So you’re searching for “adult ADHD testing near me” because you’re feeling stuck with your mental health care. You’re wondering if something is going on with you other than depression, anxiety, or stress, and you recently learned more about undiagnosed adult ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder).
You’re not alone. The reality is, many undiagnosed adults with underlying ADHD struggle for years without getting effective help. They spend months trying different medications, or hours in therapy exploring their anxiety, depression, or relationship issues, all to continue to struggling with getting things done and feeling understood. It’s exhausting. Ultimately, not making progress can increase shame and guilt, leaving many adults thinking, “What’s wrong with me?” The answer? Nothing. In fact, many people with undiagnosed ADHD are in the same boat, longing to meet their potential but struggling to find answers.
This is why ADHD testing isn’t just a diagnosis; it unlocks therapy, medication, and strategies that work.
Why Adult ADHD Testing Matters
Almost 10% of the US population has ADHD, but many are undiagnosed. Starting the journey toward an ADHD diagnosis can feel like a huge step. In reality, the first part of the process is actually pretty straightforward. You start with an initial consultation call with an ADHD specialist. Think of it as a strategy session to answer your questions and feel supported.
Many folks at this stage have taken an online ADHD quiz, but are unsure about getting formal testing. A consultation call can help you to feel supported and “demystify” the testing process. Once you feel confident in moving forward, you will get scheduled for a comprehensive ADHD evaluation.
ADHD Diagnostic Testing Process
Shockingly, approximately 75% of adults who get an ADHD diagnosis were missed as children. This raises the stakes for adult ADHD testing to be accurate and leave individuals feeling confident that they have ADHD. ADHD testing is a comprehensive process that involves a few different steps. Each part of the testing process is essentially a piece of a puzzle. And when you put it all together, you get a 100% accurate diagnosis.
ADHD Testing Includes the Following:
- Behavioral rating scales: these ask several questions to get a sense of how your ADHD symptoms impact your daily life.
- A clinical interview: this is a structured interview where we ask detailed questions about work and school performance, and relationships. This is where we tease out what can look like ADHD from what actually is ADHD.
- Comprehensive neurological testing: no ADHD testing is complete without a series of objective tasks and tests that measure executive functioning (i.e., focus, memory, impulse control).
Accurate ADHD testing (and an accurate ADHD diagnosis) is only the first step; it’s ADHD treatment that leads to lasting change.
The Connection Between Testing and Therapy
Accurate testing leads to personalized ADHD therapy. Many people with undiagnosed ADHD feel confused about their ADHD traits. This is because much of how their brain works has been labeled incorrectly (i.e.: depression, bipolar, etc). This is also the reason therapy isn’t working. While
ADHD-focused therapy incorporates the traditional therapeutic modalities, such as cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), it also has aspects geared towards the unique challenges of ADHD, such as impulse control, time blindness, working memory, and emotional dysregulation.
Each person with ADHD is different. In fact, it’s a known trait of ADHD for “no two people with ADHD to experience ADHD the exact same way.” As a result, the types of tools that work for some people won’t work for others. This is why you need a personalized and holistic approach to ADHD treatment.
How Medication Can Help After Testing
Many folks are interested in medication options after ADHD testing. ADHD testing is almost universally required to support an ADHD diagnosis. After testing, you’ll receive a 12-page report, with pages of data confirming your diagnosis. Once diagnosed, you can bring your report to a psychiatric provider to explore medication options.
What Therapy Looks Like After ADHD Testing
ADHD therapy is customized and holistic, and it includes:
- Practical support: learning the skills to manage executive functioning issues such as procrastination, planning, time blindness, etc.
- Relationship support: Many adults with ADHD struggle with rejection-sensitive dysphoria (RSD), which leads to overworking, people-pleasing, or struggles with assertiveness. ADHD counseling provides you with skills to improve communication and set boundaries.
- Emotional regulation support: ADHD and emotional regulation go hand in hand. Tailored therapy focuses on helping you be more mindful of emotions and learn to process and regulate them in healthier ways.
Zoey’s Story: From Burt Out to Balanced
Consider an illustration of how personalized ADHD treatment can take someone from being burned out to balanced:
Zoey was a busy project manager with undiagnosed ADHD. She struggled with forgetfulness, procrastination, and setting boundaries at work, leading her to work later and later into the evening (leaving little for her personal life). For years, she worked with therapists on anxiety and perfectionism. Not a lot changed. She was still stuck in endless cycles of burnout. Zoey felt broken.
Once Zoey was accurately diagnosed with ADHD, suddenly her life made sense. She wasn’t broken; her brain just worked differently. Perfectionism was how she coped with ADHD: if she could strive for perfection, no one would see the daydreaming middle-school girl wondering why she felt so different from the others in class.
Zoey got into ADHD treatment and learned the skills to manage executive functioning and self-esteem, leading to better boundaries and work, improving her overall life balance. She had more time to spend with her family, less brain fog and overwhelm, and finally began loving herself.
Finding “Adult ADHD Testing Near Me”
Finding an ADHD specialist can feel overwhelming. The key is connecting with the ADHD therapist you speak with and trusting their background and knowledge. The goal for all ADHD testing is to get the most accurate diagnosis possible. In Columbus and nearby suburbs, like Worthington, Powell, and Upper Arlington, adults with undiagnosed ADHD are realizing the positive impact an ADHD evaluation can have. Still, the hardest yet most important step is picking up the phone and getting started.
Key Takeaways:
- ADHD testing is a comprehensive process that assures an accurate diagnosis
- ADHD testing offers both answers and a pathway forward
- Therapy for ADHD unlocks effective and personalized solutions
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 consultation.
- Meet with one of our caring therapists.
- Stop feeling stuck. Start finding real answers and real solutions.
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, ADHD-focused couples counseling, or depression counseling for ADHD. You can also view our blog for more resources and helpful info.
