Adult ADHD Assessment: What You Need to Know

Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how people think, act, and learn. It can contribute to difficulties with attention, impulsivity, heightened activity levels, organisation, planning, and self-regulation.

Common ADHD symptoms include (but are not limited to) trouble focusing, being easily distracted, forgetting tasks and obligations, losing objects, acting before thinking, fidgeting, talking too much, having trouble sitting still, needing a lot of physical movement and stimulation, and being impulsive. You may also notice having strong reactions to sensory stimuli, higher sensitivity and difficulty regulating emotions, frequent mood changes, and sleep problems. Some people also experience more anxiety as their brains are busy constantly processing experiences from the past and present and thinking about the future.

If you are experiencing symptoms of ADHD that interfere with your study, work, or daily life, you may benefit from a diagnostic assessment. An assessment is a process of gathering information from various sources to determine whether you have ADHD and what kind of treatment and support you may need.

Are ADHD and ADD the same thing?

Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) is a term used in older diagnostical manuals. The most commonly used diagnostical manual in New Zealand divides ADHD into three sub-types:

Predominantly Inattentive Presentation: Sometimes referred to by the old term ADD, this sub-type is characterised by significant inattention.

Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Presentation: This sub-type demonstrates clear dominance of hyperactivity and impulsivity symptoms.

Combined Presentation: Includes both inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity.

Can ADHD develop later in life?

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition, meaning that it is present from birth. Symptoms of ADHD typically become noticeable in early childhood, particularly around the age of 5-12 years old. However, for some individuals, these symptoms may have been missed early on or become more prominent in adulthood due to the increasing demands of daily living.

Why is an assessment important?

An assessment is important for several reasons:

●     It can help you understand yourself better and explain why you may have certain challenges or strengths.

●     It can help you get a diagnosis of ADHD, which can open up access to various resources, such as medication, therapy, coaching, accommodations, or funding.

●     It can help you rule out other possible causes for your symptoms and identify other conditions that may co-occur with ADHD

●     It can help you develop a personalized treatment plan that suits your needs and goals.

What does an ADHD assessment involve?

ADHD assessment requires a significant commitment of time and finances as it involves a comprehensive evaluation of information gathered from several sources to ensure that any diagnoses are accurate and do not overlap with other conditions. These typically include:

●     A series of interviews with you and someone who had known you since childhood

●     A review of your medical, developmental, educational, and family history

●     Assessment tools and rating scales, such as questionnaires, checklists, or tests, that measure various aspects of your functioning, such as attention, memory, thinking abilities, behaviour, or emotions

●     Observation of your behaviour

You will also need a physical health check from your primary health practitioner to rule out any medical conditions (e.g., thyroid problems or blood sugar problems).

The assessment process often requires more than one appointment, and depends on your symptoms, co-existing mental health or physical health conditions, and availability of services in your area.

Who can test for ADHD in New Zealand?

In New Zealand, the professionals qualified to complete ADHD assessments in adults are either Psychiatrists or Clinical Psychologists.

Clinical Psychologist: Can assess and diagnose ADHD and other mental health and learning conditions, and complete assessments of your thinking abilities. Intervention focused on provision of recommendations regarding strategies and talking therapy.

Psychiatrist: Psychiatrists specialising in ADHD diagnose ADHD and other mental health conditions. They are legally able to apply for Special Authority and prescribe and monitor ADHD medication.

How to choose a specialist for ADHD assessment?

Choosing a professional to complete an ADHD assessment is an important decision, and you may want to consider the following factors:

●     Your symptoms, needs, and goals

●     The availability, accessibility, and affordability of services in your area

●     The qualifications, experience, and reputation of the specialist

●     The rapport, trust, and comfort you feel with the specialist

●     The recommendations of your GP, family, friends, or other people who have gone through the assessment process

You may also consider your preferences regarding first-line treatment (e.g., medication or strategy and skill building, therapy).

What is Special Authority?

In New Zealand, a Special Authority Number is required to prescribe medication for ADHD. This can only be requested by a medical specialist, e.g., a psychiatrist. If medication is a significant consideration for you, a psychiatry assessment could be preferable. However, an assessment with a Clinical Psychologist does not preclude you from seeking medication options in the near or distant future, but it may add to the cost.

What to expect after the assessment?

After the assessment, the specialist will provide you with a written report that summarises the results and findings of the evaluation. The report should include:

●     A summary of symptoms and documentation used

●     A diagnostic statement (if applicable), the type, and the severity

●     Recommendations for treatment and coping in different areas of your life, for example, medication, therapy, coaching, accommodations for school, or reasonable adjustments at work

●     If required, suggest a referral to other specialists or services

What about accommodations?

If you are seeking an assessment to support you through tertiary education or to request specific workplace adjustments, an assessment with a Psychologist may provide an advantage. Other treatment recommendations and interventions are also typically included in Psychology reports.

Is ADHD Assessment covered by insurance?

If you have health insurance that covers Clinical Psychology or Psychiatry, you can claim some of your fees back. Kind Psychology is an accredited Southern Cross Easy-Claim Partner. Please get in touch if you would like to discuss an appointment.

Summary

Initiating an assessment for ADHD can be a life-changing experience. It can help explain certain symptoms and behaviours, highlight emotional and sensory needs, and assist in making sense of your past experiences. Ultimately, this could help move you towards achieving life’s goals, enhancing self-awareness, and making positive changes for your mental health.