Adult ADHD Is One of the Most Misdiagnosed Conditions in Primary Care
Many adults treated for anxiety or depression actually have ADHD that was never properly evaluated. A psychiatric diagnosis changes everything.
At Different Mental Health, we prioritize you and your journey. Our practice uses Qbtech’s ADHD testing, an FDA-cleared medical device that provides objective data for diagnosing and treating ADHD for patients ages 6-60. This evidence-based testing allows us to gather more information on your symptoms to better understand your unique needs.
Insurance accepted • Telehealth • Ongoing Care
Three Reasons ADHD Testing Is Important:
- Avoiding bias due to age and sex differences. ADHD presents very differently, depending one’s age/sex. Qbtech’s test results include data from age/sex-matched normative groups to ensure better comparisons of your symptom severity.
- Symptoms of ADHD can overlap with other disorders. Qbtech’s objective testing provides data to better understand if symptoms fit the presentation we expect with ADHD or not.
- Ensuring optimal outcomes. Finding the right treatment takes some trial-and-error, and determining treatment efficacy can be difficult. Qbtech’s testing allows us to measure response to treatment to ensure you are
receiving optimal results in a streamlined way.
Types of ADHD
This is the most common form of ADHD, showing a mix of both symptom sets. Each subtype affects functioning in different ways, and treatment plans may vary depending on the dominant symptom profile
Predominantly Inattentive
Predominantly inattentive – Symptoms are mostly related to inattention, such as:
- Difficulty focusing on tasks.
- Easily distracted or forgetful.
- Struggling to follow through on instructions or complete tasks.
- Frequently losing things.
- Appearing not to listen when spoken to.
Individuals with this subtype may seem disorganized or unfocused but may not display hyperactive or impulsive behaviors.
Predominantly Inattentive
Symptoms are primarily related to hyperactivity and impulsivity, such as:
- Fidgeting, squirming, or an inability to sit still.
- Talking excessively or interrupting others.
- Acting without thinking about consequences.
- Difficulty staying quiet or waiting their turn.
Individuals with this subtype are often very energetic and may struggle with impulse control.
Combined Type
- Symptoms of both inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity are present.
- Individuals may have difficulty paying attention, staying organized, and completing tasks while also showing signs of impulsivity and hyperactivity.
People experiencing ADHD order can display a variety of symptoms
Individuals with ADHD often experience a variety of symptoms that can differ in both severity and how they manifest. Common symptoms include quickly losing interest in tasks, daydreaming or becoming easily distracted due to a lack of motivation, fidgeting, squirming, and difficulty sitting still. Additionally, they may struggle with taking turns, waiting, or sharing.
Psychological Symptoms
- Becoming Bored With A Task Quickly.
- Daydreaming Or Wandering With Lack Of Motivation.
- Difficulty Processing Information Quickly.
- Impatience
- Anxiety/Worry
- Low Self Esteem
- Depressed Mood
- Difficulty With Sleep
Physical Symptoms
- Fidgeting And Squirming, Having Trouble Sitting Still.
- Touching Or Playing With Everything.
- Difficulty Doing Quiet Tasks Or Activities.
Behavioral Symptoms
- Becoming Easily Distracted, Jumping From Activity To Activity.
- Difficulty Focusing Attention Or Completing A Single Task Or Activity.
- Trouble Completing Or Turning In Homework Assignments.
- Losing Things Such As School Supplies Or Toys.
- Not Listening Or Paying Attention When Spoken To.
- Struggling To Follow Directions.
- Acting Without Regard For Consequences, Blurting Things Out.
- Difficulty Taking Turns, Waiting, Or Sharing.
- Interrupting Others.
What To Expect From ADHD Testing?
- Testing involves a 15 to 20 minute, nonverbal, computer-based task.
- The task measures your attention level and impulse control.
- While taking the task, movements are measured to determine if hyperactivity
is present. - Results are compared to an age and sex matched group.
- With the information from your clinical interview and rating scale(s), your
clinician will interpret results to determine if you qualify for an ADHD diagnosis.
• If an ADHD diagnosis is indicated, our practice may then conduct Qbtech’s
testing after treatment is initiated to measure your response to treatment.
Please feel free to reach out if you would like to receive a summary of research
around Qbtech’s testing, view sample reports, or learn more about how we are
working to improve our patients’ outcomes and create a better view of ADHD. - Laptop or Desktop With Webcam Required
How we treat ADHD?
