ADHD and Learning Disorders Testing in Huntsville, Alabama

Why Test Before Medication?

Medication for ADHD can be an important part of treatment and may help you or someone you care about function better at school, work, and in everyday life. However, before starting or adjusting medication, it is essential to complete a comprehensive evaluation that looks beyond attention alone. This includes assessing stress, anxiety, depression, sleep problems, vision and hearing difficulties, learning disabilities, and challenges with executive functioning, such as processing speed deficits. Understanding these factors helps identify the root causes of attention difficulties and guides a more effective treatment plan.

This is why we conduct a comprehensive psychoeducational evaluation rather than focusing on medication alone. While medication can be helpful, it is rarely sufficient by itself to fully address attention problems and may even be unnecessary if other underlying issues are identified and treated. Based on the results of a psychoeducational evaluation, we can recommend targeted interventions—such as cognitive behavioral treatment for depression, anxiety, and sleep difficulties, as well as academic interventions for learning problems—to address the specific root causes of attention difficulties and support long-term success.

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ADHD Symptoms According to DSM-V Criteria

The National Institute of Mental Health offers a clear, easy-to-understand explanation of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms. According to the Institute, inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity are the core behaviors associated with ADHD. While it is normal for all children to be inattentive, overly active, or impulsive from time to time, children with ADHD experience these behaviors more intensely and more frequently, which can interfere with daily functioning at home, at school, and in social settings. 

ADHD symptoms are also counted differently in children and adults. For children, at least 6 of the 9 symptoms must be present in either the inattention/distractibility or the hyperactivity/impulsivity category. For adults, at least 5 of the 9 symptoms are required in either category. Currently, there are four recognized types of ADHD: predominantly inattentive, predominantly hyperactive/impulsive, combined type, and unspecified. Because ADHD is a complex mental health condition, an evaluation and official diagnosis must be made by a qualified professional who is licensed to assess and diagnose ADHD.

Below is a list of symptoms associated with each category.

Inattention/Distractibility

Individuals with inattention/distractibility may:

  • Be easily distracted, miss details, forget things, and frequently switch from one activity to another
  • Have difficulty focusing on one thing
  • Become bored with a task after only a few minutes, unless they are doing something enjoyable
  • Have difficulty focusing attention on organizing and completing a task or learning something new
  • Have trouble completing or turning in homework assignments, often losing things (e.g., pencils, toys, assignments) needed to complete tasks or activities
  • Not seem to listen when spoken to
  • Daydream, become easily confused, and move slowly
  • Have difficulty processing information as quickly and accurately as others
  • Struggle to follow instructions.

Hyperactivity/Impulsivity

Individuals with symptoms of hyperactivity may:

  • Fidget and squirm in their seats
  • Talk nonstop
  • Dash around, touching or playing with anything and everything in sight
  • Have trouble sitting still during dinner, school, and storytime
  • Be constantly in motion
  • Have difficulty doing quiet tasks or activities

People who have symptoms of impulsivity may:

  • Be very impatient
  • Blurt out inappropriate comments, show their emotions without restraint, and act without regard for consequences
  • Have difficulty waiting for things they want or waiting their turns in games
  • Often interrupt conversations or others’ activities