Adult ADHD Testing Package in Richmond, Virginia
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I offer a 2 session ADHD Assessment Package.
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First Session
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In the first session, I will verbally administer the Conners Adult ADHD Rating Scale (CAARS) to you. In addition, we will discuss your experiences with ADHD including inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity at different stages of your life including elementary school, middle and high school, college (if applicable) and on the job. We will also discuss the impact these things have had not only on schoolwork and work, but also on relationships.
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Second Session
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In the second session, we will review the results. The results will show whether or not there is a likelihood of ADHD. It will also show levels of severity for the ADHD including borderline, mild, moderate, or severe. It will break down the categories of Inattention, Hyperactivity, Impulsivity as well as Self Concept.
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We will discuss your results including your responses to the interview questions. You will also receive a letter showing the results in case you want to present that to a primary care physician or psychiatrist for consultation around prescription medication.
We can also discuss if you would like to proceed with ADHD Counseling where we will work on things like focus, executive skill building, emotion regulation, and building self confidence.
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If you are ready to book the 2 session ADHD Package click the "Book Session" button below to get started.
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Adult ADHD Counseling
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Please let me know once you have completed the ADHD Assessment, if you would like to continue with ADHD Counseling or sometimes known as ADHD Coaching.
Counseling, also known as psychotherapy, can be an effective treatment for adults with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Counseling can help individuals with ADHD develop coping strategies to manage their symptoms, improve their self-esteem, and strengthen their relationships with others.
Here are some common types of counseling that may be helpful for adults with ADHD:
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Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): CBT is a type of counseling that helps individuals identify negative patterns of thinking and behavior that may be contributing to their ADHD symptoms. With the help of a therapist, individuals can learn to reframe negative thoughts and behaviors and develop positive coping strategies to manage their symptoms.
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Coaching: Coaching is a type of counseling that focuses on developing practical strategies and skills to manage ADHD symptoms in everyday life. Coaches may help individuals with ADHD develop strategies to improve time management and organization, prioritize tasks, and manage emotions.
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Support groups: Support groups can provide individuals with ADHD a sense of community and support. Support groups can also offer a space for individuals to share their experiences, learn from others, and develop positive coping strategies.
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It's important to note that counseling is often used in conjunction with other treatments for ADHD, such as medication and lifestyle changes. It's also important to work with a qualified mental health professional to determine the most appropriate counseling approach for ADHD.
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More Information on ADHD
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What is Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD)?
Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that is characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. ADHD is usually diagnosed in childhood, although it can persist into adulthood in some cases.
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The symptoms of ADHD can be divided into two categories: inattentiveness and hyperactivity-impulsivity. Symptoms of inattentiveness include having difficulty staying focused on tasks, forgetfulness, distractibility, and difficulty organizing and completing tasks. Symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity include fidgeting, restlessness, excessive talking, interrupting others, and difficulty waiting their turn.
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ADHD is believed to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors, including prenatal and early childhood exposure to toxins, low birth weight, and brain injuries. The condition can be managed with medication, behavioral therapy, and lifestyle changes, such as regular exercise and a healthy diet.
Percentage of Adults in the U.S. with ADHD
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According to the American Psychiatric Association, the estimated prevalence of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in adults in the United States is approximately 4.4% of the population aged 18-44 years. This translates to about 10 million adults in the U.S. who have been diagnosed with ADHD. However, it is important to note that many adults with ADHD may not have been diagnosed, and therefore the actual prevalence of ADHD in adults may be higher than this estimate.
What is Inattentiveness in ADHD?
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Inattentiveness is one of the two main categories of symptoms in ADHD, along with hyperactivity-impulsivity. Inattentiveness in ADHD refers to difficulty in sustaining attention or focus, becoming easily distracted, and struggling to complete tasks that require sustained effort and concentration.
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Specific symptoms of inattentiveness in ADHD may include:
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Making careless mistakes
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Difficulty paying attention to details
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Difficulty sustaining attention during tasks or play activities
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Appears not to listen when spoken to directly
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Difficulty following instructions and finishing schoolwork, chores, or duties in the workplace
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Difficulty organizing tasks and activities
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Avoidance or dislike of tasks that require sustained mental effort
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Losing things necessary for tasks or activities (e.g., school materials, pencils, books, tools)
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Being forgetful in daily activities
These symptoms can cause difficulties in academic, work, and social settings. They can also interfere with daily functioning and affect an individual's quality of life. It's important to note that while inattentiveness is a core symptom of ADHD, it may also occur in other disorders or in individuals without ADHD, so a proper evaluation by a healthcare professional is important for an accurate diagnosis.
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What is Hyperactivity in ADHD?
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Hyperactivity is one of the two main categories of symptoms in ADHD, along with inattentiveness. Hyperactivity in ADHD refers to excessive and developmentally inappropriate levels of physical activity or restlessness.
