ADHD Testing DC
Takeaway: If you or your child is struggling with focus, attention, completing tasks, hyperactivity, and more, consider ADHD testing. Our expert clinicians can help you get to the root of your symptoms and guide you toward getting the support you need to thrive.
Understanding ADHD
ADHD stands for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. It is a neurodevelopmental disorder that typically develops in childhood yet can carry into adulthood. While experts still aren't sure where ADHD comes from, they have identified a number of risk factors, including genetic factors, premature delivery, and more.
ADHD can look different from person to person. However, there are many common ADHD symptoms. These symptoms are sorted into two categories: inattentive symptoms and hyperactivity/impulsivity symptoms. A person may have symptoms that are mainly from one category or the other, or they may have a "combined presentation" (i.e. symptoms from both categories).
Common symptoms of inattentive ADHD
Difficulty paying attention
Trouble focusing in conversations
Difficulty staying organized
Often misplacing important items like homework, phone, keys, etc.
Forgetfulness
Common symptoms of hyperactive/impulsive ADHD
Fidgeting
Excessive talking
Interrupting others
Difficulty waiting
Trouble taking part in independent activities quietly
It's important to recognize that these symptoms can overlap with other conditions, including some learning disabilities or mental health issues. A formal ADHD evaluation is needed to give you a diagnosis and formulate a proper treatment plan.
ADHD testing services we offer
Vital Therapy offers a range of different psychological testing services for ADHD and related disorders. Here are some of the ways that we can help you or your loved one.
ADHD screening for children
If your child is struggling at school, having behavior challenges at home, or seems to have needs that are different from other children their age, consider pursuing an ADHD evaluation. Our clinicians can help you and your child better understand their experience and get them the support they need to flourish.
Psychoeducational assessments
ADHD can significantly impact a student's ability to function in school. However, with proper diagnosis and support, they can thrive academically. If you suspect ADHD is impacting their academic performance and want to give them the tools they need to succeed, ADHD testing can help.
Adult ADHD screening
Some children with ADHD can slip through the cracks, especially if they're gifted in other areas (like many students with ADHD are). We offer ADHD evaluations for adults who are looking to make sense of their symptoms and determine their treatment options.
Our ADHD screening process
Here's a look into what to expect from our ADHD testing process.
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During your complimentary consultation, we'll discuss your concerns and identify whether we can help you. If we mutually agree to move forward, we'll schedule our first session.
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From here, we'll use a variety of different tools to assess cognitive functioning, developmental history, and more. These may include self-report questionnaires, behavior rating scales, and information from parents and teachers (if applicable).
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As part of our comprehensive psychological assessments, we'll also conduct a clinical interview where we'll ask you questions to better understand your symptoms. This usually takes place over two to three sessions.
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Once we've gathered all the relevant data, we'll interpret it and write up a report. This report will include our professional opinion about whether you meet the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis, as well as other mental health conditions or disorders. In order to provide you with an accurate diagnosis, our clinicians take about a month to carefully review data and write your report.
Why choose Vital Therapy for ADHD testing in DC
It's important to carefully consider your treatment options when pursuing an ADHD diagnosis. Here are a few reasons to consider working with our practice.
We offer ADHD testing for people of all ages.
While childhood symptoms are necessary for an ADHD diagnosis, we recognize that children aren't the only people affected by ADHD. We offer adult ADHD testing services as well as assessments for children, teens, and young adults.
We take time to give you the most accurate diagnosis possible.
We don't rush through the assessment process just to give you a quick answer. We take the time to truly get to know each of our clients and gain a deep understanding of their symptoms, strengths, and experiences. By approaching this process with intention, we can give our clients the most accurate, meaningful results.
We believe in deep dives, not quick fixes.
We don't just give you a diagnosis and send you off. Instead, we use all the relevant tools and measures to gain insight into your situation and formulate a comprehensive report. Our reports go beyond the diagnosis itself: we also include treatment recommendations and suggestions for how to draw on your unique strengths.
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You can get diagnosed with ADHD by working with a mental health professional who provides comprehensive evaluations. Typically, these assessments are provided by licensed psychologists.
You don't usually need a referral to get an evaluation. However, if you're seeking an evaluation for your child, you may be able to work with their school or their pediatrician to get testing resources.
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You can find a provider who offers comprehensive testing for ADHD by using search engines like Google, by asking for a referral from primary care doctors, teachers, or other professionals, or by asking people you know for recommendations.
We offer ADHD testing to children, teens, and adults in the greater DC area. Our office is in DuPont Circle, conveniently located near the metro. We also offer virtual services when appropriate.
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Our evaluations typically take place over a few sessions, each of which is three to five hours long with as many breaks as you need.
Once we've gathered all the information we need, your clinician will spend approximately one month synthesizing and interpreting the data. You'll receive a written copy of your report, including your diagnosis, at that time.
FAQs about ADHD testing in DC
Connect with us to start the process
If you're interested in pursuing an ADHD evaluation for yourself or a loved one, we encourage you to reach out. We offer complimentary consultations so you can ask questions and learn more about how we can help. We look forward to connecting with you.