How Is ADHD
Diagnosed ?

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder and it is diagnosed by examining the individual’s history, their range of symptoms and the impact of their symptoms on their lifestyle.  

Diagnosis

A diagnosis of ADHD can only be made when the data supports the criteria set forth
in the Diagnostic Statistical Manual that all mental health professionals use.

Data Collection

A detailed history including medical history, family history, educational history, employment history and social history is essential.

ADHD rating scales or psychological tests

Provide information related to symptoms and their severity.

Report and Consultation

The findings are written in a formal report and a specific type of ADHD is diagnosed and explained.
The options for follow-up are explored and resources are discussed. 
Standard treatments for ADHD in adults typically involve medication, education, skills training and
counseling. A combination of these is often the most effective treatment.

Medications

Talk with your doctor about the benefits and risks of any medications.
  • Stimulants, such as products that include methylphenidate or amphetamine, are typically the most commonly prescribed medications for ADHD, but other medications may be prescribed. Stimulants appear to boost and balance levels of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters.
  • Other medications used to treat ADHD include the nonstimulants and certain antidepressants. Antidepressants work slower than stimulants do, but these may be good options if you can't take stimulants because of health problems or if stimulants cause severe side effects.
The right medication and the right dose vary among individuals, so it may take time to find out what’s right for you. Tell your doctor about any side effects.

Psychological counseling

Counseling for adult ADHD generally includes psychotherapy, education about the disorder and learning skills to help you be successful.

Psychotherapy may help you:

  • – Improve your time management and organizational skills
  • – Learn how to reduce your impulsive behavior
  • – Develop better problem-solving skills
  • – Cope with past academic, work or social failures
  • – Improve your self-esteem
  • – Learn ways to improve relationships 
  • – Develop strategies for managing your moods

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Cheryl Hunsberger is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), with over 30 years of experience. She has always been passionate about helping individuals and families dealing with mental health issues or personal problems. Her psychotherapy has made a positive change in many lives.

Cheryl noticed in her work with clients, that many adults have struggled for years with being unorganized, losing track of things, appearing distracted, finding it hard to start or finish tasks and believing they were inadequate in some way. Telling themselves that they need to try harder or they need to establish a system. It can be a relief to find out that it is not an inadequacy of their capabilities, but rather a common disorder that many people cope with everyday and very successfully.

Frequently Asked Questions

ADHD Testing and Consultation will provide an invoice indicating the diagnosis and the amount you have paid so you can submit it to your Health Savings Account for Reimbursement. We do not accept insurance which allows us to keep costs at a minimum.

Testing, interpretation and diagnosis are presented in a formal report. The total cost is $600.00.

There is a definition with criteria for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM) that all mental health professionals must use to insure standardization. Your answers on the self-rating scales are compared to the criteria set forth in the DSM to determine if ADHD is present.  
A lot depends on how quickly the answering sheets are returned. It would be a minimum of 3 weeks’ time when there is not a wait list.  

You will be given a diagnosis which you can give to your doctor; you and your doctor will determine if medication would be something helpful for you.

You will receive information regarding resources. There are organizations that provide publications with useful tips and strategies to manage ADHD symptoms. There are ADHD coaches in the area that can be contracted on an individual basis. If you are a student, your disabilities office is mandated to provide accommodations in the classroom or for testing.

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