ADHD Testing in Sterling, VA—Psychological Testing and Assessment

Here at Thriveworks Sterling, VA, we offer psychological testing and assessment. We currently offer several types of tests, including ADHD testing! If you or your child are exhibiting symptoms of ADHD, consider scheduling an appointment for ADHD testing. This can offer a diagnosis and also kickstart treatment, if you do meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD.

The professionals at Thriveworks Sterling are happy to provide you with this testing. Oftentimes, symptoms of a mental illness can make us feel confused, frustrated, even embarrassed. However, when we discover the reason behind these symptoms, including why we think or act the way that we do, these feelings can be dealt with more readily.

Thriveworks Sterling wants to help you live better. If you’re experiencing ADHD symptoms, this will mean getting tested for a diagnosis and then beginning treatment as soon as possible We can take care of each step right here. To schedule ADHD testing at Thriveworks Sterling, give our office a call at (703) 348-5217. Our scheduling team will assist you and get you all set up with one of our skilled, caring professionals.

What Are the Symptoms of ADHD?

This is a loaded question, as there are multiple types or presentations of ADHD. These include the inattentive type, the hyperactive/impulsive type, and combined. Let’s break down the symptoms for each type:

1. The Inattentive Type:

Six or more of the following symptoms must be present in children up to 16 years old, while five or more symptoms must be present for people 17 and older (and for at least 6 months):

• Difficulty concentrating on specific tasks
• Trouble listening to others
• Makes careless mistakes or ignores the details
• Fails to follow instructions or complete tasks
• Difficulty staying organized
• Avoids/dislikes time-consuming tasks
• Loses items constantly
• Is easy distracted
• Is often forgetful

2. The Hyperactive/Impulsive Type:

Again, at least six of the following symptoms must be present in children up to 16 years old, while at least five symptoms must be present for people 17 and older (and for at least 6 months):

• Is often fidgety
• Has trouble sitting still
• Feels restless when remaining still
• Is often loud during leisure activities
• Talks excessively
• Blurts out answers
• Struggles to wait their turn
• Interrupts others or speaks out of turn

3. The Combined Type:

Combined type ADHD is characterized by both inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity. Children 16 and younger must exhibit six or more symptoms of each type and Individuals 17 and older must exhibit five or more symptoms of each type (for at least 6 months). If you need to brush up on what these specific symptoms are, just refer to the above lists!

You can talk to a psychologist or another healthcare professional to better understand these symptoms and whether you (or a child) might have ADHD.

How Does ADHD Testing Work?

If you think that you or your child might have ADHD, consider scheduling ADHD testing at Thriveworks Sterling, VA. One of our psychologists or other health professionals can perform an evaluation, which involves gathering information about you (or the individual being tested) and comparing it to the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis. These criteria—regardless of the specific type of ADHD—is required to reach an ADHD diagnosis:

• The individual exhibits (or exhibited) several symptoms before 12 years of age
• He or she exhibits these symptoms in multiple settings, such as at home and school
• The individual struggles to function normally due to their symptoms
• The symptoms cannot be better explained by another condition

Sean Hayes PsyD of Thriveworks Counseling in Sterling, VA further explains how ADHD testing works: “To test for ADHD, we might give a client tests to see how they think. For example, a person with ADHD might be able to solve puzzles very well, but they may struggle more on tasks requiring them to pay attention. We compare the person’s performances on these tasks to others their own age to see which areas they are weaker or stronger in, and these comparisons can help us to tell if they have the weaknesses we would expect for someone with ADHD.”

If you are experiencing symptoms of ADHD, it’s important that you get tested for an ADHD diagnosis, as this will pave the way for treatment. Not to mention that an ADHD diagnosis can help you better understand yourself (or your child) and why you think or behave the way that you do! This can help to reduce feelings of shame, frustration, or embarrassment.

Schedule ADHD Testing and Assessment at Thriveworks Sterling, VA

Thriveworks Sterling has psychologists as well as other professionals on staff who can conduct ADHD testing (as well as other psychological testing and assessment services) and then determine a diagnosis. If you do meet all of the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis, one of our professionals can offer a treatment plan that will help you better manage your symptoms! Treatment could include counseling, medication, or both!

If you think that you (or your child) might have ADHD, reach out to Thriveworks Sterling. We can provide you with ADHD testing here at our office as well as online. Just call (703) 348-5217 to get started.