Adult ADHD Assessment: A Reliable Diagnosis to Help You Better Understand Your Daily Life
Do you lose track of conversations, leave projects unfinished, and feel like you have to work twice as hard as others to achieve the same results? At CERC, an ADHD evaluation for adults can finally help you put your experiences into words and figure out what to do next. Since 2003, our neuropsychologists have welcomed every client with a listening ear, professionalism, and without judgment.
ADHD in Adults: Much More Than Just a Lack of Attention
Attention-deficit disorder, with or without hyperactivity, does not always go away after childhood. In about one out of every two children, it persists into adulthood, as noted by the Quebec Association of Neuropsychologists. To learn more, find out how to better understand ADHD.
The 3D Adult Profile
The restlessness of childhood gives way to more subtle difficulties, which can be summarized by the three Ds:
- Distractibility: difficulty following a conversation, losing one's train of thought, frequent forgetfulness;
- Disinhibition: talking too much or too loudly, interrupting others, making impulsive and ill-considered decisions;
- Disorganization: poorly planned tasks, difficulty managing time, physical clutter.
At work, these limitations can sometimes hinder career advancement; at home, they create tension in a relationship.
When should you request an evaluation as an adult?
People seek help when difficulties with attention or organization have been interfering with daily life for a long time, despite their best efforts. Some situations come up frequently:
- Repeatedly forgetting appointments, payments, or commitments;
- A feeling that you are not reaching your full potential at work or in school;
- Impulsiveness that leads to misunderstandings in your relationships;
- Tensions in a relationship caused by a lack of attention to one another, forgetting what was said, and mistakes in daily responsibilities due to disorganization;
- A child who has just been diagnosed with ADHD—and in whom you see yourself.
It is important to note that ADHD must have begun in childhood and had functional impacts before the age of 12. It may have affected academic performance, social relationships, or family relationships. Since ADHD is partly hereditary, a parent often recognizes themselves in their child’s experience.
Who can diagnose ADHD in adults?
In Quebec, neuropsychologists who are members of the Ordre des psychologues du Québec are authorized to assess and diagnose ADHD. An online questionnaire may raise suspicions, but it is never sufficient on its own: anxiety, depression, or a learning disability can produce similar symptoms. Only a comprehensive evaluation can distinguish between them.
Our Process for Evaluating ADHD in Adults
Our approach is based on the DSM-5 criteria and on multiple sources of information—never on a single test. It follows the steps of our ADHD assessment, adapted for adults.
Initial Medical History and Questionnaires
A 60-minute interview reviews your development and your educational and professional background. Questionnaires designed for adults are then used to describe your everyday behaviors.
Attention Tests and Cognitive Profiling
The tests are conducted over one or two long sessions to assess your attention span during prolonged effort, such as during a typical workday. The neuropsychologist measures:
- Sustained attention;
- Impulsivity and self-control;
- Working memory;
- The cognitive profile, to rule out a learning disability;
- Psycho-emotional experiences, such as anxiety or sadness.
Accurate Differential Diagnosis
Our analysis helps distinguish ADHD from anxiety, depression, or a learning disability, which can sometimes cause the same difficulties in daily life.
Review meeting and concrete recommendations
About three to four weeks after the evaluation, the report and its recommendations will be explained to you during a meeting. In an academic setting, the diagnosis may qualify you for accommodations, such as extra time on exams. Both at work and at home, the recommendations offer realistic organizational strategies.
The report may also recommend psychological counseling to address anxiety or self-esteem issues. Medication is one of the possible options: the recommendations included in the report guide the doctor in determining the appropriate treatment, including prescribing medication if necessary.
Why should you trust the CERC team?
Since 2003, the CERC has established itself as a leading authority in neuropsychology for children, adolescents, and adults in Quebec.
A section dedicated to adults
Éric Chambellant, a neuropsychologist and head of the adult program, has devoted a large part of his practice to ADHD. Our team understands the unique challenges of adulthood: education, employment, relationships, and parenting.
Media presence and scientific influence
Dr. Benoît Hammarrenger, director of the CERC, regularly appears in the media and has authored books on ADHD. He spoke about the topic on the show *On va se le dire*, discussing ADHD in adults, as well as on the show *Y a du monde à messe*.
Three clinics and an online option
Our neuropsychologists are available to see you at our clinics in Ville Mont-Royal, Laval, and Brossard. For residents of certain remote areas, a remote neuropsychological evaluation is also available.
A caring, nonjudgmental approach
We place respect, empathy, and active listening at the heart of our practice. Seeking therapy as an adult takes courage: we welcome you without judgment about your life journey.
Ready to gain a better understanding of how you function? Contact the CERC team to schedule your adult ADHD evaluation.
To schedule an appointment or for any questions regarding ADHD in adults
Our neuropsychologists
Our evaluations are conducted by neuropsychologists who are members of the Ordre des psychologues du Québec.
