You’ve Been Wondering for Years – You’re Not Alone
You misplace your keys on a regular basis. You are intelligent and motivated, but have missed deadlines. Your whole life you’ve been told that you’re lazy and scattered. Then somebody said ADHD and all sorts of things began to fall into place.
If you, an adult living in NYC or NJ, think that you may have ADHD, you are not the only one. Recent studies indicate that about 4-5% of adults in the country suffer from ADHD, but the majority of them remain undiagnosed well into adulthood. Many adults in NYC who receive an ADHD diagnosis are the first to understand themselves – and seek and receive the support they deserve.
In NYC and NJ, Dr John Shershow’s practice focuses on the evaluation, diagnosis and treatment of ADHD among adults. This guide takes you step-by-step throughout the process of seeking an adult ADHD diagnosis in New York, from the first step to a treatment plan.
What Is Adult ADHD – And Why Does It Often Go Undiagnosed?
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopment disorder where the individual exhibits persistent inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity which impacts daily functioning. Here’s the catch – most adults don’t know this: Adult ADHD symptoms are quite a bit different from the ones seen in children.
Hyperactivity symptoms in adults can manifest as restlessness within, not out of, the classroom. Inattention can manifest as a pattern of forgetfulness, trouble focusing on a task, or getting started on an activity and then losing interest. Undiagnosed ADHD in adults in NY is actually fairly common, as these symptoms can be mistaken for anxiety, depression or burnout.
Many adults did not have a childhood adhd diagnosis because:
- In most cases, their symptoms were hidden by a high IQ or some home rigidity.
- They were girls or women – ADHD is historically underdiagnosed in girls and women
- Their hyperactivity was not manifested in their behavior.
- They were raised in a place that did not acknowledge or accept ADHD.
If any of the above sounds like you, you may want to consider an adult ADHD evaluation in NYC.
Step 1: Recognize the Signs of Adult ADHD
Prior to scheduling an ADHD Evaluation in New York, it is useful to have an understanding of what one is searching for. Adults with ADHD often have or experience:
Inattentive Symptoms:
- Having trouble holding attention to task or conversation
- Making careless errors despite effort
- Ongoing loss or theft of items such as keys, phone, wallet
- Struggling to remember appointments or everyday things
- Tasks that demand extended mental effort that one avoids or fears
- Difficulty maintaining focus or momentum; wandering off the topic
Hyperactive/Impulsive Symptoms:
- Excessive talking or inability to take turns in conversation
- Being nervous or on edge, feeling restless on the inside
- Spontaneous actions/breakdowns (spending, breaking off jobs, etc.)
- Impatience with sitting down for extended periods or jobs
Executive Function Challenges:
- Chronic procrastination
- A sense of time passing by uneventfully and being unable to manage time.
- Trouble fitting in tasks, projects, or organizing living arrangements
- Abnormal mood changes, low frustration tolerance, frustration
Symptoms should occur in at least two settings (work, home, relationships) and should have been present since childhood, even if they were not formally diagnosed at that time.
Step 2: Choose the Right Type of ADHD Specialist in New York
Not every doctor or specialist is able to diagnose and treat adult ADHD. If you are searching for an ADHD specialist in New York City or NJ, you will most likely be collaborating with one of the following types:
- Psychiatrists – Medical Doctors able to diagnose ADHD, provide medication, and provide psychiatric treatment. Best for complicated cases or adults who may benefit from using medication for their treatment as well as therapy
- Psychologists – Psychologists are doctors who specialize in the treatment and care of patients and perform extensive neuropsychological testing without the ability to prescribe medication
- Primary Care Physicians – Can screen for ADHD; usually refer complicated cases of ADHD to specialists for adults
A board certified psychiatrist with special interest in Adult ADHD, Dr. John Shershow, can get you an accurate diagnosis, and a treatment plan uniquely suited to you, after performing a screening for Adult ADHD in NYC.
Step 3: What to Expect During an Adult ADHD Evaluation in NYC
A lot of adults feel nervous at the idea of the ADHD assessment process, which they fear will result in being either dismissed or misunderstood. At New York, the complete assessment for adults with ADHD is composed of the following:
Clinical Interview
A thorough clinical interview is at the bedrock of a good assessment of ADHD. Your provider will ask you about:
- Your current symptoms and how they affect daily life
- Childhood history – school history, behavioral history, family history
- Employer/employee relationships and experiences
- Mental health history (anxiety, depression, trauma – often co-occurring with ADHD)
- Medication and medical history
ADHD Rating Scales & Questionnaires
Adult ADHD Self-Report Scales (ASRS), Conners Adult ADHD Rating Scales, or the Brown ADD Rating Scales are some commonly used standardized tools to quantify symptom severity. They are not tests you can study for, they are tools which are structured to the life to capture the patterns.
Review of Collateral Information
Any information provided by a partner, parent or sibling who knew you as a child is extremely valuable if available. This is confirming some symptoms were present at or before age 12, which is one of the diagnostic requirements.
Psychological or Neuropsychological Testing (If Needed)
In complicated cases or where the diagnosis of learning disabilities is not obvious, cognitive testing might be suggested. These may include attention and memory challenges, IQ tests and processing speed assessments.
Ruling Out Other Conditions
A good ADHD psychiatrist in NYC will pay attention to differential diagnoses, as anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, thyroid problems and trauma can all look like ADHD. This is what distinguishes between a quality and hasty evaluation.
