ADHD
While only a qualified mental health professional can actually diagnose a mental health problem, the following information can be used to help assess what general area you might be having difficulty with. Please note this is not a comprehensive listing of all psychiatric disorders and does not substitute for an evaluation by a mental health professional.
I am offering video sessions for anyone who would like to do their ADHD evaluation online. The process is still very effective using video conferencing, and with the current outbreak of coronoavirus (COVID-19), this should not deter you from achieving better results in your life.
ADULT ADHD - Why It's Important to Get Evaluated
Untreated ADHD Can Lead To:
- problems in relationships
- divorce
- poor money management
- poor credit ratings
- lack of follow through on short-term and long-term goals
- accidents
- termination at work
- substance abuse
- extreme frustration
- low self-esteem
- anxiety
- depression
Research suggests that the symptoms of ADHD can persist into adulthood, having a significant impact on the relationships, careers, and even the personal safety of those who may suffer from it. Because this disorder is often misunderstood, many people who have it do not receive appropriate treatment and, as a result, may never reach their full potential. Part of the problem is that it can be difficult to diagnose, particularly in adults.
Currently, there are three types of ADHD:
- Primarily Inattentive Type
- Primarily Hyperactive/Impulsive Type
- Combined Type, which is characterized by a certain amount of both Inattentive and Hyperactive/Impulsive symptoms.
Contrary to popular belief, ADD is not an actual diagnosis. It was a popular term coined to describe Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Primarily Inattentive Type.
ADHD Characteristics
Some Characteristics of Inattentive Symptoms Include:
- Difficulty sustaining attention at work or during meetings
- Difficulty managing time (and arriving to work on time)
- Inefficiency and slowness at getting things done
- Forgetfulness with daily activities and difficulty remembering appointments, assignments, and/or obligations
- Difficulty Getting Started on tasks that will require sustained attention and/or mental effort
- Difficulty switching tasks and shifting attention from one task to the next once focus has been achieved
- Becoming overwhelmed by large tasks and difficulty maintaining order while carrying out a task
- Procrastination, starting tasks at the last minute, with an inability to complete tasks without an approaching deadline
- A tendency to make careless mistakes, often overlooking details with a failure to edit or correct mistakes
Some Characteristics of Hyperactive/Impulsive Symptoms Include:
- Poor emotional control: may become too easily upset over small events and have an explosive reaction
- Difficulty “slamming on the brakes” before behaving; may act without thinking, interrupt others during conversations or while working, make inappropriate comments, react with emotionally charged comments, etc.
- Difficulty sitting through meetings at work, feeling fidgety or restless
- Feeling as though you have to constantly be moving or doing something
- Excessive talking
This is not intended to be a diagnostic tool, but if any of these characteristics apply to you on a frequent basis or cause you frustration, I recommend a professional ADHD evaluation.
If you simply want to know if you have ADHD and explore different treatment options such as medications, therapy or coaching, you may not need an expensive evaluation.
The diagnosis can be accurately given with just a very thorough interview. Dr. Jordan has many years of experience diagnosing and working with children, adolescents and adults with ADHD and can typically provide a diagnosis of ADHD in an adult in 2-3 visits. Dr. Jordan no longer diagnoses ADHD in children or adolescents but can provide referrals for that if needed.