If you’re struggling with restlessness, organizational concerns, or attention difficulties, an ADHD assessment can help you understand the root of your difficulties. These challenges can be frustrating and impair performance at work, in school, and in your relationships. For compassionate personal support, look no further than Harmony Treatment Centers.
At Harmony Treatment Centers in Monterey and San Jose, you’ll quickly feel at home in our comfortable, inviting facilities. Our team of professionals specializes in treating a range of mental health disorders, including ADHD and co-occurring disorders. An ADHD assessment can be the first puzzle piece in learning more about your mental health struggles. With this information, we can help you find clarity and relief through personalized treatment approaches.
Define Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Mental Health Disorder
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is classified as a neurodevelopmental condition. This condition commonly affects attention, impulse control, and activity levels. You may find that it affects your organization and emotional regulation, creating difficulties at work, school, and in your interpersonal relationships.
Like other mental health disorders, ADHD is highly individualized. This means that it commonly presents with varying inattentive symptoms and hyperactive-impulsive behaviors. While some are diagnosed with ADHD during their school-aged years, it is not uncommon for adults to be diagnosed after continual struggles throughout their lives. Regardless of your experience, understanding why you’ve had these challenges can be validating and healing.
What Are the Symptoms of ADHD?
ADHD symptoms fall within the two categories of inattention and hyperactivity or impulsivity. To meet diagnostic criteria, you need to experience a minimum of 6 symptoms. These symptoms were likely present during childhood and impacted your school performance and relationships. The core symptoms of ADHD include:
- Inattention: Inattentive symptoms have occurred for 6 months or longer and are not better explained by developmental and contextual factors. Symptoms can include making careless mistakes, difficulty holding attention, not following directions, and being easily distracted.
- Hyperactivity and Impulsivity: Similarly, these symptoms need to be present for 6 months or more, and not better explained by developmental, environmental, and contextual factors. These symptoms can include fidgeting, leaving your seat at inappropriate times, talking excessively, or answering a question before it is completed.
Inattentive, hyperactive, and impulsive symptoms associated with an ADHD diagnosis will impact your everyday life and likely began before you were 12. These symptoms can be observed in different environments, such as home, work, school, or in social settings. Lastly, these symptoms are not better explained by another mental health disorder.
How Are ADD and ADHD Different?
Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) is a previous diagnosis that was used to describe someone who experiences symptoms similar to ADHD, minus hyperactivity. In 2013, the diagnostic tool used by mental health professionals reclassified ADHD to include varying presentations, including a predominantly inattentive presentation. This aligns with what was previously diagnosed as ADD.
While ADD is no longer used as a formal diagnosis, it may still be used in passing to describe a subset of inattentive ADHD. The updated framework used by professionals views ADHD as a spectrum with varying presentations, which helps provide personalized treatment plans.
Book a Complimentary ADHD Evaluation
If you suspect that ADHD may be contributing to challenges, we encourage you to contact Harmony Treatment Centers for a complimentary ADHD evaluation. There are no obligations or commitments tied to your assessment, relieving some of the pressure you may feel. Our trained professionals can help you make sense of your symptoms, answer questions, and explore treatment options.
To get started, we invite you to call 831-747-1827. Our admissions counselors can review the evaluation process and help you determine the next steps. Treatment recommendations may involve outpatient programming, such as Partial Hospitalization Programming (PHP) or Intensive Outpatient Programming (IOP). These options are available at our Monterey facility located at 574 Cortes St, Monterey, CA 93940. After your evaluation, our team can help you find the right evidence-based care.
Is a Therapist Able to Screen for ADHD and Provide a Diagnosis?
Yes, licensed mental health professionals can screen for and provide a diagnosis for ADHD. To do this, clinicians receive extensive education on diagnostic criteria, assessments, and screening tools for assessing symptoms. A component of their training is the ability to assess for disorders with similar symptoms. These disorders include anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and substance use disorders.
There are variations in state requirements for clinicians. Because of this, diagnostic services may be provided by a psychologist, psychiatrist, or other medical providers.
How Do Therapists Evaluate Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)?
Therapists can assess your ADHD symptoms with observations and a review of your mental health history, current symptoms, and how they affect your daily life. This process can include screenings, questionnaires, behavior rating scales, and talking about related behavioral patterns from your childhood.
