ADHD Assessment & Treatment
What If It's Not ADHD?
ADHD Assessment That Investigates Why You Can't Focus
Before prescribing stimulants, we investigate what's actually causing your focus issues — iron, thyroid, sleep, hormones, and medication effects all matter. Comprehensive ADHD evaluation in Chandler and via California/Arizona telehealth.
Iron, thyroid, sleep, B12 screened before diagnosis
Sleep apnea and circadian issues evaluated routinely
Minute comprehensive evaluation
New patient appointments often available within the week
Sound Familiar?
Is This You?
Patients seeking comprehensive ADHD evaluation often share these experiences
The Late-Diagnosed
You've always struggled but compensated through intelligence and effort. Now you're wondering if ADHD explains why everything takes so much harder for you.
Many high-functioning adults discover ADHD in their 30s-40s when compensation strategies fail.
The Stimulant Skeptic
You suspect ADHD but don't want to jump straight to Adderall. You want someone to investigate properly before prescribing anything.
Good instinct. A meaningful share of focus issues have medical contributors that stimulants alone won't fix — iron, thyroid, sleep, hormones, and medication side effects all matter.
The Failed Treatment
You've tried ADHD medications before but they didn't help—or helped briefly then stopped. Now you're questioning the diagnosis.
Treatment failure often means the root cause wasn't addressed, not that you don't have ADHD.
The New Struggle
You never had focus issues before, but something changed. Postpartum fog, midlife brain changes, or unexplained cognitive decline.
New-onset focus issues in adults often have identifiable medical triggers.
"I finally understood why everything felt so hard."
The Problem With Quick ADHD Diagnoses
"You have trouble focusing? Here's Adderall."
But why can't you focus? Is it ADHD? Or is it iron deficiency impairing your dopamine? Thyroid slowing your brain? Sleep apnea you don't know about? Stimulants won't fix those— and may mask the real problem for years.
The right treatment depends on finding the right cause.
What We Investigate
Medical Conditions That Mimic ADHD
These conditions cause focus problems identical to ADHD—but won't respond to stimulants
Iron Deficiency
Ferritin below 30 ng/mL impairs dopamine synthesis—the same neurotransmitter ADHD meds target
Thyroid Dysfunction
Even mild hypothyroidism causes cognitive slowing, brain fog, and attention deficits
Sleep Disorders
Sleep apnea is widely under-diagnosed and can mimic or worsen attention and executive-function symptoms.
B12/Folate Deficiency
Essential for neurotransmitter synthesis; deficiency causes attention and memory issues
Hormonal Changes
Perimenopause, low testosterone, and cortisol dysregulation all impair concentration
Medication Effects
Many common medications have cognitive side effects that mimic ADHD
The Difference
Quick Diagnosis vs. Comprehensive Assessment
| Standard Approach | Our Approach | |
|---|---|---|
| Evaluation time | 15-30 minutes | 75-90 minute comprehensive assessment |
| Diagnostic method | Symptom checklist → diagnosis | Medical investigation → differential diagnosis → confirmed diagnosis |
| Lab work | Usually none | Iron, thyroid, B12, sleep screen, hormones as indicated |
| Differential diagnosis | Limited or absent | Full workup: anxiety, depression, sleep, medical causes |
| Treatment approach | Stimulant prescription | Address root cause first, medication if truly needed |
| Outcome focus | Symptom reduction with stimulant trial | Address underlying contributors first, then medication if still indicated |
Treatment Paths
What Happens After Diagnosis?
When It's ADHD
- Stimulant medications (methylphenidate or amphetamine-based)
- Non-stimulant options (atomoxetine, bupropion, guanfacine)
- Executive function coaching and strategies
- Environmental modifications
When It's Medical
- Iron optimization if ferritin low
- Thyroid treatment if indicated
- Sleep disorder management
- Nutritional optimization (B12, D, magnesium)
When It's Both
- Treat medical factors first—often reduces ADHD severity
- Then optimize ADHD treatment if still needed
- Lower medication doses often sufficient
- Better overall outcomes
Medical factors changed the plan
without starting stimulant medication
Real Case Example
When Investigation Changes Everything
A 32-year-old professional struggling with focus was evaluated for ADHD. Symptoms suggested ADHD, but comprehensive assessment revealed ferritin of 18 ng/mL, mild sleep apnea (AHI 12), and suboptimal thyroid function (TSH 3.8). After 8 weeks of iron supplementation, CPAP therapy, and thyroid optimization, attention symptoms improved substantially without stimulant medication.
