- TL;DR: An ADHD evaluation is a structured assessment, usually one to three hours, in which a licensed provider reviews your symptoms, history, and other possible causes to determine whether you have ADHD. It can be done by a primary care provider, psychiatrist, psychologist, or ADHD specialist. A formal diagnosis can explain long-standing challenges with focus and organization, open the door to school or workplace accommodations, and guide treatment, which often includes therapy and lifestyle changes as well as medication.
Please note: this article is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for a professional evaluation.
Distracted? Restless? Acting on impulse? Sound familiar? These can be signs of ADHD, but they can also have other causes, which is why a professional evaluation matters.
Before jumping to conclusions or self-diagnosing, a professional evaluation can provide clearer answers and help you find the right support.
An ADHD evaluation is a structured assessment in which a licensed provider reviews your symptoms, history, and other possible causes to determine whether you have ADHD.
What Does An Evaluation Look Like?
An evaluation can take between one to three hours. At Rural Psychiatry Associates, a trained staff member opens the evaluation with a conversation to review daily habits such as sleep, caffeine, nicotine, medication, drug and alcohol use. Then, there is a questionnaire; for patients ages 11 or under, their guardian will complete this.
Finally there is the test itself, which consists of the instructions, a practice test and the actual test. Patients are then scheduled for a results interpretation with one of our Psychiatrists. Afterward, patients can follow up with their primary physician to continue treatment.
During the exam, evaluators are looking for three things:
- Identifying symptoms of ADHD
- Ruling out possible other causes
- Identifying co-occurring conditions like other learning disabilities, anxiety, or depression.
Most providers, including Rural Psychiatry Associates, require evaluations to be conducted in person.
Are ADHD Evaluations Done In Person or By Telehealth?
Meeting with a professional in person is often preferred because in addition to asking specific questions, they are also watching body language. Is there fidgeting, a struggle to stay still, lapses in attention? Little things that are much easier to notice in person rather than chatting virtually. However, these observations are only one part of the evaluation, and the appropriate format may vary by provider.
What Will Evaluators Ask?
Some examples the evaluator may ask include:
- “How well do you pay attention/focus when talking to others or in a class setting?”
- “Do you often make purchases or decisions on impulse?”
- “Are you able to stay on task when working on a project, school assignments, work projects?”
Since ADHD often first appears in children, parents may be asked to provide report cards and any behavior reports from school. In adults, evaluators may ask for old report cards, performance reviews, even medical records.
Why Should I Get An ADHD Diagnosis?
Getting an ADHD diagnosis can also give you a better understanding of yourself. A diagnosis can explain long-standing challenges with focus, organization, or time management, and point toward strategies that help.
There are several practical benefits to getting an official ADHD diagnosis for both the patient and their support network:
For Kids
If your child has an ADHD diagnosis, parents can request a school evaluation to determine whether their child qualifies for an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or a Section 504 plan. This is a formal plan outlining the accommodations and support a student receives at school. Some examples include:
- Extra time for taking tests.
- Adjusted classroom settings.
For Adults
Adults with ADHD may need similar accommodations, such as:
- Written instructions.
- Flexible deadlines.
- Noise reducing headphones.
How Is ADHD Treated?
While medication is a treatment option, it’s not the only option. Mental health providers may recommend Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). CBT looks at thought patterns, works on time management, and helps individuals work on their organizational skills.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) may also help individuals improve emotional regulation and manage impulsive reactions. Behavioral therapy can help individuals develop positive habits and manage daily challenges. For children, parent training can help caregivers establish routines and reinforce positive behaviors.
Mental health providers can also help patients set up routines, practice mindfulness activities and offer support in how to ask for school or work accommodations.
Whether it’s you or a child who’s been diagnosed with ADHD, your provider may recommend making some lifestyle changes:
- Set routines: Getting up/going to bed at the same time every day.
- Eat regularly: Serve meals at set times & focus on well balanced meals.
- Exercise: Physical activity may help dopamine and norepinephrine levels, which help improve concentration and impulse control.
- Downtime: Allow for time to just be. Whether it’s a child or an adult, many people can benefit from a little time to themselves to self-regulate. This time may be spent meditating, reading a book, or doing a hobby.
Rural Psychiatry Associates provides in-person ADHD evaluations at the following clinics:
- Bemidji, Minnesota
- Alexandria, Minnesota
- Grand Forks, North Dakota
- Fargo, North Dakota
- Minot, North Dakota
- Bismarck, North Dakota
- Billings, Montana
Read more about ADHD evaluations with Rural Psychiatry Associations here.
FAQs
Q: What is an ADHD evaluation?
A: An ADHD evaluation is a structured assessment where a provider asks about your symptoms, history, and daily life to determine whether you have ADHD, rule out other causes, and identify co-occurring conditions such as anxiety, depression, or learning disabilities. Evaluations typically take one to three hours.
Q: Who can evaluate and diagnose ADHD?
A: A primary care provider, psychiatrist, psychologist, or another clinician who specializes in ADHD can conduct an evaluation. Your primary care provider may refer you to a specialist if your situation is complex.
Q: Can adults get evaluated for ADHD for the first time?
A: Yes. ADHD symptoms begin in childhood, but many people aren’t diagnosed until adulthood. Evaluators often ask adults for old report cards, performance reviews, or medical records to understand how symptoms have shown up over time.
Q: How should I prepare for an ADHD evaluation?
A: Gather school records or performance reviews, a list of any medications you take, and notes on what you’re struggling with, when it started, and how it affects your daily life. For a child’s evaluation, bring report cards and any school behavior reports.
Q: Does insurance cover an ADHD evaluation?
A: Coverage varies by plan. Call the number on your insurance card and ask whether ADHD evaluations are covered, what your copay and deductible are, whether there’s a limit on visits per year, and whether the provider is in-network.
Rural Psychiatry Associates accepts many insurance plans. Click here to learn more about which specific providers and how to request we accept coverage from another provider.
Q: What happens after an ADHD diagnosis?
A: Your provider will talk with you about treatment options, which may include therapy, medication, routines, and lifestyle changes. A diagnosis can also support requests for accommodations, such as an evaluation for an IEP or 504 plan at school, or adjustments like flexible schedules or quiet workspaces at work.
Q: Is medication the only treatment for ADHD?
A: No. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can help with thought patterns, time management, and organization, and providers often recommend routines, regular exercise, and downtime as well. Some people use medication alongside these approaches, and your provider can help you decide what fits.
Q: Where does Rural Psychiatry Associates offer ADHD evaluations?
A: Rural Psychiatry Associates provides in-person ADHD evaluations at the following clinics: Bemidji, Minnesota; Alexandria, Minnesota; Grand Forks, North Dakota; Fargo, North Dakota; Minot, North Dakota; Bismarck, North Dakota; Billings, Montana