ADHD Testing in Libertyville: What's Included in the Evaluation

If you have questions about whether you or your child might have ADHD, getting an accurate evaluation is the only way to know for sure. ADHD can’t be diagnosed with a quick test or questionnaire. There are many factors to consider, such as symptoms, history, and behavioral patterns that lead to dysfunction in daily living situations at home, school, or work.

Many people in Libertyville and Lake County have questions about whether they or their child might have ADHD, but they have also avoided getting evaluated because they do not know what to expect. In this article, we will go over what happens at an ADHD evaluation, from the first appointment to receiving a diagnosis and treatment recommendations, so you can prepare yourself ahead of time before you book an appointment.

Our psychiatrists, physicians, and psychologists at A Ray of Hope in Libertyville have been providing ADHD evaluations for adults and children throughout Lake County. We offer comprehensive evaluations, accurate diagnoses, and individualized treatment recommendations that help our patients fully understand how ADHD is impacting their lives or their child's life.

Are you ready to book an ADHD evaluation in Libertyville? Call us today at (847) 816-6335 with any questions about the evaluation process.

What an ADHD Evaluation Actually Involves

What is usually involved in a complete ADHD evaluation in Libertyville?

An ADHD evaluation in Libertyville will include multiple components. No single test or evaluation can diagnose ADHD; rather, it is a compilation of information from a variety of sources and individuals involved with the affected individual.

Clinical interview and history review. A complete ADHD evaluation begins with a thorough interview between the evaluating provider (or the child) and the adult with ADHD (or the child's parents). For adults, this includes the history of onset of ADHD symptoms, how they impact your life (at home, at work, etc.), your childhood and school days, any previous diagnoses or treatments you have received, and any family history of ADHD or other disorders.

For children, the interview will include speaking with both the parent and the child. The provider will ask questions about the child’s behavior at home and in school, developmental milestones achieved or not, any difficulties identified in his or her functioning in academic or social situations, and how long the child has exhibited these behaviors. The CDC provides information about what types of symptoms and behaviors must be exhibited in order to diagnose ADHD: symptoms must have been present for at least 6 months, symptoms must be exhibited in at least two different settings (not just at home or just at school), and the symptoms must have a significant impact on the person’s functioning.

Cognitive and neuropsychological testing (when needed). Cognitive and neuropsychological testing is not typically required for each ADHD evaluation, though it may be recommended if there are certain questions regarding learning disabilities or difficulties with executive functioning that may need to be assessed. Neuropsychological testing can assist in differentiating between ADHD and other disorders that may have overlapping symptoms, as well as in gaining insight into the cognitive strengths and weaknesses of those affected by ADHD.

How ADHD Testing Differs for Adults vs. Children

For adults in Libertyville who are looking for ADHD testing, the focus is more on what may have happened to you over the years prior to diagnosis, such as how it may have impacted your education, work, interpersonal relationships, and sense of self. Many adults who are looking to be evaluated for ADHD have found ways to cope with their symptoms in ways that masked them as a child, but no longer work for the demands of adult life. The evaluation will consider both your symptoms as an adult, but will also consider your childhood history too, because ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder and must have been present prior to age 12, even if it was never recognized or diagnosed at that time.

For children, the evaluation process typically involves more direct observation and interaction with the child, gathering detailed input from teachers and school personnel, reviewing academic performance, and evaluation of whether there are any other conditions that may be present along with, or sometimes instead of, ADHD such as learning disabilities, anxiety or oppositional defiant disorder which frequently co-occur with ADHD in children.

So whether you or your child is looking for an evaluation, the end goal will be the same!

What Happens After the ADHD Evaluation

After all information has been collected, your provider will review the clinical interview, rating scales, collateral information, and any testing completed. They will present a diagnostic summary to you, and if you are diagnosed with ADHD, your provider will explain what type of ADHD you or your child has. This can include the predominantly inattentive type (making mistakes due to inattention and being easily distracted), the predominantly hyperactive-impulsive type (restlessness, fidgeting, and interrupting others), or the combined type (inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms). Your provider will also review any co-occurring diagnosis that may have been identified at the time of evaluation, such as anxiety, depression, learning disabilities, or even sleep disorders, because treating these can be more effective when addressing all areas simultaneously.

Based on your unique needs and areas of challenge, your provider will work with you to formulate a treatment plan. Many patients benefit from the combination of medication, psychotherapy, behavioral interventions, and accommodations at home, school, or at work. At A Ray of Hope, our ADHD specialists offer medication management as well as therapy, which means we can coordinate your treatment instead of referring you to another office.

Who Should Get Tested for ADHD in Libertyville

An ADHD evaluation is indicated if you or your child has persistent difficulties with attention, focus, organization, time management, impulsivity, or hyperactivity that are interfering with performance at school, work, social relationships, or daily functioning. An evaluation may also be warranted if you have been diagnosed with anxiety or depression, but the treatment has not been as effective as you had hoped—often because ADHD has been underlying or co-existing with the anxiety or depression, and treating the ADHD can sometimes resolve the anxiety or depression symptoms.

For adults, common signs that ADHD evaluation may be warranted include chronic procrastination and difficulties with starting and completing tasks, losing or misplacing important items, difficulty with time management and consistently being on time, difficulty sustaining attention during meetings, reading or conversations, impulsive behavior or decisions (e.g., acting without thinking), and feelings of chronic under-achievement (e.g., feeling less competent than one’s peers) despite demonstrated intelligence and effort.

For children, common signs that ADHD evaluation may be warranted include difficulties following multi-step instructions, making careless mistakes in schoolwork, excessive fidgeting or difficulty sitting still, interrupting others, or difficulty waiting for their turn, difficulties with organizing schoolwork and personal items, and avoiding tasks that require sustained mental effort.

Call (847) 816-6335 to schedule an ADHD evaluation at A Ray of Hope in Libertyville if you recognize any of these signs in yourself or your child—early diagnosis and treatment can make a significant difference in outcomes for individuals with ADHD!

Schedule ADHD Testing in Libertyville and Lake County

A Ray of Hope sees patients across Lake County, including Libertyville, Gurnee, Mundelein, Vernon Hills, and Waukegan. Our psychiatrists, medical doctors, and psychologists understand ADHD when it occurs in children and adults, and we provide integrated care that includes medication, therapy, and follow-up.

To schedule an ADHD evaluation, call us at (847) 816-6335 or contact us online. Our team will answer your questions about scheduling, insurance, and what to expect at your first visit.

You don’t have to live with feeling like you’re supposed to be able to do something, but just can’t. Getting diagnosed is the first step to finding out why — and to getting help.