During this time, therapists will also assess for similar or co-occurring mental health disorders. This is essential because it ensures that your symptoms are understood and that the appropriate treatment services are recommended.
What Does an ADHD Disorder Assessment Involve?
An ADHD assessment commonly involves a combination of processes. This includes a comprehensive evaluation, screening tools, and questionnaires. These resources can focus on learning about your academic or work performance and interpersonal relationships. Your therapist will look for prominent patterns throughout your development.
ADHD assessments are collaborative and non-judgmental. Mental health assessments can feel uncomfortable because you’re asked about topics that you may not commonly talk about. This is a normative reaction, and, understandably, vulnerability can be uncomfortable. We encourage you to talk about any difficulties or discomfort you experience so your therapist can help you manage your responses.
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What Does a Dual Diagnosis ADHD Assessment Entail?
Research has indicated that over 23% of adults living with a substance use disorder have co-occurring ADHD. Other common co-occurring disorders with ADHD include anxiety, depression, and PTSD. Dual diagnosis ADHD assessments may consist of additional screeners and questionnaires to ensure all necessary information is gathered.
Dual diagnosis assessments are important because they allow clinicians to develop a more accurate understanding of your symptoms. This can affect the treatment approaches and interventions that are incorporated into your care. At the end of your assessment, your clinician can help you understand how the symptoms of your co-occurring disorders overlap or worsen each other. This can help you gain a deeper understanding and awareness of your mental health.
Are ADHD Evaluations Discreet?
Yes. ADHD evaluations are discreet and confidential. Similar to other mental health services, HIPAA laws and professional standards ensure that your information is kept private. The information you share with your clinician is confidential and used only for clinical purposes.
That said, there are some exceptions to the confidentiality rules. This includes situations that pose a risk to your safety or someone else’s. We understand that privacy can impact your comfort level when asking for help. We encourage you to contact Harmony Treatment Centers with your questions so that we can help put your mind at ease.
How Can You Obtain a Free ADHD Disorder Assessment in Northern California?
You can receive a free ADHD disorder assessment in Northern California by contacting Harmony Treatment Centers. We offer complimentary mental health assessments and personalized treatment recommendations based on your needs. Our screenings can provide you with insight into the next steps for accessing appropriate treatment services.
Call 831-747-1727 to connect you with an admissions counselor who can review your ADHD assessment options, answer your questions, and help you plan the next steps in your treatment journey.
What Questions Are Typically Asked During an ADHD Assessment Screening?
The focus of an ADHD assessment screening is to understand your current symptoms, severity, and their impact on your functioning. These screeners are often individualized, meaning that your answers guide future questions. Therapists are looking to identify symptom patterns and rule out similar conditions.
It is important to note that there are no right or wrong answers in a mental health assessment. Your experiences are valid, and they do not define you. Being honest during your assessment can help admissions counselors at Harmony Treatment Centers reach accurate conclusions needed for informed treatment recommendations.
Examples of questions that you may be asked during an assessment include:
- “Do you find yourself struggling to stay focused during tasks, conversations, or meetings?”
- This question may be asked to determine whether you have inattentive symptoms and how they affect your functioning.
- “Do you find yourself struggling to finish tasks once they are started?”
- A variation of this question is common because it is used to learn about difficulties you may have with following through. This can help therapists understand that your struggle is not symptom-related, but rather an underlying functioning concern.
- “Do you misplace items like keys, phones, or important documents often?”
- This question targets disorganization and forgetfulness, which are related to inattention.
- “Do you recall having difficulties with your attention or focus during childhood?”
- ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition that typically begins to show signs in early childhood. The longevity of symptoms can shift the focus from similar mental health disorders known not have a childhood onset.
- “Do you find yourself feeling restless, fidgety, or ‘on the go,’ when you’re supposed to be still?”
- This question is used to understand hyperactivity symptoms that you experience.
- “Do you interrupt others before they’ve finished asking a question?”
- This question can be used to assess impulsivity and open the door to understanding how your symptoms affect your interpersonal relationships.
- “Can you tell me what areas of your life you’ve noticed your symptoms? This can include places like work, home, or school.”
- A component of ADHD is that the symptoms occur in more than one setting. This is often asked to rule out mental health disorders that present similarly.