Step 4: Receiving Your ADHD Diagnosis
Once you have completed the evaluation, your provider will:
- Disclose if you have either ADHD or not ADHD (according to the DSM-5 criteria)
- Determine the subtype: Predominantly Inattentive, Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive, or Combined Presentation
- Talk about the plan for adults with ADHD that you have as a person in New York
- Share your individual adult ADHD treatment plan in New York
This is not a judgment of a forum that is a dialogue. A diagnosis is a way of learning about yourself and getting the proper support.
Step 5: Understanding Your Adult ADHD Treatment Options in New York
If your child has ADHD, treatment that can be proven to work is available. We believe that treating adult ADHD in NYC and NJ should be an integrated, individualized approach at our practice, led by Dr. Shershow:
Medication Management – Stimulant medications (amphetamine salts and methylphenidate) are the most researched medications for ADHD and have decades of safety and efficacy data. Strattera (atomoxetine) or Wellbutrin may be appropriate ( depending on medical history). Medication does not come in one size fits all: careful titration & monitoring are required.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for ADHD – CBT for ADHD is a strategy for teaching coping skills to adults to help them gain more practical skills of managing time, organizing, procrastination and emotional control that can be passed on to their children with ADHD. In the long term, CBT plus medication has been shown to be better than medication alone or CBT alone.
ADHD Coaching and Skills Training – Training ADHD coaching is practical, helps with accountability, and is particularly valuable for ADHD professionals and entrepreneurs in NYC with high demands on their time.
Lifestyle Modifications – These include sleep optimization, exercise, nutrition, and mindfulness which are evidence-supported interventions that are beneficial and have an impact on ADHD symptoms. These are addressed during all treatments.
How Much Does an ADHD Evaluation Cost in New York?
For lots of adults, cost is a present issue when it comes to the diagnosis of ADHD in NYC. What you should know:
- Coverage for insurance is not consistent. While some psychiatrists in NYC are out-of-network, the possibility of reimbursement may be available through your PPO plan.
- Out-of-pocket expenses associated with a complete adult ADHD assessment in New York are $400-$1,500, depending on the company that administers the assessment and the testing methods used.
- Evaluations for ADHD via telehealth have grown more available since 2020, and could help lower costs and increase access for adults in New York and New Jersey.
Please be sure to call our office directly to discuss your insurance situation and payment options. No barriers to access to care.
Why New Yorkers Choose Dr. John Shershow for Adult ADHD Diagnosis
Dr. John Shershow is a board-certified psychiatrist who has a wide range of experience looking into and treating adults with ADHD in New York City and NJ. His approach is:
- Thorough – not rushed 15-minute evaluations
- Non-judgmental – many adults come to us after years of feeling dismissed
- Integrated – when the child has no anxiety, depression, ADHD and other overlapping conditions
- Evidence-based – based on state-of-the-art adult ADHD management research
From the busyness of New York City to the hustle and bustle of New York City; from Brooklyn to New Jersey, busy professionals, parents and college students alike are looking for clarity and care, and our practice has it for you.
Ready to get started? Contact Dr. Shershow’s office to schedule your adult ADHD evaluation in NYC or NJ today.
Frequently Asked Questions: Getting an ADHD Diagnosis as an Adult in New York
Q: Can adults really be diagnosed with ADHD for the first time?
Absolutely. Many adults do not have ADHD diagnosed until their 30s, 40s and even 50s. ADHD can become visible when moving into a college or a new challenging job or when having children. An ADHD evaluation may be conducted at any age.
Q: What if I had symptoms as a child but was never diagnosed?
This is very widespread. Symptoms have to occur before age 12 according to the DSM-5, though they do not have to be formally diagnosed in childhood. A NYC ADHD expert can reconstruct your childhood history when you don’t have any records available through a clinical interview and collateral history.
Q: How long does an ADHD evaluation take in New York?
An in-depth adult ADHD assessment usually requires 1-3 appointments, depending on its complexity. Sessions can be between 60 and 90 minutes in length. Additional extensive neuropsychological testing (if required) will take longer.
Q: Is ADHD medication necessary if I’m diagnosed?
Medication is one of many potential treatments. Many adults begin by seeing a therapist or working with a coach, or opt for a combination of both. Your treatment plan is designed specifically for your treatment plan, lifestyle and medical history.
Q: Can I get an ADHD diagnosis via telehealth in New York?
Yes. Telehealth ADHD evaluations are offered and a valid form of treatment for adults in both New York and New Jersey. Many adults can be treated virtually, and some more complicated cases can be assessed and treated in person.
Q: What should I bring to my first ADHD evaluation appointment?
Have any previous psychological or educational testing, and old school report cards, if available, and list current medications, if possible, have a trusted person who knew you in childhood, complete a brief questionnaire. Be ready to have a conversation in which you will share, and no right or wrong answer is there.
Q: Does having ADHD mean I have a learning disability?
Not necessarily. While ADHD may go hand-in-hand with learning disabilities, they are two different conditions. Your evaluation will aid in determining whether there are other learning differences which may also need targeted support.
Q: How soon can I start treatment after my diagnosis?
Your treatment can begin promptly following your diagnosis in most cases, following your evaluation. Treatment and referrals for medication management and therapy may be made on the same visit or shortly after the visit.
Final Thoughts: Your ADHD Diagnosis Is a Starting Point, Not a Label
In New York, adult ADHD diagnosis isn’t a matter of label, it’s about understanding and implementing strategies. Thousands of adults in NYC and NJ have learned that having a correct diagnosis helped them be successful in their life, job and relationships.
If you’ve been having trouble and think you may have ADHD, then you will not want to wait much longer. The evaluation is life changing, compassionate and easy.