How to Get Tested for ADHD as an Adult in Orlando: Complete Guide

Wondering if you have ADHD? You're not alone—adult ADHD diagnosis has increased significantly, with many people not receiving a diagnosis until their 30s, 40s, or later. At Empathy Health Clinic, we provide comprehensive ADHD evaluations in Orlando for adults 18 and older.

Can Adults Get Tested for ADHD?

Absolutely. While ADHD begins in childhood, many adults weren't diagnosed because:

ADHD wasn't well understood when they were growing up
They developed coping strategies that masked symptoms
They have inattentive-type ADHD (less disruptive, often overlooked)
Girls and women with ADHD are historically under-diagnosed

You don't need a childhood diagnosis to be evaluated and treated as an adult.

Signs You Should Get an ADHD Evaluation

Common adult ADHD symptoms that bring patients to our Orlando ADHD clinic:

Inattention Signs

Difficulty sustaining focus on work tasks or conversations
Frequently losing keys, phone, wallet, or important documents
Starting many projects but finishing few
Difficulty following through on instructions or deadlines
Avoiding tasks that require sustained mental effort (reports, emails, paperwork)
Mind wandering during meetings or conversations

Hyperactivity/Impulsivity Signs

Restlessness, fidgeting, or inability to sit still
Talking excessively or interrupting others
Making impulsive decisions (purchases, career changes, relationship moves)
Difficulty waiting in lines or for your turn
Feeling an internal sense of restlessness even when sitting still

Executive Function Challenges

Poor time management and chronic lateness
Difficulty organizing tasks and prioritizing
Procrastination (especially on important tasks)
Trouble with working memory ("walking into a room and forgetting why")
Emotional dysregulation—overreacting to frustration or criticism

What an Adult ADHD Evaluation Looks Like

At Empathy Health Clinic, our ADHD evaluation process includes:

1. Clinical Interview (45-60 minutes)

Your psychiatrist conducts a thorough interview covering:

Current symptoms and how they affect work, relationships, and daily life
Childhood history (ADHD symptoms must have been present before age 12)
Academic and occupational history
Medical history and current medications
Family history of ADHD or related conditions

2. Standardized Screening Tools

We use validated assessment instruments including:

Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS)
Conners Adult ADHD Rating Scales
Wender Utah Rating Scale (for retrospective childhood symptoms)

3. Differential Diagnosis

Your psychiatrist rules out conditions that can mimic ADHD:

Anxiety disorders — worry and restlessness overlap with ADHD
Depression — poor concentration and low motivation
Sleep disorders — sleep deprivation mimics ADHD
Thyroid conditions — can cause concentration and energy problems
Bipolar disorder — mania can look like ADHD hyperactivity

4. Same-Visit Treatment Plan

If ADHD is diagnosed, we can discuss medication options during the same visit—no separate appointment needed.

ADHD Testing vs. ADHD Evaluation: What's the Difference?

Clinical ADHD evaluation (what we offer):

Conducted by a psychiatrist or psychiatric provider
Clinical interview-based assessment (45-90 minutes)
Can diagnose ADHD and start treatment the same day
Covered by most insurance with standard copay
Sufficient for diagnosis and medication management

Neuropsychological testing (different service):

Conducted by a neuropsychologist
Multi-hour cognitive testing battery (3-6 hours)
Tests specific cognitive domains (attention, memory, processing speed)
Sometimes required for academic accommodations
Often $1,000-$3,000 out of pocket

Most adults seeking ADHD treatment need a clinical evaluation, not neuropsych testing. Our psychiatric evaluations are thorough enough to diagnose ADHD and begin treatment.

Where to Get Tested for ADHD in Orlando

Empathy Health Clinic offers ADHD evaluations at our Winter Park office and via telepsychiatry:

Location: 2281 Lee Rd Suite 102, Winter Park, FL 32789
Wait time: Same-week appointments available
Insurance: BCBS, Aetna, Cigna, UHC, Medicare
Virtual option: Online ADHD evaluation available statewide

We serve patients from Orlando, Winter Park, Lake Mary, Altamonte Springs, Kissimmee, Oviedo, and surrounding areas.

After Your ADHD Diagnosis

If diagnosed with ADHD, your psychiatrist will discuss:

Medication options (stimulants and non-stimulants)
Lifestyle strategies for managing symptoms
Follow-up schedule for medication optimization
Referrals for ADHD coaching or therapy if needed

Ready to find out? Call (386) 848-8751 or request an appointment.

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Medically reviewed by the clinical team at Empathy Health Clinic. Last updated March 2026.

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