ADHD Assessment
What Is ADHD?
ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) is a condition in which a person’s attention, activity level, and impulse control develop and function differently from what is typical for their age. It begins in childhood, although it may not be recognized until much later in life.
People with ADHD often have unique strengths, such as creativity, energy, and the ability to focus deeply on things that interest them.
The goal of assessment and management is to understand the challenges associated with ADHD and provide appropriate support to help individuals navigate everyday life.
Dr. Md Ashraful Bari
CEO and Consultant Psychiatrist | AQIDAH Healthcare Limited
Qualifications:
MBBS, MRCPsych (UK)
PG Diploma in Clinical Neuropsychiatry (UOB, UK)
PG Diploma in General Adult Psychiatry (UOM, UK)
Areas of Clinical Practice:
- Anxiety Disorders
- Adult Depression
- Adult ADHD, Autism Spectrum Condition
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Bipolar Disorder
- Psychosis
- Addiction
- Personality Disorders
- Eating Disorders
- Sleep Disorders.
Appointment Time: Saturday to Thursday ( 10 AM to 8 PM)
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Dr. Anamika Chowdhury
Psychiatrist
Qualifications
MBBS, MD (BSMMU)
About & Biography:
Dr. Anamika Chowdhury is a Psychiatrist with an MD from BSMMU, specialising in depression, anxiety, and conversion disorders. She has a particular interest in the intersection of psychological and physical health — including psychosomatic presentations.
Areas of Expertise:
- Adult Psychiatry
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- Addiction Psychiatry
- Inpatient Psychiatric Care
- Depression
- Anxiety Disorders
- Trauma-Related Disorders
- Adult ADHD
Appointment Time: Saturday to Thursday ( 10 AM to 8 PM)
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Dr. Fatema Tuj Johora Joti
Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist
Qualifications:
MBBS, BCS (Health), MD (BMU/Ex-PG Hospital)
About & Biography:
Dr. Fatema Tuj Johora Joti is a Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist at AQIDAH. She completed her MD at BSMMU and worked as a Registrar at the National Institute of Mental Health in Dhaka. She provides compassionate, evidence-based care for children and adolescents.
Areas of Expertise:
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Depressive Disorders
- Bipolar Mood Disorder
- Anxiety Disorders
- OCD
- Eating Disorders
- Behavioral Disorders
- Internet Addiction
- Borderline Personality Disorder
Appointment Time: Saturday to Thursday ( 10 AM to 8 PM)
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Tasneem Alam
Educational Psychologist & ABA Practitioner, AQIDAH Ltd.
Qualifications:
B.Sc in Psychology (DU), M.Sc in Educational Psychology (DU), ABA Practitioner.
Areas of Expertise:
- Behavior Management
- ADHD Screening & Behavioural Support
- IQ & Cognitive Assessment (WISC-IV)
- Exam Stress & Performance Anxiety
- Conversion Disorder Support
- Emotional Regulation and Parent Counselling
For parents, students, and young adults facing educational or behavioral challenges, Tasneem Alam provides specialized guidance. Her expertise ranges from ADHD screening and cognitive assessments to helping students manage exam anxiety and building effective behavioral strategies for home and school life.
Appointment Time: Saturday to Thursday ( 10 AM to 8 PM)
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Presentations of ADHD
ADHD can present in different ways, depending on an individual's symptoms and characteristics. The three main presentations are:
1. Predominantly Inattentive Presentation
- Difficulty focusing and maintaining attention
- Problems with organisation and completing tasks
- Forgetfulness and difficulty remembering important things
2. Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Presentation
- Restlessness and constant movement
- Excessive talking
- Acting impulsively without thinking about the consequences
3. Combined Presentation
- A combination of inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms
ADHD presentations can change over time as a person grows and develops.