This is why comprehensive investigation matters.
Your Path Forward
The ADHD Evaluation Process
From first appointment to lasting clarity
Comprehensive Evaluation
Day 1
Complete ADHD assessment, medical factor investigation, differential diagnosis, and lab work ordered.
- Full symptom history
- Medical factor screening
- Lab work ordered
- Initial impressions shared
Diagnosis & Planning
Week 1-2
Lab results reviewed, diagnosis confirmed (ADHD, medical cause, or both), treatment plan developed.
- Lab results analyzed
- Diagnosis confirmed
- Treatment plan created
- Questions answered
Treatment & Optimization
Months 1-3
Whether treating ADHD or medical causes, close monitoring ensures optimal response.
- Treatment initiated
- Response monitored
- Adjustments made
- Improvement tracked
Maintenance
Month 4+
Once stable, visits become less frequent while ensuring continued success.
- Stability confirmed
- Prescription refills
- Long-term monitoring
- Quarterly check-ins
Adults With ADHD
It's Never Too Late to Get Answers
Many high-functioning adults have compensated for undiagnosed ADHD through intelligence, structure, and sheer effort—but still operate below their potential. They're successful, but everything takes more energy than it should.
Adult ADHD assessment considers workplace performance, relationship impacts, and quality of life factors that weren't apparent in childhood. Whether you're seeking diagnosis for the first time or questioning a previous diagnosis, comprehensive evaluation provides clarity.
You deserve to know whether ADHD, medical factors, or both are affecting your potential.
ADHD Evaluation
- Initial Evaluation 75-90 minutes
- Lab Results Several business days
- Format In-person or telehealth
- Insurance Most major plans; call to confirm
- Location Chandler, AZ + Telehealth
Not Sure If It's ADHD?
Free 15-minute consultation to discuss your symptoms and whether comprehensive evaluation would help.
Call (310) 955-1041ADHD Assessment FAQs
Questions Patients Ask Before an ADHD Evaluation
How is your ADHD assessment different from a 30-minute visit?
A standard ADHD visit is usually a symptom checklist and a prescription. Our initial evaluation is 75-90 minutes and includes a medical-factor screen — iron, thyroid, sleep, B12, hormones — because focus problems often have medical contributors that stimulants alone won't fix.
Do I have to take a stimulant if I'm diagnosed with ADHD?
No. Treatment is individualized. ADHD treatment can include stimulant medication, non-stimulant medication, behavioral and environmental strategies, or a combination. If a medical contributor is identified (low ferritin, untreated sleep apnea, thyroid dysfunction), addressing that often changes what medication, if any, is needed.
I was already diagnosed with ADHD years ago. Should I still be re-evaluated?
A re-evaluation can be useful when previous treatment isn't working, when symptoms have changed, or when no medical workup was done at diagnosis. We're not here to overturn a prior diagnosis — we're here to make sure the full picture is being treated.
What labs are usually ordered as part of an ADHD evaluation?
Common labs include a complete iron panel with ferritin, full thyroid panel (TSH, free T3/T4, antibodies), B12 and folate, vitamin D, and reproductive hormones when clinically indicated. Sleep screening is reviewed at the visit and referred for a sleep study if signs are present.
Can ADHD evaluation be done by telehealth?
Yes. We offer evaluations in-person in Chandler, AZ and by telehealth across Arizona and California. Lab work is ordered locally to you.
Do you see adults, teens, or both?
We focus on adult ADHD assessment, including adults who suspect they were missed in childhood and adults whose previous treatment has stopped working.
Will you prescribe stimulants by telehealth?
Controlled-substance prescribing follows current state and federal regulations. We discuss what's appropriate for your situation at evaluation, including whether an in-person visit is required for a stimulant prescription in your state.
Do you accept insurance?
We accept most major insurance plans. Coverage varies — call our office before scheduling so we can confirm your specific plan and benefits.
Ready for Answers About Your Focus Issues?
New patient evaluations are often available within the week. We accept most major insurance plans — call to confirm yours.
Schedule ADHD Evaluation