An online questionnaire can indicate whether someone has significant inattentive or hyperactive/impulsive symptoms. It cannot explain why those symptoms are present.
A comprehensive evaluation gathers information from the client and often collateral sources (partner, parent, close friend), plus objective computerized testing, to establish whether ADHD — or something else — is the cause.
Transcript
A comprehensive evaluation is different from an online survey or short screening in how thorough it is. So that questionnaire or screening is an important step in the process, but it is only the first step. So that tells us whether or not somebody has significant symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity or impulsivity. It does not tell us why.
And so getting to the why is the reason for that comprehensive assessment. It enables us, through gathering information from multiple sources — the client, as well as often the client’s spouse or partner, close friend, parent — to gather some collateral information as well and do some objective in-person computerized testing as well.
And so gathering information from these different sources allows us to really establish what is the cause. If there are problems, what is the cause? And is it ADHD or not? And that is something that those surveys really cannot tell us.
Edited for readability while preserving Dr. Crenshaw’s meaning. This is educational content, not a diagnostic interview.
When to consider reaching out
- An online quiz suggested ADHD and you want a clinically meaningful next step.
- You need documentation beyond a self-report screen.
- You want objective testing plus clinical interview, not only questionnaires.
Frequently asked questions
Are online ADHD quizzes useful at all?
They can be a reasonable first step to see whether symptoms are significant. They are not a diagnosis and cannot explain the underlying cause.
What does a comprehensive evaluation add?
Multi-source clinical information and objective computerized testing help determine whether ADHD — or another factor — explains the symptoms.
Is Peachtree ADHD testing done online?
Adult ADHD assessments with Dr. Crenshaw are conducted in person at the Roswell office as part of a multi-method clinical process.
About the clinician
Licensed Psychologist
Licensed psychologist and Assistant Professor of Psychology at Kennesaw State University, specializing in evidence-based assessment, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, and relationship therapy.
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Ready to take the next step?
Request a consultation about adult ADHD testing or therapy with Dr. Crenshaw. Evaluations are conducted in person at our Roswell office.