ADHD Evaluation by Telehealth in Arizona

Many adults come to an ADHD evaluation after years of wondering. They may have been told they were “just anxious,” or they may have coped until work or family demands outgrew their coping. Others are parents who recognize themselves in a child’s diagnosis. Whatever the route, an evaluation should be thorough, unhurried and honest about what it can and cannot tell you.

What are the signs of ADHD in adults?

The National Institute of Mental Health describes adult ADHD symptoms as clusters of inattention, restlessness and impulsivity. They show up in more than one setting and interfere with daily life (NIMH (opens in a new tab)). In adults, that can look like missed deadlines, losing track of tasks, difficulty starting or finishing things, feeling internally restless, or interrupting and acting before thinking.

These experiences are common, and many have other causes. Poor sleep, anxiety, depression and medical conditions can all look like attention problems. That is why a diagnosis is never made from a checklist alone.

How is ADHD diagnosed?

MedlinePlus explains that there is no single test. Clinicians use a physical exam, medical and family history, and symptom checklists, and they must rule out other conditions such as anxiety or depression (MedlinePlus (opens in a new tab)). NIMH adds that symptoms must have begun before age 12, so clinicians review childhood history and, when possible, talk to people who know the patient. They use clinical interviews, rating scales and checklists, and adults need five symptoms rather than the six required for children (NIMH (opens in a new tab)).

What an ADHD evaluation covers at Better Place Now

Care for ADHD at Better Place Now is a careful assessment across school, work and home. Dr. Justin Schwarting, DNP, PMHNP-BC, uses validated rating scales and a detailed history of school, work and relationships. Lengthy computerized testing is rarely required. ADHD evaluations can be done by secure video.

1. 01

   Step 1: Your story, in your words

   What you notice now, how long it has been going on, and how it affects work, school, relationships and daily routines.

2. 02

   Step 2: Your history over time

   School years, work history, and relationships, including what was different in childhood. Old report cards or comments from teachers can help if you have them.

3. 03

   Step 3: Rating scales

   Validated questionnaires that put numbers and structure on what you describe. Sometimes a family member, partner or old friend is asked to add their view.

4. 04

   Step 4: Everything else in the picture

   Sleep, anxiety, mood, medical conditions, substances, current medications and supplements. These can mimic or add to attention problems, and treating them may change the picture.

5. 05

   Step 5: Options and a plan

   If ADHD is the answer, the treatment choices are laid out plainly, including their purpose and tradeoffs, and you decide together.

What are the treatment options?

NIMH describes standard treatment as medication combined with psychosocial interventions, and notes that both stimulant and non-stimulant medications are used (NIMH (opens in a new tab)). NIMH also describes coaching and exercise as helpful additions (NIMH (opens in a new tab)). A few facts about non-stimulants, which are asked about often:

• Atomoxetine is a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, not a stimulant. It carries a boxed warning about suicidal thoughts in children and teens (MedlinePlus (opens in a new tab)).
• Viloxazine extended-release (Qelbree) is indicated for ADHD in patients 6 and older and in adults, and also carries a boxed warning about suicidal thoughts and behaviors (FDA label (opens in a new tab)).
• Guanfacine extended-release (Intuniv) is labeled for ages 6 to 17, and the label states that safety and efficacy in adults have not been established (FDA label (opens in a new tab)).
• A 2024 review called atomoxetine the most studied non-stimulant for adults, and also covered viloxazine, bupropion, tricyclics and guanfacine (Brancati et al. (opens in a new tab)).

This is background, not advice. Medication choice depends on your health, your other medications, your history and your preferences. Do not start, stop or change a medication based on an article. You can read how prescribing decisions are approached in medication management vs. therapy, and how care continues after the evaluation on the ADHD treatment page.

How to prepare for an ADHD evaluation by video

• Gather what you have. Prior evaluations, old report cards, or notes from teachers, if they exist. If they do not, that is fine.
• List your medications and supplements, including caffeine and anything you take to sleep or stay awake.
• Think of someone who knew you as a child. A parent or older sibling may be able to describe what you were like.
• Write down real examples. A missed deadline, a lost set of keys, a conversation that went sideways. Specifics help more than labels.
• Find a quiet, private space with a reliable connection. The telehealth guide covers the details.

Rule-outs matter: sleep, anxiety and health

Because so many things can look like ADHD, a thorough evaluation always asks about sleep, mood, anxiety, substances and medical conditions. That is the “body” lens in Better Place Now’s approach. The article on physical health problems that can mimic anxiety, depression or ADHD explains why.

Prices, plans and how to book are on the ADHD evaluation page. If you are ready, you can request an appointment. Most replies come within one business day, and no health details are requested online.