ADHD in Adults — ProfessMed Gdańsk
Comprehensive ADHD diagnostics for adults—clinical interview, testing, and a treatment plan.
A great deal of attention is given to diagnosing ADHD in children, while the topic is far less often raised in adults. Unfortunately, there is no age limit beyond which the disorder can be said to have resolved.
Research shows that as many as 70% of children with ADHD continue to experience symptoms in adulthood. It is estimated that 2–6% of the general population may meet the criteria for ADHD. According to some studies, these figures may have been underestimated due to the low detection rate of this disorder among adults.
The underdiagnosis and undertreatment of ADHD in adults is due, among other factors, to age-related changes in symptom presentation. In addition, older adults often experience co-occurring mental health conditions.
Diagnosing ADHD in an adult is not straightforward. It is one of the more challenging issues for a specialist involved in clinical assessment. Taking an ADHD test alone is not enough, as the test itself contributes little to identifying the actual problem. The result may be either a false positive or a false negative.
In line with international guidelines, for the diagnosis to be reliable, a full diagnostic panel should be carried out, covering elements such as personality traits and disorders, temperament, cognitive schemas, mood disorders, and emotional dysregulation. Neuropsychological testing is also often recommended. Specialized ADHD tests should be the final piece of the puzzle.
Another important factor is the experience of the person conducting the assessment. Not every psychiatrist or psychologist has expertise in this area. If you are considering this form of diagnosis, it is worth checking whether the specialist has formal qualifications to diagnose ADHD—some diagnostic tools require separate training, and not everyone holds the necessary certifications.
Three Stages of Diagnosis
- Psychiatric consultation — detailed clinical interview, approx. 60 minutes.
Comprehensive diagnostic panel
Dr. Paweł Zielazny, MD, PhD, offers a comprehensive diagnostic panel. He uses specialized tools, including computerized tests.
- Comprehensive diagnostic panel with computerized tests
- Only scientifically validated diagnostic methods
- Certified tools requiring separate training
- Diagnostic process: 2–3 appointments, approx. 2 weeks
Who is this program for?
- Difficulty concentrating and organizing work, despite good intentions and strong capabilities
- Procrastination, putting tasks off, difficulty finishing projects once started
- Impulsivity in decision-making—financial, professional, and relational
- A sense of inner restlessness, fatigue, or mental fog
- Previous ineffective treatment for depression or anxiety disorders
- ADHD suspected by another specialist or a loved one
Frequently asked questions
- Is ADHD common in adults?
- It is estimated that 2–6% of the general population may meet the criteria for ADHD. Studies indicate that up to 70% of children with ADHD also continue to show symptoms in adulthood. These figures may have been underestimated due to the low detection rate of the disorder among adults.
- What does ADHD diagnosis for adults look like at ProfessMed?
- The diagnostic process includes three stages: a clinical interview with a psychiatrist (approx. 60 minutes), a neuropsychological assessment with computerized tests, and a joint review of the results followed by the development of a treatment plan. The full diagnostic process typically requires 2–3 visits and is usually completed within about 2 weeks.
- Is an ADHD test alone enough to make a diagnosis?
- No. A test alone may yield a false positive or a false negative result. A reliable diagnosis requires a comprehensive assessment that includes an evaluation of personality traits, temperament, cognitive patterns, mood disorders, and emotional dysregulation. Specialized ADHD tests should be the final step in the diagnostic process.
- Who leads the ADHD diagnostic program at ProfessMed?
- The diagnostic program is jointly led by psychiatrist Prof. Paweł Zagożdżon, MD, PhD, and clinical neuropsychologist and psychotherapist Paweł Zielazny, MD, PhD, who uses certified diagnostic tools, including computerized tests.
- Do I need a referral for ADHD diagnostics?
- No. ProfessMed is a private medical facility and does not require a referral. You can book an appointment directly through ZnanyLekarz or by phone.
- Who is adult ADHD assessment intended for?
- The program is intended for adults experiencing, among other things, difficulties with concentration and organization, procrastination, impulsive decision-making, inner restlessness, or brain fog, as well as for individuals who have previously undergone unsuccessful treatment for depression or anxiety disorders.
Specialists
- dr n. med. Zielazny Paweł — Neuropsychologist, psychotherapist