Understanding Your Mind
ADHD Testing for Adults
After years of struggling, finally getting answers can be life-changing. Our comprehensive ADHD assessments for adults provide the clarity you’ve been searching for. A diagnosis opens doors to support and research-based interventions.
What is ADHD?
ADHD is a neurobiological condition that affects executive functions including focus, organization, time management, impulse control, and emotion regulation. While people with ADHD often possess remarkable creativity, energy, and problem-solving abilities, they may struggle in academic settings, workplace environments, or managing daily life responsibilities.
For adults with ADHD, the symptoms can impact many areas of life including home, work, relationships, finances, substance use, and physical health. Finding the right support and treatment for these symptoms is the first step toward empowering adults with ADHD by diminishing friction created by challenges so that they lean into their strengths.
Our comprehensive adult ADHD evaluations can help identify these patterns and inform next steps for effective interventions. Many successful professionals, entrepreneurs, and leaders have ADHD, channeling their unique way of thinking into remarkable achievements. With proper understanding and support, adults with ADHD can harness their strengths and develop strategies to navigate challenges successfully.
Common Signs and Related Patterns of ADHD
- Focus and Task Management: Difficulty maintaining focus during required activities yet strong engagement in preferred tasks.
- Executive Function: Challenges with organization, memory, and time management.
- Self-Regulation: Difficulty with impulse control and emotional regulation.
- Family Connections: ADHD often runs in families with similar traits present in siblings or parents.
- Related Conditions: Commonly co-occurs with anxiety, mood disorders, and learning differences like dyslexia.
- ADHD in Women: ADHD can look different in women, leading to underdiagnosis. Learn more about ADHD in women.
What to Expect in an ADHD Evaluation
Our welcoming office environments in Wayzata and St. Paul will put you at ease from the moment you arrive. We complete the entire evaluation process one day, including comprehensive testing and an in-depth review of your results with one of our experienced neuropsychologists. You’ll leave with a clear understanding of your unique cognitive strengths and a concrete plan for accessing the support you need to thrive.
Our neuropsychological evaluation process is thorough, thoughtful, and tailored to each client. Here’s what it typically includes:
- Clinical interview: To understand your history, challenges, strengths, and goals.
- Standardized questionnaires: Research-backed questionnaires to assess symptoms across settings and gather input from multiple perspectives.
- State-of-the-art continuous performance testing: We use a cutting-edge Virtual Reality Continuous Performance Test (VR-CPT) as part of our ADHD evaluations.
- Mood & Anxiety Screening: We evaluate mood, stress, anxiety, and other factors that can come along with ADHD.
- Feedback Session: The neuropsychologist will meet with you to discuss the results in clear, accessible language and offer meaningful insights.
- Personalized Recommendations: You’ll leave with a tailored plan to support your next steps.
Two ADHD Evaluation Options for Adult
We offer two options for adult ADHD testing, one with cognitive testing and one without. We recommend including cognitive testing if you are looking for any academic accommodations, if you are curious about your cognitive profile, if you are looking for a baseline on your memory skills, or if you have any concerns outside of ADHD. Both options allow our neuropsychologists to provide a thorough report and tailored recommendations, including therapy, medication, coaching, etc.
NeuroFocus Evaluation
Includes:
- Comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation report documenting background, test results, diagnosis, and recommendations.
- Symptom questionnaires
- Clinical interview
- Diagnostic symptom interview
- Continuous performance testing
- Meeting with the neuropsychologist to discuss diagnosis and recommendations
Appointment length: 2 hours
NeuroComplete Evaluation
Includes:
- Everything from NeuroFocus Evaluation
- IQ Testing
- Executive Functioning Testing
- Memory Testing
Appointment length: 9:00 AM – 1:00 P.M.
We were so impressed by the care, humanity, humor, and professionalism of the MNNP team. A sincere thank you to the team that worked with us.
