How ADHD Shows Up in Adults
Adult ADHD often looks different than the stereotypical hyperactive child. While some adults do experience physical restlessness, many present with what we call “inattentive type” ADHD. Common experiences include:
At Work:
- Chronic procrastination, especially on important tasks
- Difficulty starting projects despite good intentions
- Missing deadlines or rushing to complete work at the last minute
- Trouble staying focused during meetings or while reading emails
- Frequent job changes or feeling underemployed relative to your abilities
- Overwhelming sense of “spinning your wheels” without making progress
In Relationships:
- Forgetting important dates, conversations, or commitments
- Appearing distracted or not listening when your partner talks
- Impulsive decision-making that affects the household
- Emotional reactivity or difficulty regulating frustration
In Daily Life:
- Chronic lateness despite your best efforts
- Losing or misplacing important items (keys, wallet, phone)
- Starting multiple projects but finishing a few
- Difficulty with routine tasks like paying bills or managing the household management
- Feeling mentally exhausted from trying to stay organized
- Relying heavily on others to help you stay on track
Why Timely Assessment Matters
Dr. Estupinian firmly believes that early ADHD assessment can be life-changing. When diagnosis is delayed, adults often experience worsening difficulties at work, strained relationships, and declining overall functioning. Research consistently demonstrates that untreated adult ADHD increases healthcare utilization and decreases workplace productivity, with an estimated annual economic burden exceeding $120 billion in the United States alone.
Early identification makes all the difference. With prompt, evidence-based treatment, adults with ADHD see meaningful improvements in daily functioning, reduced risk of substance misuse, and enhanced quality of life across all domains.
Why Many Adults Are Diagnosed Late
ADHD in adults often goes unrecognized for several reasons:
High Intelligence Can Mask Symptoms: Many adults with ADHD are very intelligent and developed compensatory strategies throughout school, so their struggles weren’t obvious until work or life demands exceeded their coping capacity.
Inattentive Type is Less Obvious: Without the hyperactivity component, teachers and parents may have missed the signs, especially in girls and women who were simply labeled “daydreamers” or “spacey.”
Previous Misdiagnosis: Many adults were diagnosed with depression or anxiety (which can co-occur with ADHD) but the underlying attention disorder was never identified.
Different Presentation in Women: Women with ADHD often internalize their symptoms as anxiety or low self-esteem rather than recognizing attention difficulties. They may have been praised for being “quiet” while struggling internally.
Life Structure Changes: College or early career may have provided enough structure, but as responsibilities increased (career advancement, family, managing a household), coping strategies broke down.
The Complexity of Adult ADHD Diagnosis
Diagnosing ADHD in adults requires specialized expertise. Unlike children, adults rarely display obvious hyperactivity. Instead, they typically struggle with inattention, executive dysfunction, and emotional dysregulation—symptoms that can easily be mistaken for anxiety, depression, or other mental health conditions.
The picture becomes even more complicated because symptoms often fluctuate over time, and many adults have developed sophisticated coping strategies that mask their difficulties during brief clinical visits. This is why a comprehensive, structured assessment is essential.
Our Comprehensive Adult ADHD Assessment
Dr. Estupinian provides each patient with structured, transparent feedback that clearly explains which symptoms meet diagnostic criteria and why. This approach helps individuals understand ADHD as a neurodevelopmental condition, not a personal failing, which fosters genuine engagement in treatment and long-term care.
Understanding your diagnosis is the foundation of effective treatment. Research shows that informed patients are significantly more likely to follow through with both behavioral interventions and medication plans, leading to better outcomes and greater treatment satisfaction.
By combining validated assessment tools with patient-centered communication, Dr. Estupinian empowers you to become an active participant in managing your ADHD and reclaiming your potential.
