You’ve read the checklists, watched the videos, and wondered quietly, “Could this be me?” If you’ve spent years feeling scattered, distracted, and stressed, an ADHD test for adults is a logical next step.
But there is one tiny roadblock: people with ADHD can feel bogged down by the first step. Let’s unpack the roadmap for exploring an ADHD test for adults in Columbus, Ohio, to help reduce overwhelm.
ADHD Isn’t Just for Kids: Why So Many Adults Are Seeking Answers
Many people with ADHD grew up during a time when others didn’t take ADHD seriously.
Only the trouble-making boys received that diagnosis. Our understanding of ADHD is now more developed.
Now we know ADHD is more than just being rambunctious. ADHD traits such as daydreaming, disorganization, and emotional overwhelm are also part of the picture. Yet, ADHD is often overlooked—especially in girls, high achievers, and people whose parents didn’t believe in mental health growing up.
And there’s more.
The original diagnosis of ADHD only included children. But then, a realization: children grow up. And they still have ADHD.
As an adult, you probably aren’t running around a classroom or kicking over your chair at lunch. Instead, you’ll face more adult problems. Time management, picking up the kids, finishing work projects on time, and remembering to do the dishes. If you have ADHD, the simple tasks of everyday life are overwhelming.
In the end, the emotional strain of undiagnosed ADHD in adulthood can be hard to ignore.
From Quizzes to Interviews: Breaking Down the Steps
People often misunderstand and misdiagnose ADHD. Other symptoms can mask or confuse ADHD, which is the primary reason. For example, many women with ADHD are told they “just have anxiety.” Because of the risk of ADHD being overlooked, a lot of attention to detail must be taken in the diagnostic process.
Step one: taking an online quiz is a good first step. This is not a diagnosis. However, it is a path to recognizing that you have ADHD traits. Another condition might cause these traits, but they are present.
Step two: book a consultation call with an ADHD specialist. At this stage, they will want to hear your story. The person you speak to should sound knowledgeable about the testing process and welcoming of your interest in getting tested.
Inside the ADHD Testing Process: What to Expect
The ADHD testing process takes about 2-3 hours, usually in one appointment. ADHD testing completed in a single session provides more accurate results.
Step one: You will receive multiple rating scales to assess core and executive function symptoms, including working memory, initiation, planning/organizing, and impulsivity.
These rating scales are simple but help you see how far you deviate from the neurotypical experience based on your age and gender. Also, someone who knows you well will provide rating scales.
Step two: A clinical interview is critical for an accurate ADHD diagnosis. You should take plenty of time to go through your history and identify if you’ve been experiencing at least some ADHD traits since childhood. Clinicians will explore how executive functioning issues impact you across multiple settings. Clinicians will differentiate ADHD from other symptoms that can affect focus, such as anxiety and depression.
Step three: we will administer a neurological test to measure your attention span and impulse control. Computer software then creates several graphs and charts based on your data. Objective testing helps increase confidence in the diagnosis and results outlined in your report.
What You Get After Your Adult ADHD Test
After your test, you will get a formal written report. This report will be exactly what you need to focus on in counseling 
techniques to manage ADHD. In addition, this will help your prescriber prescribe the medication (should you want one). It is a complete package for your next step. Your report should include comprehensive, personalized recommendations to help you start strong and become the best version of yourself.
Where to get ADHD Testing?
The most important answer to these questions is: a center that specializes in ADHD. Getting evaluated by a true ADHD specialist is the primary way you can be confident you have ADHD. An ADHD specialist will use a multi-data assessment to ensure anyone reading your report trusts the outcome of the test.
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 overwhelmed. Start finding 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 women with ADHD, ADHD-focused couples therapy, depression counseling for ADHD, and partners of ADHD groups. You can also view our blog for more resources and helpful info.
About the Author
Billy Roberts, LISW-S, LCSW, is a licensed psychotherapist and ADHD expert in Columbus, Ohio, specializing in ADD/ADHD in adults. He has been seen in TimeMagazine, CNN, HuffPost, and Forbes discussing his unique approach to ADHD-focused therapy. See Full Bio.
