What Clinicians Need to Know Before Referring for ADHD Testing
- Daniel Steinberg, PhD
- May 13
- 2 min read
As awareness of adult ADHD grows, so does the volume of referrals for testing. That’s encouraging. But if we want to protect diagnostic accuracy, we need to make sure those referrals are clinically grounded—not just checklist-based.
🧪 Screeners Are a Start—Not a Diagnosis
Self-report tools like the ASRS v1.1 are helpful—but they aren’t diagnostic.
True ADHD diagnosis requires:
Symptom onset before age 12
Functional impairment in multiple domains
Rule-outs for trauma, anxiety, sleep, depression, and more
If those aren’t explored, we risk false positives—and missed diagnoses.
🧩 ADHD Mimics Are Common
Many adult patients endorse attentional concerns, but their underlying issue may be:
🚧 Trauma-related avoidance
🧱 Cognitive slowing from depression
🧭 Anxiety-driven indecision
😴 Burnout or sleep deprivation
Without a comprehensive evaluation, these look like ADHD—but aren’t.
🧾 What to Include in a Thoughtful Referral
To support the evaluation process, consider including:
Primary concerns (and when they started)
Age of symptom onset (if known)
Domains of impairment: school, work, relationships
Past treatment history (e.g., therapy, medication)
Co-occurring diagnoses or differential considerations
The more precise the referral, the more efficient—and effective—the assessment becomes.
✅ What a Quality ADHD Assessment Involves
The evaluation should include:
🧠 A structured clinical interview
🧒 Developmental history
📄 Validated self-report measures
🎯 Objective attention testing (e.g., CPT)
❌ Rule-outs for trauma, anxiety, and depression
📝 A written report that guides real-world treatment planning
This protects clients from misdiagnosis—and you from incomplete handoffs.
📍 Support Your Client with a Clinically Sound Referral
I provide adult ADHD evaluations via telehealth in all PSYPACT-participating states—including Virginia, Georgia, and Illinois.
Dr. Daniel Steinberg is a licensed clinical psychologist offering telehealth-based ADHD assessments for adults across PSYPACT-participating states. His approach emphasizes clarity, compassion, and clinically sound evaluation.
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