FAQs

It’s crucial to ensure a proper diagnosis, which necessitates consulting with someone who is trained in treating ADHD. However, even professionals with ADHD training may not always be effective if they view it solely as a behavioral issue. Ideally, seek out experts in Cognitive Performance Training (CPT) who understand that ADHD is primarily a processing issue rather than just a behavioral one.

Finding knowledgeable professionals can be challenging, but it’s essential for effective treatment. One critical step in diagnosis is conducting an ADHD interview. I adapt the diagnostic criteria to focus on behaviors that occur frequently, particularly those related to tasks that are perceived as boring or uninteresting. Individuals with ADHD often excel in activities they find engaging, leading them to overlook the significance of their struggles with less stimulating tasks.

During the interview, if individuals meet the criteria—such as exhibiting six of the nine inattentive symptoms or meeting other specified criteria—it suggests a diagnosis of ADHD. While some guidelines recommend gathering five examples of behavior, I find this unnecessary as the essence of the issue is either present or absent. Additional examples only serve to reiterate the same concerns.

To aid in diagnosis, I’ve developed a questionnaire that professionals can use. It consists of twenty-five ADHD-related symptoms, with individuals scoring from zero to four based on their responses. A score of fifty or higher out of one hundred indicates a probable ADHD diagnosis. Over the past thirty years, combining structured interviews with this questionnaire has proven remarkably accurate in predicting individuals’ responsiveness to ADHD medication and treatment adjustments.