Psychological testing for ADHD in adults

Do you struggle with staying focused and completing tasks? Do you often feel like your mind races from one thought to another, making it difficult to concentrate on what’s important? If so, you may have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). You may also wonder what psychological testing for ADHD in adults is needed for a diagnosis and treatment. 

Psychological testing can give you a diagnosis and get treatment to learn to work with your brain instead of struggling to do things the way neurotypical adults do.

In this article, we explore the process of psychological testing for ADHD in adults and the different types of psychological testing methods healthcare providers most often use to evaluate and diagnose ADHD in adults. 

Are you interested in psychological testing to determine if you have ADHD? The providers on Klarity Health are licensed and experienced in providing professional ADHD diagnoses. And you can often have an appointment in as little as 24 hours.* Find a provider today.

How Is ADHD diagnosed in adults?

Diagnosing ADHD in adults is done using a variety of methods — interviews, medical history, and psychological tests and assessments. A diagnosis can also include a physical exam and blood tests to rule out underlying medical conditions that might mimic ADHD.

Most licensed providers will see you in person or online to evaluate your symptoms using clinical guidelines, such as the criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), and various types of diagnostic methods and tests to gather the most precise information. Methods used can include: 

• A physical exam to rule out any underlying thyroid or seizure conditions that can mimic ADHD
• A diagnostic interview to gather a detailed list of your current and past medical history and medications 
• An in-depth conversation about your symptoms; at times, you will not present with symptoms during your visit; for this, the provider must be very detailed 
• An ADHD symptoms checklist 
• Standardized behavior rating scales 
• Family member or a loved one interviews to learn more and if you agree
• Cognitive ability testing to rule out a learning disorder
•  The Vanderbilt assessment scale: a 55-question assessment by reviewing the symptoms of ADHD. It also rules out underlying mental conditions, such as depression, anxiety, and conduct disorders.
• Brain wave tests: A neuropsychiatric EEG-based assessment aid sends waves into your brain to measure the amount of activity. This test is usually for children under 17, but healthcare providers sometimes use it to confirm a diagnosis of ADHD in adults. 

Psychological testing for ADHD diagnoses in adults

Diagnosing ADHD can be tricky since there’s no single exam or psychological test that determines if you have ADHD or not. Your healthcare provider might use multiple assessments to determine which ADHD disorder you have. Here’s a deeper look at some of the tests and criteria your provider might use.

Diagnostic interview

A diagnostic interview consists of a detailed conversation between you and your healthcare provider. You’ll be asked to discuss your past medical history, family history, and medications. Most importantly, you’ll be asked about your current condition, emphasizing your daily tasks and activities. 

Family interview

Having a loved one close to you can help providers diagnose your ADHD. This can be your parents, siblings, partner, friend, or even a co-worker who has been around you for an extended period. If the person lives with you, it’s beneficial to give the healthcare provider a better understanding of the symptoms you’re having.

Test of Variable Attention (TOVA)

TOVA is a 22-minute neuropsychological test that screens for ADHD and measures the attention variables in a person. It’s done as a computer game that includes separate auditory and visual tests. People are visually shown 2 simple geometric figures and are asked to click a microswitch when the image is seen. The same concept is used for the auditory test; when the taker hears a specific sound, they’re directed to hit the microswitch. 

TOVA should never be used as the only criteria for diagnosis. 

Standardized behavior rating scales for psychological testing for ADHD in adults

With a multidimensional approach, these scales can be used as various forms of checklists with the guidelines of DSM-5’s underlying conditions and intended use for a third-party individual. This can be your boss, clinician, or partner. This helps providers to understand of your symptoms and comes in many variations, like: 

Conners Adult ADHD Rating Scales

Conners Adults ADHD Rating Scales (CAARS) is one of the most popular tools for assessing ADHD that includes self-report and observer forms that usually take 15-20 minutes to complete. CAARS is issued in two different versions, a long and short, comprising measurements of ADHD symptoms. 

The Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Functioning

The Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function – Adult Version (BRIEF-A) includes 75 items that measure different aspects of environmental functioning. It uses 2 reports, a self-report and an information report. If the patient is unaware of their behaviors and has difficulty with self-monitoring, the provider only uses the information report.

Barkley Adult ADHD Rating Scales for psychological testing for ADHD in adults

The Barkley Adults ADHD Rating Scales – IV (BAARS-IV) was used to measure current and childhood symptoms. It includes a self-report and an other-report for partners, parents, siblings, or any close relative or friend. This conveniently reliable tool usually takes less than 10 minutes to complete. 

Medical exam

A board-certified healthcare provider may also give you a medical exam and blood test to rule out any underlying issues that mimic ADHD. This will help rule out any thyroid issues, depression, anxiety, and others, including any past head trauma Some providers will also issue a urine drug screening test to rule out any substance abuse that could be contributing to ADHD-like symptoms. 

Testing for other conditions

Learning disorders or other functionality disorders mimic ADHD, including autism, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), dyslexia, language processing disorders, sleep disorders, and sensory processing disorders. Healthcare providers will determine if other types of psychological testing are needed after your initial consultation. 

Symptoms of ADHD in adults

Adults with ADHD usually show patterns of specific ADHD symptoms. These are the symptoms that your provider and tests will look to uncover. 

• Poor time management
• Inability to complete or focus thoroughly on tasks
• Impulsiveness
• Restlessness
• Poor social communication

The DSM-5 lists 3 different types of ADHD:  inattentive, hyperactive-Impulsive, and combined. Each has different symptoms. During our assessment and testing, your provider will look to determine the type of ADHD you have.

Inattentive ADHD

Adults with inattentive ADHD may have trouble staying on task and experience 5 or more of the following symptoms for at least 6 months: 

• Often fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in school or job tasks
• Having problems staying focused on lessons or activities for a long time. (lectures, work tasks, and sustainable tasks) 
• Doesn’t seem to engage and stay attentive when talking and tends to drift away in thoughts 
• Doesn’t follow through on instructions, complete tasks, chores, or job duties, and loses focus after starting
• Often has trouble organizing activities and staying on task 
• Avoids or dislikes tasks that require sustained mental effort, such as preparing reports and completing forms
• Tends to lose things needed for jobs or daily life
• Often easily distracted
• Forgetting daily tasks 

Hyperactive-impulsive ADHD

Adults with hyperactive-impulsive ADHD may be impulsive and struggle with thinking through the consequences of their actions. If you have hyperactive-impulsive ADHD, you’ll likely experience 5 or more symptoms for at least 6 months: 

• Difficulty staying seated for an extended period (in the workplace and in meetings) 
• Often fidgeting and squirming while sitting down 
• Usually leaving situations in certain areas when it isn’t appropriate (hard time staying seated during a board exam)
• Unable to do leisure activities alone or quietly 
• Always “on the go,” and does not seem to take things slowly
• Excessively talking 
• Interrupting others when conversing and not letting others finish their sentences 
• Often unable to wait for an extended period or their turn (waiting in long lines) 
• Often interrupting others (using others’ personal space and items without asking) 

Combined ADHD

A mental health provider often diagnoses this type of ADHD if you’ve experienced 5 or more inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive symptoms within the last 6 months. 

Start a diagnosis with a healthcare provider on Klarity Health

If you’re interested in finding out if you have ADHD, talk to a licensed healthcare provider to start your diagnosis within 24  hours. Simply find a provider on Klarity Health for an online or in-person appointment. If you’re diagnosed with ADHD, your provider can help you themself or refer you to other providers as part of your treatment care team.