What the Assessment Includes:
Detailed Clinical Interview:
- In-depth discussion of your current symptoms and daily challenges
- Exploration of childhood history (symptoms must have been present before age 12)
- Review of academic and work performance patterns throughout your life
- Assessment of family history of ADHD or related conditions
- Discussion of previous diagnoses or treatments
Standardized Rating Scales:
- Self-report measures of ADHD symptoms
- Evaluation of how symptoms impact different life areas
- Assessment of co-occurring conditions (anxiety, depression, mood disorders)
Cognitive Testing:
- Objective measures of attention, concentration, and focus
- Assessment of working memory (your ability to hold and manipulate information)
- Evaluation of processing speed
- Executive function testing (planning, organization, impulse control)
- Measurement of sustained attention and distractibility
Collateral Information (when appropriate):
- Partner, family member, or close friend observations
- Review of school records, report cards, or previous evaluations if available
- Work performance reviews (if relevant and available)
Differential Diagnosis:
- Distinguishing ADHD from anxiety, depression, or stress-related problems
- Identifying co-occurring conditions that need to be addressed
- Determining if symptoms are better explained by other factors
What Makes Our Assessment Different
Many adults are concerned about being dismissed or not taken seriously. At Dr. Estupinian’s office, we understand that:
- ADHD is a legitimate neurological condition, not a character flaw
- Your struggles are real, even if you’ve developed ways to hide them
- Late diagnosis is common and valid
- You deserve answers and appropriate support
Understanding Your Results
After your assessment, you’ll receive:
Comprehensive Written Report:
- Clear explanation of findings and diagnosis
- Detailed analysis of your cognitive strengths and weaknesses
- Specific recommendations for treatment and support
- Documentation for workplace or academic accommodations, if needed
Feedback Session:
- Review of all test results in plain language
- Opportunity to ask questions and discuss concerns
- Guidance on next steps, including treatment options
- Recommendations for medication evaluation (if appropriate), therapy, coaching, or lifestyle modifications
Life After Diagnosis
An ADHD diagnosis in adulthood can be life-changingnot because anything about you has changed, but because you finally have an explanation for lifelong struggles. Many adults describe feeling a profound sense of relief: “It’s not that I’m lazy or stupid. My brain is just wired differently.”
With proper diagnosis comes access to:
- Evidence-based treatments (medication, therapy, coaching)
- Workplace accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
- Strategies tailored to how your brain works
- Self-compassion and understanding
- A path forward that honors your strengths while addressing challenges
Workplace Accommodations
If your ADHD significantly impacts your work performance, our comprehensive assessment provides the documentation needed to request reasonable accommodations under the ADA. Common accommodations include:
- Modified work schedules or deadlines
- Written instructions for complex tasks
- Private workspace to minimize distractions
- Permission to use noise-cancelling headphones
- Regular check-ins with supervisors
- Task prioritization support
Support Beyond Diagnosis: Ongoing ADHD Management:
You Don’t Have to Navigate ADHD Alone
Getting an ADHD diagnosis is a crucial first step—but it’s just the beginning. At Dr. Estupinian’s office, we don’t simply provide a diagnosis and send you on your way. We understand that adults with ADHD need ongoing support, practical strategies, and someone who truly understands how ADHD affects daily life.
That’s why Dr. Estupinian offers comprehensive ADHD management services to help you move from diagnosis to actually living better with ADHD.
What ADHD Management Includes
Personalized Treatment Planning
After your diagnosis, we work with you to develop a treatment plan tailored to your specific challenges and goals. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. Your ADHD affects your life in unique ways—your career, relationships, home management, and personal goals—and your treatment plan should reflect that.
We’ll discuss:
- Your primary areas of struggle (work performance, organization, relationships, time management, etc.)
- Your goals for treatment (What would “better” look like for you?)
- Treatment options that align with your preferences and lifestyle
- Creating realistic, achievable steps forward
Medication Management Coordination
While Dr. Estupinian does not prescribe medication herself, she works closely with your prescribing physician (psychiatrist, primary care doctor, or nurse practitioner) to:
- Provide comprehensive diagnostic documentation to support medication decisions
- Help you understand medication options and what to expect
- Track how medication is working through ongoing assessment
- Identify side effects or concerns that should be communicated to your prescriber
- Adjust behavioral strategies as medication effects change your functioning
- Coordinate care to ensure all providers are working together
Many adults find that medication alone isn’t enough—it helps with attention and focus, but doesn’t teach organizational skills or time management. That’s where our ongoing management makes a real difference.