Expert Assessments from a Compassionate Team
We provide evaluations in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area through comprehensive, data-driven evaluations in two welcoming settings. Whether you visit our Cathedral Hill or Wayzata location, you can expect a caring and compassionate team. Our neuropsychologists have the highest level of specialized training in our field and bring a supportive, personable approach to every evaluation. Our mission is to provide a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation that empowers our clients to find clarity about their strengths and challenges and provide clear options for the next steps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are frequently asked questions specifically about ADHD testing in adults. For information about our evaluation process and additional questions regarding assessments, please visit the FAQ section on our Evaluations for Adults webpage.
Should I get cognitive testing as part of my ADHD testing?
We offer two comprehensive testing options:
- NeuroFocus evaluation: Concentrates primarily on ADHD assessment and diagnosis.
- NeuroComplete evaluation: Includes ADHD testing plus additional cognitive assessments covering IQ, executive functioning, memory, and if needed academic testing.
We recommend comprehensive cognitive testing if you need academic or work accommodations, want to understand your complete cognitive profile, seek a memory baseline for future comparison, or have additional concerns beyond ADHD. This expanded testing can identify strengths and challenges across different cognitive domains, providing a fuller picture of how your mind works.
Both options provide thorough reports with tailored recommendations, including medication, coaching, therapy, and other evidence-based interventions. If you have questions about which option is right for you, schedule a Free Discovery Call.
What is the benefit of having a formal ADHD diagnosis?
A formal ADHD diagnosis provides several important benefits:
- Understanding the root cause: You’ll learn about the underlying mechanics of your attention, focus, and behavioral challenges and how ADHD affects your learning, work performance, and daily functioning. A diagnosis helps demystify ADHD-related struggles and reduce frustration.
- Accessing accommodations: A formal diagnosis may qualify you for educational supports and accommodations through your school’s disability services office, as well as workplace accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), such as flexible scheduling, extended deadlines, or modified work environments.
- Starting targeted intervention: With a clear diagnosis, you can begin ADHD interventions tailored to your specific needs, including therapy, coaching, medication management, or other evidence-based treatments recommended by your neuropsychologist.
- Personal validation and self-compassion: Many adults experience relief and validation after receiving a diagnosis, helping them understand that their struggles weren’t due to character flaws or lack of effort, which can improve self-esteem and relationships.
- Improved relationships: Understanding your ADHD can help you communicate your needs more effectively with family, friends, and colleagues, leading to better support and reduced misunderstandings.
How does ADHD affect the brain?
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition caused by differences in the development of specific brain networks responsible for executive functioning, attention regulation, and impulse control. Neuroimaging studies reveal differences in brain structure, connectivity, and neurotransmitter activity—particularly involving dopamine and norepinephrine pathways. ADHD is a complex condition, and the specific brain differences and their impact can vary significantly from person to person. ADHD can also present differently in women and girls, which has led to historical underdiagnosis in these populations (learn more about ADHD in women).
ADHD medications work by enhancing dopamine and norepinephrine activity in the brain’s frontal lobe to improve executive functioning—helping individuals focus, manage tasks, and build lasting positive habits—even while their neurochemical effects are temporary.” (ADHD Medication Overview)
Many individuals with ADHD also experience periods of intense focus on preferred activities, a phenomenon sometimes referred to as “hyperfocus.” While this intense concentration can be a strength, it may also present challenges if it leads to neglecting other responsibilities. Individuals with ADHD may also demonstrate creative problem-solving abilities, high energy that can be channeled productively, and what some describe as unique strengths that emerge from these same brain differences (read our “Focus is Wave” article) .
ADHD often runs in families and frequently co-occurs with other conditions, including learning differences (e.g., dyslexia), anxiety, or depression. Understanding these brain-based differences and the varied ways they can manifest helps families and educators provide appropriate support and recognize individual strengths.
What are your policies regarding insurance?
To ensure we can provide thorough evaluations, we have chosen to be an out-of-network provider and do not accept insurance. Unfortunately, insurance companies impose strict limitations on how much time can be allocated to different parts of an evaluation. For complete details about potential reimbursement opportunities, please visit our Fees & Payments web page.
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Through our comprehensive diagnostic ADHD testing, you’ll gain clear insights to navigate ADHD challenges effectively. Our welcoming teams at our Minneapolis/St. Paul and Wayzata offices are here to guide you toward understanding and growth.
