Adult ADHD assessment and treatment: how it works

Adult ADHD is diagnosed through a careful clinical interview, aided by validated rating scales. ADHD is highly treatable, most often with evidence-based cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) tailored to adult ADHD. In Austin, Dr. Amitai Abramovitch provides clinical ADHD assessment, as well as neuropsychological assessment, and evidence-based treatment for adults and older teens, in person and via telehealth across Texas and Florida.

How do I get tested for ADHD as an adult?

An adult ADHD evaluation begins with a thorough clinical interview about your developmental history, current symptoms, and how they affect work, study, relationships, and daily life. Validated rating scales and structured interviews help clarify the pattern and severity. The evaluation also includes ruling out other conditions and conducting a differential diagnosis to assess for the presence of other conditions or problems. When there is diagnostic uncertainty, a fuller neuropsychological assessment can add a detailed picture of cognitive functions such as attention, executive functioning, and memory, which are then integrated with the clinical picture and history.

Can ADHD be treated without medication?

Yes. CBT is the most empirically supported psychological treatment for adult ADHD. It is structured and practical, targeting real-world challenges: time management, organization, planning, task initiation, follow-through, and the frustration and low self-esteem that often accompany years of undiagnosed ADHD. Many people use therapy alone; others combine it with medication managed by a prescriber.

Is adult ADHD different from childhood ADHD?

Often, yes. In adults, obvious hyperactivity tends to fade, while inattention, disorganization, time blindness, and emotional dysregulation become more prominent. Many adults, and especially women, were never identified as children and instead spent years being told they were lazy or not living up to their potential.

Do you need neuropsychological testing to diagnose ADHD?

Not always. ADHD can be diagnosed from a clinical interview and rating scales. Neuropsychological testing is recommended when there is diagnostic uncertainty, possible co-occurring conditions (sometimes less visible ones), or when understanding the specific nature of cognitive difficulties is important for treatment planning.

Frequently asked questions

How is adult ADHD diagnosed? Through a clinical interview, aided by validated rating scales, and, when indicated, neuropsychological testing. A self-report measure, even if validated, cannot be used on its own to establish a diagnosis.

Can I be evaluated for ADHD via telehealth in Texas? Yes. Assessment and treatment are available in person in Austin and via secure telehealth across Texas and Florida.

What if I was told I have ADHD, but treatment hasn't helped? That is worth a careful re-evaluation. Anxiety, OCD, and perfectionism can mimic ADHD, and getting the diagnosis right changes the treatment. In addition, in many cases, some types of psychological treatment may not lead to the desired outcomes.

Do you accept insurance? The practice is out-of-network; a superbill is provided for potential reimbursement.