ADHD Assessment for Adults
Monarch Adult ADHD Assessment and Treatment Services
At Monarch, we specialise in providing thorough ADHD assessment for adults, helping individuals understand their symptoms and receive an accurate diagnosis. Our dedicated team offers comprehensive telehealth services to support your mental health and improve your quality of life.
Understanding ADHD Symptoms
If you have experienced inattention, lack of focus, distractibility, or difficulties concentrating, you may want to understand your symptoms better. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can significantly impact daily functioning.
Your doctor or health care professional may have recommended completing psychometric testing to diagnose ADHD and understand any other mental health disorders that might impact your overall well-being.
Monarch Adult ADHD Assessment Services
The Monarch Adult ADHD Assessment Service provides a best-practice psychological assessment to explore ADHD symptoms and their relationship to your overall mental health and daily functioning.
This assessment aims to rule out other causes, understand other concerns and ensure you receive the best treatment for your situation. It supports your psychiatric diagnostic interview, offering an accurate diagnosis.
The Assessment Process
The adult ADHD assessment service is conducted entirely via telehealth and involves three scheduled appointments:
- One 60-minute session
- Two 90-minute sessions
The assessment includes:
- Completing questionnaires about your pattern of functioning, general mental health and history
- Participating in clinical interviews
You will also need to identify two people who know you well:
- A childhood informant: Someone who knew you as a child (e.g., a parent or caregiver) to attend the assessment sessions.
- An observer: Someone who knows you well in your current life to complete an electronic questionnaire.
Providing contacts for both is crucial for the validity of the results. Once complete, your clinician will write an assessment summary with results and impressions for you.
Diagnosing ADHD in Adults
Diagnosing ADHD in adults requires a comprehensive evaluation process. This includes understanding the history of ADHD symptoms, which must be present since childhood, as well as their impact on various aspects of life. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM) provides the criteria for diagnosing ADHD and other mental disorders. An accurate diagnosis is essential for effective treatment and management of ADHD.
Treatment Options for ADHD
After receiving a diagnosis of ADHD from Monarch, we offer supportive and evidence-based treatments to help you manage your diagnosis.
Medication Management
Some stimulant medications are effective for managing ADHD. After an assessment with a Monarch psychiatrist, the appropriateness of medication for your particular situation will be explored. Medication is most effective when used in conjunction with psychological support. Your psychiatrist will prescribe medication based on your individual needs and response.
Psychological Interventions
Monarch’s ten-week adult ADHD psychological intervention program is designed to provide you with skills to manage your ADHD symptoms. You will be matched with a clinician who specialises in ADHD. This program covers:
- Understanding the neurobiological processes of ADH
- Developing tools and strategies to manage ADHD effectively
- Improving executive functioning, creating better habits and enhancing life satisfaction
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is often a key component of our treatment program, helping you to develop coping strategies and address negative thought patterns.
Importance of Accurate Diagnosis
An accurate diagnosis of ADHD is crucial for effective treatment. Misdiagnosis or overlooking ADHD can lead to inadequate treatment and continued difficulties. Our comprehensive assessment ensures that all mental health concerns are addressed and appropriate treatments are provided.
Common Symptoms and Co-existing Conditions
ADHD symptoms often include hyperactivity, impulsivity and difficulty concentrating. These symptoms can resemble ADHD but may also indicate other conditions. Our thorough assessment process helps differentiate ADHD from other mental health disorders, ensuring that you receive the most appropriate care.
Dedicated to Comprehensive ADHD Care
At Monarch, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive and compassionate care for adults with ADHD. Our telehealth services make it convenient for you to receive the assessment and treatment you need. By understanding your symptoms and receiving an accurate diagnosis, you can begin to manage your ADHD effectively and improve your overall quality of life.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, please contact Monarch Adult ADHD Assessment and Treatment Services.
Frequently Asked Questions
An ADHD assessment for adults involves a comprehensive evaluation to understand your symptoms. This typically includes an adult ADHD test, clinical interviews and questionnaires to gather detailed information about your history and current functioning. The goal is to provide an accurate ADHD diagnosis.
ADHD is diagnosed in adults using specific diagnostic criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM). A formal diagnosis is made by a qualified health professional based on the presence of symptoms from childhood and their impact on daily life.
After you receive an ADHD diagnosis, a treatment plan will be developed to manage your symptoms. This may include cognitive behavioural therapy, lifestyle changes and medication. A psychiatrist may prescribe medications to help manage the symptoms effectively.
Yes, there is a specific ADHD test for adults. This test includes a series of questionnaires and clinical interviews designed to assess the presence and severity of ADHD symptoms. It helps in making a formal diagnosis.
Yes, ADHD can be treated without medication through behavioural therapies and lifestyle changes. However, in some cases, a psychiatrist may prescribe medications to help manage the symptoms more effectively.
ADHD assessment for adults typically involves multiple sessions spread over a few weeks. This includes one 60-minute session and two 90-minute sessions, ensuring a thorough evaluation of symptoms and history.
For an ADHD assessment for adults, you will need to provide: detailed information about your current symptoms, your personal and family medical history and identify individuals who can provide additional insights into your childhood and current functioning.
Yes, ADHD assessment for adults can be effectively conducted through telehealth services. This allows for convenient and comprehensive evaluations without the need for in-person visits.
ADHD in adults often presents differently than in children, with symptoms such as difficulty concentrating, disorganisation and impulsivity being more prominent. An ADHD assessment for adults is specifically designed to identify these adult-specific symptoms.
If you do not meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD during the assessment, your clinician will explore other potential causes for your symptoms and recommend appropriate interventions or referrals to other specialists if necessary.
A formal diagnosis is important for ADHD because it provides a clear understanding of your condition, allowing for the development of a targeted and effective treatment plan, including the potential to prescribe medications if necessary.
