ADHD, or Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, has long been associated with children struggling to sit still or pay attention in school, but it is increasingly recognized that ADHD affects adults as well (Weibel et al., 2020). Many people go through life feeling scattered, unfocused, or easily distracted, without realizing that these struggles could stem from ADHD. If you've ever wondered whether ADHD might be contributing to challenges in your life, getting a professional assessment could be a game-changer for you.

At Grit Psychology, we are proud to spotlight Steve, a specialist with over 10 years of experience providing comprehensive neurodivergent assessments for adults (18+). Steve has become known for his expertise in working with more complex cases, especially in individuals who present with overlapping symptoms that may meet some but not all diagnostic criteria for ADHD. Here, we’ll explore why an ADHD assessment could be beneficial for you if you suspect that you might have the condition, and how accurate diagnosis can guide you toward more effective treatment and personal understanding.

What is ADHD?

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity (Pallanti & Salerno, 2020). In adults, ADHD symptoms might not be as overt as they are in children, but they can still be disruptive. You might find it difficult to organize tasks, follow through on projects, or stay focused during conversations. While everyone experiences these issues from time to time, for people with ADHD, these challenges can persist and significantly interfere with daily functioning.

Pallanti and Salerno (2020) describe three main types of ADHD:

1. Predominantly inattentive presentation – Difficulty sustaining attention, organizing tasks, and remembering details.
2. Predominantly hyperactive-impulsive presentation – Fidgeting, difficulty staying seated, and impulsive decision-making.
3. Combined presentation – A mix of both inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity symptoms.

Many adults with ADHD never received a diagnosis as children, and without understanding the root of their difficulties, they may have developed coping mechanisms or even struggled silently (Weibel et al., 2020). This is why getting an assessment as an adult can be crucial—it offers a pathway to clarity and effective management of symptoms.

Why Get Assessed?

Accurate Diagnosis is Key 

One of the most important reasons to seek an ADHD assessment is to receive an accurate diagnosis (Weibel et al., 2020; Abdelnour et al., 2022). It’s not uncommon for individuals to suspect ADHD when they encounter issues like procrastination, difficulty focusing, or forgetfulness. However, ADHD isn’t the only condition that can cause these symptoms.

For example:

• Procrastination could be a hallmark of ADHD, but it is also a common symptom of depression (Cui et al., 2021).
• Memory issues, such as forgetfulness or difficulty concentrating, can arise from traumatic stress, mimicking the cognitive challenges associated with ADHD (Bisby et al., 2020).
• In women, internalized presentations of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) can look like social anxiety or depression, rather than the hyperactivity often associated with ADHD (Davico et al., 2024).

Steve at Grit Psychology excels at navigating these complexities. His comprehensive assessments are designed to help differentiate ADHD from other conditions that may present with similar symptoms. By looking at the full picture of a client’s experience, Steve can determine whether ADHD is the most accurate diagnosis or if other factors, such as trauma, depression, or anxiety, may be contributing to the individual's difficulties.

The Benefits of Getting Assessed

If you’ve been grappling with inattention, distractibility, disorganization, or impulsivity, an ADHD assessment can provide a number of benefits, as described by Weibel et al (2020) and Abdelnour et al. (2022): 

1. Clarity and Understanding: After years of wondering why you struggle with certain tasks or behaviors, an ADHD diagnosis can give you a clearer understanding of your brain's unique wiring. For many people, simply having a name for their difficulties provides immense relief.
2. Tailored Treatment: Once you have a clear diagnosis, you can develop a treatment plan that is tailored to your needs. ADHD treatments may include medication, behavioral therapy, or a combination of both. With an accurate diagnosis, you’ll be better equipped to find strategies that help you function more effectively and live a more balanced life.
3. Guiding Support Systems: An ADHD assessment doesn’t just benefit you—it can help those around you understand why you behave the way you do. This newfound understanding can strengthen relationships with friends, family, or colleagues by reducing miscommunication and frustration.
4. Improved Self-Esteem: Many adults with undiagnosed ADHD experience feelings of guilt, shame, or inadequacy because they find it difficult to meet the same expectations as their peers. Once you receive a diagnosis, you can work on developing coping mechanisms that suit your unique cognitive style, helping to improve self-esteem and self-compassion.

