHD, counseling for men with ADHD, couples therapy for ADHD, or depression counseling for ADHD. You can also view our blog for more resources and helpful info!