At Different, our name mirrors our distinct method of mental health assistance. Acknowledging the individuality of each journey, we provide a diverse array of tailored services to address your precise needs. Our holistic ethos permeates our comprehensive offerings, crafted to nurture your well-being throughout your entire journey.
Our integrated approach to mental health involves combining traditional psychiatry with holistic therapies like:
Medication Management
“Game” Based Digital App
Talk Therapy
Nutritional Interventions
ADHD Screening Questionnaire
This screening questionnaire is intended to identify symptoms that may be consistent with ADHD. Screening tools are not diagnostic, but they can help determine whether a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation is recommended.
If your results indicate a potential concern, you may schedule an evaluation with a licensed psychiatric clinician to review your symptoms and discuss next steps for care.
FAQ: “The 12 Questions I’m Asked Most Often About ADHD"
Desiree Matthews, Founder – Different MHP
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects attention, impulse control, emotional regulation, and executive functioning. It is not a lack of intelligence or motivation, but a difference in how the brain manages focus, organization, and self-regulation.
Adult ADHD often feels like mental restlessness, difficulty starting or finishing tasks, time slipping away, emotional overwhelm, and chronic frustration. Many people describe feeling capable but unable to consistently access their abilities.
Common symptoms include difficulty sustaining attention, procrastination, disorganization, impulsivity, forgetfulness, time blindness, emotional reactivity, restlessness, and trouble managing daily responsibilities. Symptoms vary by individual and ADHD type.
Yes. In adults, ADHD often shows up less as visible hyperactivity and more as internal restlessness, difficulty prioritizing, emotional dysregulation, and problems with follow-through. Many adults were never diagnosed as children.
Yes. Many adults with ADHD maintain careers, relationships, and families while struggling internally. This is sometimes referred to as high-functioning ADHD, where outward success masks constant effort, exhaustion, and self-doubt.
High-functioning ADHD describes individuals who appear capable or successful but rely on extreme effort, overcompensation, or last-minute pressure to keep up. Symptoms are often internal and emotionally draining.
ADHD primarily affects attention, impulse control, and executive function, while anxiety centers on excessive worry and fear. The two frequently overlap, and ADHD-related struggles can contribute to secondary anxiety over time.
ADHD involves lifelong patterns of attention and regulation challenges, while depression is marked by low mood, reduced interest, and low energy. ADHD can contribute to depression when chronic struggles lead to burnout or low self-esteem.
ADHD is largely genetic and related to differences in brain development and neurotransmitter regulation. It is not caused by laziness, poor parenting, or lack of discipline.
ADHD does not disappear, but symptoms often change over time. With appropriate treatment and support, many adults experience significant improvement in daily functioning and quality of life.
Evidence-based ADHD treatment may include medication, therapy or coaching focused on executive functioning, behavioral strategies, and lifestyle supports. Effective treatment is individualized and based on how ADHD shows up in daily life.
While ADHD itself is lifelong, many people experience functional remission, meaning symptoms no longer significantly interfere with daily life. With the right support, ADHD becomes manageable rather than overwhelming.
If lifelong difficulties with focus, organization, emotional regulation, or follow-through are interfering with work, relationships, or self-esteem, professional evaluation and support can be life-changing.
How It Works
Streamlined Process
- Appointment Scheduling: Choose a convenient appointment time online or call us at 844-325-4647 for assistance.
Welcome Email: Receive a personalized welcome email from our team. - Electronic Intake: Complete intake paperwork easily and securely online.
- Cost Estimate: Get an estimated cost for your visit upfront.
Collaborative Care
- Comprehensive Treatment Plan: Our staff collaborates with your current providers to develop a holistic treatment plan.
- Access to Past History: We assist in gathering relevant past treatment history at your and your provider’s discretion.
Comprehensive Support
👉 On-Demand Resources: Access our free mental health bootcamp program and our blog free learning platform.
👉 Expert Psychiatric Evaluations: Receive a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation from licensed mental health professionals, designed to clarify symptoms and guide next steps.
This content does not provide medical advice. It is intended for information purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
If you think you may have a medical or psychiatric emergency call 911. Call 988 for the National Suicide Prevention Hotline. Text HOME to 741-741 if you are in a crisis or chat via webpage or Whatsapp.
Don’t wait to start achieving your mental health goals. The sooner you start, the sooner you can discover better habits – and enjoy better results. Get started for free today!