Adult ADHD Assessment

What is ADHD?

ADHD, or Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects attention, focus, impulse control, and sometimes activity levels. While it’s often thought of as a childhood condition, ADHD can persist into adulthood, affecting work, relationships, and daily life.

ADHD is not one-size-fits-all - it presents differently in different people. Some adults were never diagnosed as children, either because their symptoms were overlooked, less obvious, or managed in other ways. For many, this means living much of their life not realizing there was an explanation for why tasks, focus, or organization might feel more difficult. This has contributed to the increase in adult diagnoses in recent years, as we increase our understanding of ADHD.

Therapists often describe three main subtypes:

• Predominantly Inattentive: Difficulty focusing, following through on tasks, and organizing daily responsibilities. Individuals may be easily distracted or forgetful.

• Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive: Restlessness, difficulty sitting still, talking or acting without thinking, and frequent interruptions.

• Combined Presentation: Features of both inattention and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms are present.

Understanding your unique presentation can help guide strategies, supports, and treatment approaches tailored to your life.

What ADHD Can Feel Like

ADHD in adulthood often feels like you’re constantly fighting your own mind. You might feel scattered or overwhelmed, struggling to focus, start tasks, or stay organized - even though you’re trying your best. There can be a constant mental “noise,” a sense of running behind, and exhaustion from keeping up with everyday demands.

Impulsivity can add another layer: interrupting without meaning to, speaking before you think, making fast decisions you later regret, or watching emotions jump from 0 to 100 with little warning. You may overshare, overcommit, or get pulled into distractions even when your intentions are good. Many adults describe it as having a fast, powerful brain in a world that expects slow, steady steps.

If this feels familiar, you’re not alone - and support is available to help you make sense of your experience.

Common Signs of ADHD:

*This is not an all inclusive list and having these symptoms does not mean you have ADHD. However, it may mean an ADHD Assessment could be beneficial.

Inattention:

• Difficulty paying attention due to a mind that wanders

• Forgetfulness with appointments, tasks, or everyday items

• Difficulty staying organized or finishing tasks

• Starting projects with good intentions but struggling to follow through

• Challenges with planning, estimating time ("time blindness"), or prioritizing responsibilities

Hyperactivity / Restlessness:

• Feeling “on edge” or restless, even when appearing calm

• Discomfort sitting through long meetings or conversations

• Frequent fidgeting, tapping, or needing to move

Impulsivity:

• Speaking or acting quickly without realizing it

• Interrupting or overcommitting

• Impulsivity in spending or decision making

• Difficulty with turn taking or delaying gratification

Other challenges:

• Procrastination or avoidance

• Emotional reactivity or mood swings

• Feeling overwhelmed by daily responsibilities

• A lifelong pattern of these challenges

How a Calgary ADHD Assessment Helps

An ADHD assessment gives you more than a diagnosis - it can give you understanding.

At Tri Lotus Psychotherapy our adult ADHD assessments are a space to explore how your attention, focus, and impulses show up in daily life, and to see whether ADHD may be a factor. Using evidence-based tools, our therapists provide feedback and practical suggestions tailored to your needs, helping you find strategies that can make everyday tasks feel more manageable. Each assessment is unique, and our goal is to offer guidance and support so you can better understand your patterns and navigate challenges with confidence.

Whether the results point to ADHD or another factor, you’ll leave with insights and guidance to support your daily life.

What can you Expect with the ADHD Assessment Process?

At Tri Lotus Psychotherapy, our ADHD assessments are comprehensive and personalized.

Here is what the Adult ADHD Assessment (and Teens) process typically includes:

1. Initial Consultation
   Discuss your current experiences and the reasons for seeking an assessment.

2. Clinical Interview & Life History
   Review developmental, educational, and occupational history, and explore how attention, focus, and executive functioning challenges that may appear in daily life. With your consent, collateral information may also be gathered from a person of your choosing to provide a fuller picture of your experience.

3. Standardized Assessment Tools
   Complete standardized questionnaires to evaluate attention, executive functioning, and related cognitive patterns.

4. Comprehensive Report & Feedback
   You will receive a detailed report outlining executive functioning strengths and struggles, evidence-based strategies and treatment recommendations, and resources to support daily functioning. Results are reviewed collaboratively to discuss next steps, including therapy or referral for medical consultation. Please note: not every assessment will result in a diagnosis.

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Supports Adults and Teens (16+)