Edited and reviewed:
Jan 16, 2026
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ADHD vs Menopause Brain Fog Differential Evaluation in Tennessee
If your focus, memory, or motivation changed and you are not sure whether it is ADHD, the menopause transition, sleep disruption, mood, burnout, or a combination, a differential evaluation can help. ScienceWorks Behavioral Health provides a structured, strengths-based process for adults across Tennessee, with telehealth options when appropriate.
You might be a good fit for a brain fog vs ADHD evaluation if:
You are noticing brain fog, forgetfulness, or reduced motivation and you want a clear explanation.
You are unsure whether your attention challenges are lifelong (possible ADHD) or a newer shift (possible menopause, sleep, mood, or medical factors).
You feel stuck in trial-and-error and want an organized map of next steps.
You want to reduce the risk of misdiagnosis by checking common rule-outs.
You want recommendations you can act on quickly.
Request an Evaluation
Top Statistics Related to brain fog vs ADHD evaluation
Stat 1: Estimated prevalence of current adult ADHD was 4.4% in a U.S. national survey report published in 2006. Source: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2859678/
Stat 2: A menopause cognition review published in 2019 notes that memory problems are reported by approximately 60% of midlife women during the menopause transition. Source: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6784846/
Stat 3: In a perimenopause cognition review published in 2023, one large study reported 53.0% difficulty concentrating endorsement in perimenopause. Source: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10842974/
Stat 4: A sleep review published in 2018 reports sleep problems in the range of 40 - 60% in midlife women during the menopausal transition. Source: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6092036/
Stat 5: Mayo Clinic notes the average age of menopause in the United States is 51 (page updated 2024). Source: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/menopause/symptoms-causes/syc-20353397
Stat 6: In U.S. national data published by CDC in 2024 (surveyed 2023), almost one half of adults with ADHD (46.0%) reported ever receiving telehealth services for their condition. Source: https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/73/wr/mm7340a1.htm
When a differential evaluation can help
Brain fog and attention changes can have multiple contributors. This evaluation is built to clarify whether your current challenges align with lifelong ADHD patterns, menopause transition changes, sleep disruption, mood symptoms, burnout, or a combination. The goal is not to force a single answer, but to give you an accurate, usable map.
You feel less sharp than you used to, and you cannot tell why.
You are forgetting appointments, losing words, or struggling to initiate tasks.
Sleep disruption, stress, or mood changes are making concentration harder.
You wonder whether you have always had ADHD traits, but they became unmanageable recently.
You want to rule out common look-alikes before starting a new treatment path.
You do not have to solve this alone. We will walk you through the timeline and the rule-outs, then translate the findings into clear next steps.
What to expect at ScienceWorks
This evaluation uses structured interviewing, targeted screening, and careful differential diagnosis. You will receive written findings and a practical recommendation plan, including referral guidance when medical follow-up is indicated.
How the differential evaluation works
Step one: Intake focused on your main concerns, what changed, and what you want to be different.
Step two: Timeline-based clinical interview to compare lifelong patterns vs newer onset changes.
Step three: Standardized measures for attention, executive function, and common co-occurring concerns (sleep, mood, and stress-related factors).
Step four: Differential formulation that explains what best fits, what is less likely, and what needs medical rule-out.
Step five: Written findings plus a next-step plan (skills, supports, and a referral map).
Strengths-based and affirming: We look at how you have adapted over time, including high-masking patterns, and we aim for clarity without shame. When helpful, we include care-coordination guidance you can bring to your medical team.
Who we help in Tennessee
We work with adults across Tennessee who are trying to understand attention and cognition changes and want an evidence-based differential evaluation.
Adults in perimenopause or menopause navigating brain fog, sleep disruption, and overwhelm.
High-performing professionals whose usual systems are no longer enough.
Adults who suspect ADHD, but are unsure whether symptoms are lifelong or newly intensified.
People who want practical recommendations and a clear referral path.
Telehealth note: Services may be offered via secure telehealth when appropriate. For telehealth visits, you must be physically located in Tennessee at the time of your appointment.
Why choose ScienceWorks
How to get started
We keep the start simple and supportive. Reach out, tell us what is changing, and we will guide you to the right evaluation path.
Step one: Request a differential evaluation.
Step two: Complete intake and schedule your interview session.
Step three: Receive written findings and a next-step plan with referral guidance.
Want a clear answer? Contact ScienceWorks Behavioral Health to request a brain fog vs ADHD evaluation in Tennessee.
FAQs
What is the difference between this and a full ADHD assessment?
This evaluation is designed for clarity when you are unsure of the primary driver. If the findings point strongly toward ADHD, we can recommend whether a comprehensive ADHD evaluation is appropriate next.
What do you rule out?
We consider sleep disruption, mood symptoms, stress and burnout, and medical contributors that can mimic or intensify attention and memory problems. We will note when medical follow-up is recommended.
Will you coordinate with my medical provider?
When helpful, we include care-coordination guidance you can share with your prescriber or primary care provider, especially when hormone changes, sleep, or other medical factors may be involved.
Do you offer telehealth in Tennessee?
Telehealth may be available when appropriate. If you use telehealth, you must be located in Tennessee for the appointment, and we will confirm whether any in-person components are needed.
About ScienceWorks Behavioral Health
ScienceWorks Behavioral Health is a psychology practice serving clients across Tennessee. We provide evidence-based evaluations and affirming care with clear communication and practical recommendations.
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Disclaimer: This page provides general educational information and is not a substitute for mental health diagnosis or treatment. Reading this page does not create a therapist–client relationship with ScienceWorks Behavioral Healthcare. Services are provided via telehealth to clients located in Tennessee (and other jurisdictions where our clinicians are authorized to practice); if you are outside Tennessee, contact us to confirm availability in your location. If you are in crisis or may be at risk of harm to yourself or others, call 911, go to your nearest emergency room, or call/text 988 (U.S.). Additional emergency support can be found here: Emergency Resources.