Adult ADHD Evaluation
Comprehensive clinical evaluation — not just a checklist
What Makes a Proper ADHD Evaluation?
Diagnosing ADHD in adults requires more than completing a symptoms checklist online. A thorough evaluation examines the full developmental history, identifies conditions that mimic or co-occur with ADHD, and establishes that symptoms represent a true neurodevelopmental disorder rather than situational stress, anxiety, or another treatable condition.
Dr. Agresti's ADHD evaluations typically take 60–90 minutes and result in a definitive diagnosis, a clear differential diagnosis, and a personalized treatment recommendation.
What the Evaluation Covers
Developmental History
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder — symptoms must have been present before age 12, though they may not have caused significant impairment until demands increased. Dr. Agresti reviews school records, report card comments, and early behavioral history.
Current Symptom Assessment
Detailed review of DSM-5 inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive criteria across multiple settings: work, home, relationships. Both the patient's perspective and, when available, a partner's or family member's observations are valuable.
Validated Rating Scales
Standardized instruments (CAARS — Conners' Adult ADHD Rating Scales; ADHD-RS) quantify symptom severity and compare the patient to population norms, providing objective data to supplement the clinical interview.
Differential Diagnosis
Many conditions produce ADHD-like symptoms: anxiety (racing thoughts, distractibility), depression (motivation problems, concentration difficulty), bipolar disorder (impulsivity, distractibility), sleep deprivation (concentration, memory), and thyroid dysfunction. These must be distinguished from true ADHD.
Co-Occurring Conditions
ADHD rarely occurs in isolation. 50%+ of adults with ADHD have a co-occurring mood or anxiety disorder. Identifying and treating all conditions — not just ADHD — produces the best outcomes.
Medication History & Contraindications
Review of prior medication trials, current medications (for interactions), cardiac history, blood pressure, substance use history, and other factors that affect medication selection.
Do I Need Neuropsychological Testing?
Neuropsychological testing (a full "psych eval" with hours of cognitive tests) is rarely required for ADHD diagnosis in adults. A comprehensive clinical psychiatric evaluation by a board-certified psychiatrist is sufficient for diagnosis in most cases. Testing adds cost and time without always changing the diagnostic conclusion or treatment plan.
Neuropsych testing is most useful when: learning disabilities are suspected, there are concerns about cognitive decline, the diagnosis remains unclear after a thorough clinical evaluation, or documentation is needed for workplace accommodations.
Telehealth ADHD Evaluation in Florida
Dr. Agresti conducts ADHD evaluations via telehealth for patients throughout Florida. The comprehensive clinical interview and rating scales are equally effective via video. Stimulant prescriptions can be issued following a telehealth evaluation under current DEA rules.