Common Signs of ADHD
In Children
- Difficulty paying attention or following instructions
- Often appearing not to listen when spoken to directly
- Frequently losing belongings or forgetting daily tasks
- Fidgeting, struggling to remain seated, or seeming constantly active
- Interrupting others or having difficulty waiting for their turn
- Experiencing difficulties at school or in social relationships and friendships
In Adults
- Chronic disorganisation, frequent lateness, or missed deadlines
- Difficulty concentrating on lengthy or less interesting tasks
- Restlessness or an internal feeling of being constantly driven
- Impulsive decisions, such as excessive spending or suddenly quitting a job
- Difficulty managing time and prioritising responsibilities
- Emotional ups and downs or becoming frustrated easily
Important: Many of these signs can also be associated with other conditions, such as anxiety, depression, stress, poor sleep, learning difficulties, or certain medical conditions.
That is why a thorough professional assessment is essential to understand the underlying difficulties and determine whether they are related to ADHD.
How Is ADHD Assessed?
An ADHD assessment involves more than completing a checklist. It is a comprehensive clinical evaluation designed to understand an individual's symptoms, history, and everyday challenges.
The assessment usually includes the following steps:
1. Detailed Clinical Interview
The clinician asks about current difficulties, childhood history, school or work experiences, medical history, and family background to gain a clear understanding of the individual's concerns.
2. Information from Others
For children, parents and teachers often provide valuable information about behaviour and difficulties in different settings. For adults, input from a partner, family member, or previous school reports may also be helpful.
3. Rating Scales and Questionnaires
Standardised rating scales and questionnaires help assess the type, frequency, and severity of ADHD symptoms.
4. Checking for Other Explanations
The clinician considers other conditions that may resemble ADHD or occur alongside it, such as anxiety, depression, autism, learning difficulties, and sleep problems.
5. Feedback and Recommendations
Following the assessment, you receive a clear explanation of the findings, a written summary where appropriate, and recommendations for suitable treatment and support.
Important: For an ADHD diagnosis, symptoms generally need to have been present since childhood, occur in more than one setting (such as home, school, or work), and cause significant difficulties in everyday life.
ADHD Management: What Support Looks Like
There is no single treatment that works for everyone with ADHD. Management should be tailored to each individual's needs, symptoms, and daily challenges.
A comprehensive ADHD management plan may include the following:
1. Psychoeducation
Helping individuals and their families understand ADHD, its symptoms, challenges, and available treatment options.
2. Practical Strategies
Developing daily routines, using planning tools, and learning effective ways to manage time, organise activities, and complete tasks.
3. Parent Training and Behavioural Support
Providing parents of children with ADHD with practical strategies to support positive behaviour, improve communication, and manage everyday challenges.
4. Therapy
Therapeutic approaches, such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), can help adults with ADHD improve organisation, emotional regulation, self-esteem, and coping skills.
5. School or Workplace Adjustments
Making appropriate adjustments to support better performance and participation, such as:
- Providing clear and simple instructions
- Allowing regular breaks
- Offering additional time for tasks when appropriate
- Creating a structured and supportive environment
6. Medication
Medication may be considered when appropriate. It should always be prescribed and monitored by a qualified medical professional.
7. Lifestyle Support
Maintaining healthy lifestyle habits, including adequate sleep, regular physical activity, and consistent daily routines.
8. Regular Follow-Up
Ongoing follow-up appointments help monitor progress, address new challenges, and adjust the management plan when necessary.
Living Well with ADHD
ADHD is a lifelong neurodevelopmental condition and does not have a definitive cure. However, with appropriate assessment, individualised treatment, and ongoing support, individuals with ADHD can manage their symptoms and make everyday life much easier.
Everyday Strategies That Can Help
Simple daily strategies can make it easier for individuals with ADHD to manage their symptoms and stay organised.
Some helpful strategies include:
- Break big tasks into smaller steps: Divide complex tasks into smaller, clear, and manageable activities.
- Use calendars, alarms, and checklists: These tools can help with remembering appointments, organising tasks, and managing time.