Behavioral Strategies & Skills Training
ADHD management focuses on building practical skills and strategies that work with your ADHD brain, not against it:
Executive Function Skills:
- Time management techniques designed for ADHD brains
- Organization systems that you can actually maintain
- Planning and prioritization strategies
- Task initiation techniques (overcoming procrastination)
- Working memory supports
Workplace Strategies:
- Managing deadlines and multiple projects
- Reducing distractions in your work environment
- Using technology and tools effectively
- Communication strategies with supervisors and colleagues
- Energy management throughout the workday
Home and Life Management:
- Systems for paying bills and managing finances
- Household organization and maintenance routines
- Reducing clutter and creating functional spaces
- Managing family responsibilities
Relationship Skills:
- Communication strategies with partners and family
- Managing emotional reactivity
- Following through on commitments
- Addressing how ADHD affects your relationships
Emotional Regulation:
- Understanding ADHD-related emotional challenges
- Techniques for managing frustration and overwhelm
- Building resilience and self-compassion
- Addressing shame and negative self-talk that often accompanies undiagnosed ADHD
Accountability and Support
One of the biggest challenges of adult ADHD is following through on good intentions. Regular sessions provide:
- Accountability for implementing strategies
- Troubleshooting when things aren’t working
- Celebrating progress and building momentum
- Adjusting approaches as your life circumstances change
- A consistent touchpoint to prevent backsliding
Accommodation Planning and Documentation
If your ADHD significantly impacts work performance, we can help you:
- Identify which accommodations would be most helpful
- Provide documentation for workplace accommodation requests under the ADA
- Prepare for conversations with HR or supervisors
- Advocate for yourself effectively
- Navigate the accommodation process
Common workplace accommodations include:
- Modified work schedules or flexible deadlines
- Written instructions for complex tasks
- Private workspace or permission to work remotely
- Noise-cancelling headphones or other environmental modifications
- Regular check-ins with supervisors for prioritization support
- Task management tools or assistive technology
Progress Monitoring
ADHD management is an ongoing process, not a one-time fix. Regular appointments allow us to:
- Track what’s working and what isn’t
- Adjust strategies as needed
- Identify new challenges as they emerge
- Reassess when life circumstances change (new job, relationship changes, increased stress)
- Measure progress objectively
- Prevent relapse into old patterns
Why Ongoing Management Makes the Difference
Many adults with ADHD have the insight to know what they should do, but struggle to actually implement and maintain changes. Having a knowledgeable provider who:
- Understands how ADHD brains work
- Doesn’t judge you for struggles
- Helps you develop systems tailored to your specific brain
- Provides regular accountability and support
- Adjusts strategies when life changes
…makes the difference between a diagnosis that sits in a drawer and actual improvement in your daily life.
What Makes Dr. Estupinian's Approach Different
She Understands the Whole Picture: With expertise in both assessment and treatment, Dr. Estupinian understands not just that you have ADHD, but specifically how your ADHD manifests and what your unique challenges are. This continuity of care means you don’t have to start over explaining yourself to a new provider.
Evidence-Based but Practical: Treatment is grounded in research about what actually works for ADHD, but adapted to real life. We focus on strategies you can actually implement, not idealized systems that work on paper but not in practice.
No Shame, No Judgment: Dr. Estupinian understands that ADHD behaviors aren’t character flaws or lack of effort. You’ll never hear “just try harder” or “why can’t you just…” Instead, we work with how your brain actually functions.
Long-Term Partnership: ADHD is a lifelong condition, but that doesn’t mean you’ll need intensive treatment forever. As you develop skills and strategies, sessions may become less frequent. Some clients meet weekly initially, then monthly, then check in a few times per year as needed. We adjust the level of support to match where you are in your journey.
Getting Started with ADHD Management
If you’ve been diagnosed with ADHD (whether recently or years ago) and are struggling to manage symptoms on your own, or if you’re completing your assessment with Dr. Estupinian and receive an ADHD diagnosis, management services are available to you.
The first management session focuses on:
- Understanding your specific ADHD challenges
- Identifying your goals for treatment
- Creating an initial action plan
- Establishing a schedule that works for your needs
From there, we build a treatment plan that evolves with you.
ADHD is Manageable—You Just Need the Right Support
You’ve likely spent years trying to force yourself to function like someone without ADHD. It’s exhausting, demoralizing, and ultimately doesn’t work. ADHD management is about learning to work with your brain instead of against it, developing systems that actually stick, and having expert support when you need it.
You don’t have to keep struggling alone.
Common Questions About Adult ADHD Assessment
“What if I did fine in school? Can I still have ADHD?” Absolutely. Many intelligent adults with ADHD succeed in structured school environments but struggle with the demands of adult life. High IQ often masks ADHD symptoms until demands exceed coping capacity.
“I’m successful in my career. Could I really have ADHD?” Yes. Many adults with ADHD are high achievers who have worked twice as hard to compensate for their challenges. Success doesn’t rule out ADHD—but it may explain why that success has come at the cost of exhaustion.
“What if my symptoms are ‘just’ anxiety or stress?” That’s exactly what the assessment determines. Anxiety and ADHD can look similar and often co-occur. A thorough evaluation clarifies what’s driving your symptoms.
“I wasn’t hyperactive as a child. Can I still have ADHD?” Yes. Inattentive-type ADHD doesn’t involve hyperactivity. You may have been the quiet child who daydreamed or seemed “in your own world.”
Take the Next Step
Whether you’re seeking clarity about mood disorders, cognitive functioning, or your intellectual capabilities, our assessments provide valuable insights to guide your path forward.
Contact us today to schedule an initial consultation and begin your journey toward greater understanding and improved well-being.
Dr. Ginny Estupinian, Ph.D., ABPP, is a board-certified clinical psychologist with over a decade of experience in psychological and neuropsychological assessment. Trust in our expertise to provide the insights you need for a brighter future.
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