I’m an Adult! Is is Worth Being Evaluated and Treated for ADHD at this age?
The short answer is. Yes!
While symptoms of ADHD can be managed effectively with the proper treatment, they typically don’t just “go away” in adulthood. In fact, untreated ADHD can lead to other mental health disorders, such as Anxiety, Depression, and low self-esteem.
As a licensed clinical psychologist providing ADHD evaluations for children through adults, my goal is to help individuals understand if the symptoms they are experiencing are due to ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, or a combination of those or other mental health disorders.
The reason an accurate diagnosis is important is to ensure that proper treatment is followed. For example, someone might be experiencing symptoms of what feels like Anxiety (racing thoughts, forgetfulness, misplacing things, etc.), but those same symptoms overlap with ADHD. If that individual is being treated for Anxiety with medication or therapy, then symptoms will not improve. Determining the root cause of the symptoms through an evaluation with a clinical psychologist will do just that. Determine the root cause so that proper and appropriate treatment can be put in place.
Benefits of an ADHD evaluation in Adulthood:
Below is a list of some of the benefits of being diagnosed and treated for ADHD as an Adult:
Accurate Treatment Planning: As mentioned above, an accurate diagnosis is important to determine the appropriate treatment plan to help reduce symptoms.
Accommodations in college or other testing settings: Adults in the university or other academic settings can benefit from an evaluation and diagnosis. Individuals with ADHD can request accommodations in the university setting for things like extra time on tests, quiet testing space, the use of a note taker, and other helpful accommodations.
Accommodations in the workplace: Adults are able to request accommodations in the workplace if they are diagnosed with ADHD. Some of those accommodations are working in a quiet area of the office, working remotely or hybrid, being provided with written versus verbal communications, and/or providing a flexible work schedule.
Better understanding of self: Most importantly, when adults are diagnosed with ADHD, they tend to feel a sense of relief that there is a name for what it is that they are experiencing. They also tend to feel hopeful that the challenging areas of their life will improve.
Improved relationships: Many people find hope that relationships will improve. When partners have an understanding of the reasons behind ADHD behaviors, it can help improve relationships.
What do I do next?
For diagnoses such as ADHD, it is important to be evaluated by a clinical psychologist who has the knowledge and tools to dive deeper than just assessing the symptoms. Because, as noted above, symptoms of other mental health disorders can mimic ADHD. A clinical psychologist will be able to provide a written report with recommendations for treatment plans as well.
If you are working with me, once your evaluation is complete, I will provide a comprehensive treatment plan and recommendations, which may include school accommodations, work-related adjustments, or therapeutic resources.
Need Additional Information or Would Like to Request an Evaluation?
If you’re ready to take the next step and learn more, or if you’re ready to begin an evaluation, I encourage you to request an evaluation today. I’m here to help you better understand your needs and provide the support you deserve.