- Maintain a consistent daily routine: Following a regular schedule can improve structure and reduce everyday difficulties.
- Reduce distractions: Create a quiet and organised environment when working or studying.
- Plan regular movement breaks: Short breaks and physical activities can help manage restlessness and improve focus.
- Use rewards and positive feedback: Encouragement and positive reinforcement can support motivation and positive behaviour, especially in children.
- Prioritise good sleep: Maintaining healthy sleep habits is important because tiredness can make concentration and attention more difficult.
Online vs. In-Person ADHD Assessment
Certain parts of an ADHD assessment, such as clinical interviews and follow-up consultations, can be conducted online. However, some situations may benefit from in-person observation and evaluation.
AQIDAH Healthcare offers both online and in-person assessment options. Your clinician will guide you in choosing the most appropriate approach based on your individual needs and clinical requirements.
Myths and Facts: ADHD Assessment & Management
There are several misconceptions about ADHD that can prevent individuals and families from understanding the condition and seeking appropriate support. Here are some common myths and the facts behind them.
Myth 1: ADHD Is Just Bad Behaviour or Laziness.
Fact: ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition. It is not simply a result of laziness or poor behaviour, and effort alone cannot eliminate its symptoms.
Myth 2: Only Children Have ADHD.
Fact: ADHD often continues into adulthood. Many adults are diagnosed later in life when they begin to recognise their symptoms and seek professional assessment.
Myth 3: People with ADHD Cannot Concentrate on Anything.
Fact: Attention in people with ADHD can be inconsistent. Many individuals can focus deeply on activities that interest them but struggle with less engaging or repetitive tasks.
Myth 4: Medication Is the Only Treatment for ADHD.
Fact: Medication is one of several management options. Practical strategies, therapy, parent training, and appropriate adjustments at school or work also play important roles.
Why Choose AQIDAH Healthcare?
At AQIDAH Healthcare, we take the time to listen, understand the whole picture, and explain our findings in clear and simple language.
We approach ADHD with understanding and respect, never treating it as a label for blame. Our goal is to help individuals and families understand their challenges and find practical ways to manage them.
With a range of services, including psychiatry, psychology, behavioural management, and speech and language therapy, we provide coordinated support tailored to the needs of you or your child.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can ADHD Be Diagnosed in Adults?
Yes. Many adults receive an ADHD assessment later in life, particularly when they begin to recognise lifelong patterns of attention difficulties, impulsivity, or restlessness.
2. Is an Online Test Enough to Diagnose ADHD?
No. Online screening tools can help identify possible ADHD symptoms, but a diagnosis requires a comprehensive clinical assessment by a qualified professional.
3. Does My Child Have to Take Medication?
No. Medication is only one possible treatment option. Many children benefit from practical strategies and behavioural support. Any decision about medication is made in consultation with a doctor after discussing its potential benefits and risks.
4. What Should I Bring to the Assessment?
You may bring the following documents and information:
- School reports
- Previous medical or psychological reports
- A list of current medications
- Notes about your main concerns and observed symptoms
5. Is ADHD Caused by Too Much Screen Time or Sugar?
No. ADHD has strong biological and genetic roots. Healthy lifestyle habits can help manage symptoms, but screen time and sugar are not established causes of ADHD, and lifestyle changes alone cannot cure the condition.
Related Services at AQIDAH Healthcare
- Best Female Psychologists in Dhaka
- Behavioural Management
- Child & Adolescent Psychiatry
Take the First Step Today
Understanding the reasons behind attention and focus difficulties can bring clarity and relief. A comprehensive assessment is the first step towards identifying the challenges and finding the right support.
Book an ADHD Assessment with AQIDAH Healthcare
Aqidah Healthcare
Firoz Tower (13th Floor), 152/3B, Bir Uttam Nuruzzaman Sarak, Panthapath, Dhaka-1215
Book an Appointment: +8801339570424
Website: https://www.theaqidah.com/en