If ADHD is identified, recommendations typically include behavioral strategies and consideration of medication evaluation. But the value of testing does not end there.
Adults usually arrive with real challenges. Assessment aims to identify what is driving those challenges — sometimes another condition such as generalized anxiety — and to point toward treatment that actually fits.
Transcript
An evaluation can give you a lot of different information. So obviously, if somebody is diagnosed with ADHD, that will lead to a very particular set of recommendations in terms of treatment that includes learning some behavioral management strategies, as well as a referral to be evaluated for potential medication, which is the frontline treatment for ADHD.
Even for those who do not get an ADHD diagnosis, it can often be really informative about what they need. So they are usually coming to me with some problems, saying, hey, I am having some challenges in these areas, and an assessment will often get to the bottom of what is causing that, and that can lead to recommendations. Sometimes that might be another diagnosis. So maybe it is a generalized anxiety disorder, and that can lead to treatment recommendations like cognitive behavioral therapy that can really help.
So really, the ultimate goal of the evaluation is not only to assess for ADHD, but to really just get to the bottom of what is going on for a client, and how we can best help them.
Edited for readability while preserving Dr. Crenshaw’s meaning. This is educational content, not a diagnostic interview.
When to consider reaching out
- You want clarity about attention problems even if you are unsure ADHD is the right label.
- You need a written clinical picture to guide therapy or medical decisions.
- Previous brief screenings left you with more questions than answers.
Frequently asked questions
What if my evaluation does not find ADHD?
You can still leave with a clearer explanation of what is driving your challenges and specific recommendations — for example, anxiety-focused cognitive behavioral therapy when that fits the findings.
What happens if ADHD is diagnosed?
Recommendations often include behavioral management strategies and referral for medication evaluation, which Dr. Crenshaw notes is a frontline treatment pathway for ADHD.
Is the goal only to confirm or rule out ADHD?
No. The broader goal is to understand what is going on and how to help — ADHD assessment is part of that larger clinical picture.
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.