ADHD is one of the most-studied conditions in mental health. In fact, a major international consensus statement reviewed decades of research and found that ADHD is a valid disorder with a strong genetic and neurobiological basis (Faraone et al., 2021). The same review found that myths about ADHD do real harm. So a good evaluation never leans on a hunch or a single checklist. Instead, it pulls evidence from several angles to get the answer right.

Most thorough evaluations share the same five building blocks.
Here is each one.

1. A clinical interview and history. First, the evaluator asks about your current struggles, like focus, organization, restlessness, and follow-through. Then they dig into your history. ADHD starts in childhood, so we look for a lifelong pattern, not just recent stress.
2. Standardized rating scales. Next, you fill out validated questionnaires that compare your symptoms to established norms. Sometimes a partner, parent, or teacher fills one out too. Multiple viewpoints matter, because ADHD shows up differently at home, at work, and at school.
3. Cognitive and attention testing. Depending on the referral question, we may test attention, working memory, processing speed, and executive function. These tests help separate ADHD from conditions that look like it.
4. Ruling out other explanations. Anxiety, depression, sleep problems, and learning disabilities can all mimic ADHD. They can also coexist with it. So a real evaluation sorts out what is actually driving the difficulty. That is the whole point.
5. Feedback and a written report. Finally, you get a plain-language explanation of the findings, a diagnosis (or not), and clear recommendations. Those cover treatment, school or work accommodations, and your next steps.

At many practices, the hard part is not the testing. It is getting in the door. Waitlists can run weeks or even many months. AAPT works differently, and there is no waitlist.

Here is how it actually goes. First, we get you in for a consultation call as soon as possible. Then you book your testing at your convenience. Since there is no booking waitlist, that is usually just a week or two later. The testing itself takes a few hours. After that, you get your results within two to three weeks.

So from your first call to results in hand, most families are looking at about one to two months. You can read more about our ADHD testing process in Ann Arbor or check current availability whenever you are ready.

FAQ

Can my primary care doctor just diagnose ADHD?

Some doctors prescribe after a short screen. However, a full evaluation gives a far more accurate picture, especially when another condition might be involved.

Do adults really get evaluated for ADHD?

Yes, and often. Many adults discover they have ADHD for the first time later in life, after years of unexplained struggle.

How long does the whole thing take?

From your first call to results, plan on about one to two months. There is no waitlist, so we get you in for the consultation right away, schedule testing usually a week or two later at your convenience, and deliver your results two to three weeks after the testing day.

Will testing tell me if it is ADHD or anxiety?

That is exactly what a thorough evaluation is built to sort out.

Think an evaluation might help? Check availability or call 734-333-7016. No waitlist, and real answers.

References

Faraone, S. V., Banaschewski, T., Coghill, D., et al. (2021). The World Federation of ADHD International Consensus Statement: 208 evidence-based conclusions about the disorder. Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, 128, 789-818. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.01.022