- “Have you experienced anxiety, depression, trauma, or significant life changes?”
- These are examples of common co-occurring disorders that can worsen ADHD symptoms. This information can also be used to differentiate symptoms of ADHD from other disorders.
ADHD Screening vs Testing vs Assessment: What Is the Difference?
While the terms screening, testing, and assessment may be used interchangeably, they refer to different tools or methods used in assessments. ADHD screenings are typically brief and informal, whereas testing is structured and evidence-based. An assessment is a comprehensive process that may include screenings, tests, and other assessment measures.
These terms are often interchanged because they each refer to a method of evaluating your symptoms, mental health history, and current functioning. Clinicians can compare this information to the ADHD diagnostic criteria to determine their recommended next steps.
Can a Family Member Schedule an ADHD Assessment for Someone Else in Northern California?
Yes. Family members can schedule an ADHD assessment on your behalf. Calls from loved ones are common and can be a way for them to support you. Participation in an ADHD assessment is voluntary, and the process is based on your comfort.
Family involvement in treatment is often encouraged. You may find that couples or family sessions help clarify misunderstandings, improve communication, and resolve conflicts.
Is There a Possibility of Fielding Addiction-Related Questions During an ADHD Evaluation?
Yes, ADHD assessments can include questions to rule out the presence of an addiction or dual diagnosis. Questions may focus on specific symptoms or explore how your symptoms affect your substance use. Honesty regarding your use of drugs and alcohol is a key factor in receiving an accurate diagnosis.
At Harmony Treatment Centers in Monterey and San Jose, we pride ourselves on providing compassionate and effective treatment. Our clinicals are thorough, without being judgmental or dismissive of your symptoms. Contact us today to better understand your ADHD symptoms and appropriate treatment options.
What Are the 3 Types of ADHD You Can Be Assessed For?
There are three main types of ADHD that clinicians are investigating during an ADHD assessment. This is done with varying screeners and questions. Differentiating the types of ADHD can affect treatment recommendations. You can gain insight into these presentations by reading below.
Predominantly Inattentive Presentation
The predominantly inattentive type of ADHD can contribute to struggles with organization or focus. You may have a hard time following through with longer tasks or remembering small details. These symptoms may be perceived as being lazy or forgetful, which contributes to the stigma associated with this condition.
Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Presentation
Predominantly hyperactive-impulsive presentation can contribute to restlessness and impulsiveness. You may have a hard time waiting for your turn or interrupting others when they’re speaking. These symptoms are more noticeable within relationship patterns and work performance and may also be perceived negatively in social situations.
Combined Presentation ADHD
The combined presentation of ADHD includes a mixture of inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms. This type of ADHD tends to have the most significant impact on functioning. Combined type is more commonly diagnosed compared to the other two types of ADHD.
What Are the Next Steps if You Are Officially Diagnosed With ADHD?
If you receive an ADHD diagnosis, the next step would be to determine if treatment services are needed. At Harmony Treatment Centers, we will explain the results of your assessment in a way that makes sense for your symptoms and lifestyle. This is a great time to ask questions about living with ADHD and how to improve symptom management.
Our admissions counselors will explore appropriate treatment options, including psychiatric consultation, outpatient services, and holistic therapies. Our evidence-based treatment programs include therapy and skill-building sessions to help you gain the knowledge you need to manage your symptoms effectively. Call 831-747-1727 today to receive your free ADHD assessment.
ADHD and Mental Health Statistics
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicated that 15.5 million adults in the United States have received an ADHD diagnosis.
- The National Institute of Mental Illness (NIMH) estimates that the lifetime prevalence of ADHD among adults in the U.S. is 8.1%.
- Approximately 35% of adults receive comprehensive ADHD treatment, including behavioral therapy and medication management services.
- Research has indicated that California has some of the lowest rates of children diagnosed with ADHD, which would influence the prevalence of ADHD among adults in CA.
- Research has indicated that there is a strong genetic component to the development of ADHD, meaning that your risk is elevated if you have family members who experience related symptoms.
- A recent survey found over 15% of adults with ADHD had been dependent on or had abused alcohol or drugs in the past year—almost three times the rate seen in adults without ADHD. Alcohol and marijuana were the most misused substances.