Steve's Expertise in Complex Cases

One of the challenges of diagnosing ADHD in adults is that the condition often overlaps with other mental health disorders (Liu et al., 2022). Steve’s work at Grit Psychology is rooted in a deep understanding of these complexities. He specializes in conducting thorough assessments for adults who may meet some but not all diagnostic criteria for ADHD. His goal is to ensure that clients receive the most accurate diagnosis, informing the most appropriate treatment plan.

For example, a person experiencing high levels of distractibility may attribute this to ADHD when in fact, they are dealing with chronic stress or PTSD. Similarly, someone who struggles with forgetfulness might assume it's ADHD-related when it could be related to depression or sleep problems. Steve’s assessments are designed to parse out these nuances, ensuring that his clients get the correct diagnosis and a treatment plan that addresses the root cause of their symptoms.

Taking the Next Step: Is It Time to Get Assessed?

If you’ve been wondering whether ADHD is impacting your life, it might be time to take the next step and get assessed. Here are a few questions to consider:

• Do you often feel overwhelmed by everyday tasks, even those you know you should be able to complete easily?
• Do you struggle with time management, organization, or follow-through?
• Do you often feel like your brain is “scattered” or easily distracted?
• Have you struggled with maintaining focus in school, work, or personal projects?

If you answered "yes" to some of these questions, an ADHD assessment could offer you valuable insights. Steve, who is currently accepting new clients for both assessments and therapy, is ready to help you determine whether ADHD or another factor is contributing to your challenges. His work is all about providing clarity, so that you can start making empowered decisions about your mental health.

Conclusion

At Grit Psychology, we believe that understanding your brain is the first step to unlocking your potential. Whether you’re struggling with focus, procrastination, or forgetfulness, an ADHD assessment could offer the clarity and direction you need to thrive. With Steve’s extensive experience and specialized approach to more complex cases, he can help guide you through the process of diagnosis and treatment with care and expertise. If you're ready to explore whether ADHD might be affecting your life, reach out to Grit Psychology today.

References 

_{Abdelnour, E., Jansen, M. O., & Gold, J. A. (2022). ADHD diagnostic trends: increased recognition or overdiagnosis?. Missouri medicine, 119(5), 467.} 

_{Bisby, J. A., Burgess, N., & Brewin, C. R. (2020). Reduced memory coherence for negative events and its relationship to posttraumatic stress disorder. Current Directions in Psychological Science, 29(3), 267–272. https://doi.org/10.1177/0963721420917691} 

_{Cui, G., Yin, Y., Li, S., Chen, L., Liu, X., Tang, K., & Li, Y. (2021). Longitudinal relationships among problematic mobile phone use, bedtime procrastination, sleep quality and depressive symptoms in Chinese college students: A cross-lagged panel analysis. BMC Psychiatry, 21(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-021-03451-4} 

_{Davico, C., Secci, I., & Vitiello, B. (2024). Internalizing disorders and female autism. Autism Spectrum Disorder: Understanding the Female Phenotype, 83–98. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-62072-0_6} 

_{Liu, Y. S., Cao, B., & Chokka, P. R. (2022). Screening for adulthood ADHD and comorbidities in a tertiary mental health center using EarlyDetect: A machine learning-based pilot study. Journal of Attention Disorders, 27(3), 324–331. https://doi.org/10.1177/10870547221136228} 

_{Pallanti, S., & Salerno, L. (2020). ADHD: A neurodevelopmental disorder. The Burden of Adult ADHD in Comorbid Psychiatric and Neurological Disorders, 21–32. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-39051-8_2} 

_{Weibel, S., Menard, O., Ionita, A., Boumendjel, M., Cabelguen, C., Kraemer, C., Micoulaud-Franchi, J.-A., Bioulac, S., Perroud, N., Sauvaget, A., Carton, L., Gachet, M., & Lopez, R. (2020). Practical considerations for the evaluation and management of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults. L’Encéphale, 46(1), 30–40. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.encep.2019.06.005}