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Specific symptoms of hyperactivity in ADHD may include:
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Fidgeting or squirming in one's seat
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Difficulty remaining seated, such as running or climbing excessively
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Difficulty playing or engaging in leisure activities quietly
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Excessive talking or interrupting others
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Impatience or difficulty waiting one's turn
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Engaging in activities in a way that is loud or overactive
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Feeling restless or unable to sit still
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Hyperactivity in ADHD can interfere with social functioning and disrupt educational and occupational performance. However, it's important to note that not all individuals with ADHD have hyperactivity. Some may exhibit predominantly inattentive symptoms or a combination of both inattention and hyperactivity symptoms. The severity of hyperactivity can also vary from individual to individual. A healthcare professional can evaluate an individual's symptoms to determine an accurate diagnosis and develop an appropriate treatment plan.
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What is Impulsivity in ADHD?
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Impulsivity is a core symptom of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) that can occur alongside inattentiveness and/or hyperactivity. Impulsivity is defined as a tendency to act without thinking, and can manifest in a variety of ways.
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Specific symptoms of impulsivity in ADHD may include:
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Acting without considering potential consequences
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Interrupting others while they are speaking or engaging in other social behaviors that are considered impolite or inappropriate
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Difficulty waiting for one's turn or delaying gratification
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Difficulty with impulse control, leading to difficulty with managing emotions and mood swings
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Engaging in risky or dangerous behaviors without considering potential consequences
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Impulsivity in ADHD can interfere with social functioning, cause difficulties in school or work settings, and put individuals at risk for accidents or injuries. Impulsivity can be managed with a variety of strategies, including behavioral therapy and medication. It's important to note that impulsivity is a core feature of ADHD, but it can also occur in other disorders, so a proper evaluation by a healthcare professional is important for an accurate diagnosis.
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ADHD and the Impact on Relationships
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Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) can have a significant impact on relationships, both romantic and platonic. Individuals with ADHD may struggle with symptoms such as inattention, forgetfulness, impulsivity, and hyperactivity, which can make it difficult for them to maintain healthy and satisfying relationships. Here are some examples of how ADHD can impact relationships:
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Communication: Individuals with ADHD may have difficulty with communication, such as interrupting others, losing track of the conversation, or failing to follow through on promises or commitments.
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Time Management: Individuals with ADHD may struggle with time management, which can lead to difficulties in meeting obligations or meeting deadlines.
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Emotional Regulation: Individuals with ADHD may struggle with emotional regulation, such as impulsivity or difficulty with anger management, which can cause tension in relationships.
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Organization: Individuals with ADHD may struggle with organization, which can result in missed appointments or deadlines, disorganization, and clutter.
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Intimacy: Individuals with ADHD may struggle with intimacy, such as forgetfulness, disorganization, or difficulty staying focused.
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It's important for individuals with ADHD and their partners to be open and honest about the impact of the disorder on their relationship. With the help of a qualified mental health professional, individuals with ADHD can develop strategies to manage their symptoms and improve their communication, time management, emotional regulation, organization, and intimacy. Couples counseling or family therapy may also be helpful in addressing relationship issues related to ADHD.
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ADHD Impact on Careers
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Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) can have a significant impact on an individual's career. The symptoms of ADHD, such as inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity, can make it difficult for individuals to stay focused, complete tasks on time, and organize their work. Here are some examples of how ADHD can impact a person's career:
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Work Performance: Individuals with ADHD may struggle with staying focused on tasks, meeting deadlines, and completing work to a high standard.
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Time Management: Individuals with ADHD may have difficulty with time management, which can result in being consistently late, missed deadlines, and disorganization.
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Interpersonal Relationships: Individuals with ADHD may struggle with maintaining positive relationships with coworkers or superiors, such as interrupting others, losing track of conversations, or coming across as disorganized.
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Career Advancement: Individuals with ADHD may have difficulty advancing in their careers due to challenges with completing projects and meeting deadlines.
It's important for individuals with ADHD to develop strategies to manage their symptoms and improve their work performance. This may include accommodations such as breaks throughout the workday to manage symptoms, strategies to improve time management and organization, and assistance with managing and prioritizing tasks. Seeking support from a mental health professional and speaking with an employer or human resources representative about accommodations can also be helpful in managing ADHD in the workplace. With the right strategies and support, individuals with ADHD can succeed in their careers.
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Adult ADHD Solutions
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There are several treatment options available for adults with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Here are some solutions that may help:
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Medication: I am not a prescriber and cannot make recommendations here, but stimulant medications are commonly used to treat ADHD in adults. These medications have been shown to help improve attention and focus, reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity, and improve mood and motivation.
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Behavioral therapy: Behavioral therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy or coaching, can help adults with ADHD develop strategies to manage their symptoms, improve time management and organizational skills, and improve overall functioning. Behavioral therapy can be particularly helpful for addressing issues related to impulsivity and emotional dysregulation.
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Lifestyle changes: Lifestyle changes can also help manage symptoms of ADHD. For example, regular exercise can help improve mood, reduce stress, and improve focus. A healthy diet that is rich in protein and low in sugar and processed foods can also help reduce symptoms. Additionally, practicing good sleep hygiene, such as going to bed and waking up at consistent times, can help improve overall functioning.
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Support groups: Support groups, such as those offered by CHADD (Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) or local mental health clinics, can provide a sense of community and help individuals with ADHD connect with others who share similar experiences.
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It's important to note that each person's experience with ADHD is unique, and a combination of different solutions may be necessary to manage symptoms effectively. It's also important to work with a qualified healthcare professional to determine the most appropriate treatment plan.
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