PSYCHOLOGICAL TESTING 

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) 

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It’s normal to occasionally feel distracted or have difficulty concentrating. These experiences alone do not indicate ADHD—especially if there were few or no symptoms during childhood. In fact, if attention-related challenges did not emerge during early development, it is unlikely that adult symptoms are due to ADHD.

 

Some adults may report persistent symptoms consistent with ADHD despite never receiving a diagnosis in childhood or adolescence. In many cases, these individuals may have been overlooked because they performed well academically. For example, students who struggled with completing homework but excelled on tests often earned satisfactory grades, masking underlying attention difficulties.

 

ADHD is classified as a neuro-developmental disorder, meaning symptoms typically begin in childhood. While hyperactivity is not required for an adult diagnosis, early signs of inattention, impulsivity, or executive functioning issues are usually present, even if subtle.

 

In adults, ADHD most commonly affects behavioral and emotional self-regulation. Symptoms may include impulsive decision-making, frequent distraction by irrelevant thoughts, difficulty following instructions, trouble sustaining focus on reading or paperwork, and reduced alertness in monotonous or challenging tasks. As cognitive demands increase with age and professional responsibilities grow, these challenges can become more pronounced and interfere with academic and occupational performance.

 

Additionally, ADHD often co-occurs with other conditions such as learning disabilities, anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive behaviors, or traits associated with autism spectrum disorder. These overlapping symptoms can complicate diagnosis.

 

A comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation can help identify the root causes of attention and concentration difficulties. Accurate diagnosis leads to targeted treatment recommendations that can significantly enhance functioning in personal, academic, and professional settings.

Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD)

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Everyone has unique strengths and challenges. Some individuals may excel in verbal or written communication but find complex mathematical concepts difficult to grasp. Others may have strong analytical skills and perform well with calculations but struggle with expressing themselves in writing or speech. These variations are a normal part of human diversity and do not, in themselves, indicate a learning disability.

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However, significant and persistent difficulties in reading, writing, spelling, or mathematical reasoning—when not attributable to inadequate instruction or academic exposure—may suggest the presence of a Specific Learning Disability (SLD).

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There are three primary types of SLDs: reading, written expression, and mathematics.

• Reading Impairment (Dyslexia): This form of SLD is characterized by difficulty accurately reading words, especially those that are not phonetic (e.g., “recipe”). You may recognize and understand the word when hearing it spoken but misread it in print as something entirely different, such as “receipt.” Reading may be slow and effortful, often requiring repeated attempts to comprehend text.

• Written Expression Impairment: This may present as frequent spelling errors, inconsistent grammar or punctuation use, and difficulty organizing thoughts clearly in writing.

• Mathematics Impairment (Dyscalculia): Individuals with this SLD may struggle to memorize basic arithmetic facts (like multiplication tables), resulting in poor calculation accuracy or fluency. They may also have difficulty applying math concepts to solve problems or reason through multi-step equations.

 

Specific Learning Disabilities are classified as neurodevelopmental disorders, meaning that symptoms begin during early brain development. If difficulties in reading, writing, or math were not evident in childhood, it is unlikely that current challenges are due to an SLD.

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SLD often co-occurs with other neurodevelopmental conditions such as ADHD, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and communication disorders. It may also contribute to mood-related issues, including anxiety and depression.

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A comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation can help determine whether a learning disability is present, differentiate it from other conditions, and provide individualized treatment recommendations. Early identification and targeted support can significantly improve academic, professional, and everyday functioning.

Conditions That May Affect Memory And Thinking Such As Mood, Sleep, and Stress

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In everyday life, stress, sleep, and mood are deeply interconnected—so much so that it can be difficult to determine where one influence ends and another begins. When we're under stress, the body releases hormones that drive both physical and emotional responses. Adrenaline increases alertness and arousal, while cortisol, another key stress hormone, suppresses the immune system. When stress becomes chronic, prolonged exposure to these hormones can contribute to anxiety, depression, memory problems, and impaired cognitive functioning.

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Stress frequently disrupts sleep, leading to irregular patterns that drain energy and worsen mood—creating a cycle that intensifies both stress and emotional instability. Poor sleep can result in increased irritability, reduced attention to detail, and difficulty concentrating or remembering, which can negatively impact work, relationships, and overall well-being.

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When dealing with ongoing stress, it's essential to take control of the areas you can manage:

• Engage in Daily Physical Activity: Regular exercise has been shown to reduce stress, elevate mood, and improve sleep quality. Choose an activity you enjoy, schedule it into your calendar, and treat it as a non-negotiable part of your routine.

• Practice Calming Breathing Techniques: Simple changes in how you breathe can have a significant impact. Breathing through your nose rather than your mouth can slow your heart rate and breathing rate, while also reducing the production of stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol.

• Establish Healthy Sleep Habits: Quality sleep is foundational to mental and physical health.

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Develop healthy sleep habits. For helpful sleep suggestions try the American Academy of Sleep Medicine’s recommendations.

Outcomes

Gaining insight into how the brain influences behavior is a critical first step toward making meaningful, lasting changes in daily life. With greater understanding comes the ability to take informed action and supportive treatment.