The quick read
- What happens after ADHD testing in Columbus, Ohio: processing the diagnosis, understanding your report, and building a plan
- What it’s like to process an ADHD diagnosis (and why mixed feelings are normal)
- Next steps: therapy, medication options, and ADHD-friendly systems for real life
***
After a diagnosis of ADHD, Tom didn’t feel 100% surprised, but mixed emotions washed over him.
On the one hand, an ADHD diagnosis felt like a relief. He had an answer: he recognized that he wasn’t broken. On the other hand, Tom felt overwhelmed. How would an ADHD diagnosis now improve his life? What were the next steps?
This blog explains what comes after ADHD testing in Columbus, Ohio, and what many adults across Central Ohio experience in the days and weeks after getting answers.
Give yourself a minute
“Tom, I’ve added up the data and put the pieces together. Are you ready to hear the results?” Asked his ADHD testing specialist.
The moment between that question and the answer felt filled with fear and self-doubt.
As Tom’s therapist waited, Tom tried to keep a straight face and said, “Sure.”
When Tom heard he had ADHD, he paused again. He wasn’t surprised, but it was as if the validation stopped him in his tracks. Processing an ADHD diagnosis takes time. It takes time to talk through how you feel about a new diagnosis. An ADHD test should include sufficient time to process the news and get support.
Understanding the ADHD testing report
After ADHD testing, you’ll receive a full report. At practices specializing in adult ADHD testing in Columbus, Ohio, this report goes beyond a diagnosis—it’s meant to guide real-life change in your work, relationships, and daily routines.
This report will include a lot of information. An experienced test evaluator will help you break down what is inside:
- Findings: ADHD testing includes a comprehensive report. This will include neurological data, your history, and the connections among all of these and ADHD. Reports are helpful for confirming the diagnosis and providing a roadmap for treatment (i.e. medication, therapy).
- Your neurological map: ADHD testing is a map of the mind. For example, it breaks down where you may struggle with focus, follow-through, and working memory. But it also breaks down where you may thrive, such as creativity and empathy.
- Personalized treatment recommendations: ADHD testing includes next steps like ADHD therapy, medication, strategies for organization and focus, and education.
Sharing the news
People with ADHD wonder how to tell friends and family. The key is simplicity. Here’s why: people with ADHD spend their entire lives over-explaining. Many walk through life feeling they are on trial.
The reality is: having ADHD isn’t a debate. It’s a fact. You can simply say: “I was diagnosed with ADHD, a neurological condition I was born with, and I can now explain why I do x, y, and z behaviors. I’m working with a therapist and psychiatrist to explore next steps on improving life.”
Learning about ADHD
One of the most important parts of an ADHD journey is learning about ADHD. There are many research studies, books, and podcasts about ADHD. Post-ADHD diagnosis, knowledge is power.
Creating an ADHD-friendly routine
A great first step post ADHD diagnosis is building new systems. To maximize your day, finding new evidence-based routines that work with your brain helps. Here are some ideas:
- Body doubling: Many people with ADHD benefit from body doubling, a tool where you work alongside someone. It can be as simple as doing your laundry with your spouse, or having someone sit nearby when you plan your to-do list.
- Energy matching: Rather than trying to do things you think you have to, try to work with your brain. You may find “deep focus” more effective in the morning. Just go with it.
- Externalize your memory (and everything else): For example, use whiteboards around the house for lists, keep a running “open loop” note on your phone, and set reminders.
Moving forward with ADHD
An ADHD diagnosis can be empowering. Tom realized that once he accepted his brain, he could take action. With awareness came confidence and actionable steps to make progress. Finally, Tom could get unstuck and meet his potential.
Begin adult ADHD Testing in Columbus, OH
Wondering if you have ADHD? You don’t have to live your life feeling out of control 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 consultation.
- Meet with one of our caring therapists.
- Stop feeling scattered and overwhelmed. Start finding real answers.
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, you may also benefit from anxiety treatment for ADHD, counseling for men with ADHD, counseling for womenwithADHD, ADHD-focused couples therapy, depression counseling for ADHD, and a support group for women with ADHD. You can also view our blog for more resources and helpful info.
About the author
Billy Roberts, LISW-S, LCSW, is the founder of Focused Mind ADHD Counseling and a licensed psychotherapist specializing in ADHD. Based in Columbus, Ohio, he provides ADHD testing and therapy to help adults better understand challenges related to time management, focus, emotional regulation, and relationships. He held a position at the NYU Child Study Center and has been a practicing psychotherapist for over a decade. His holistic approach to ADHD to assessment and treatment has been featured in Time Magazine,CNN, HuffPost, and Forbes, where he shares insights on helping individuals with ADHD manage their relationships, emotions, careers, time, and more.
