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Is this ADHD or Not?

ADHD ASSESSMENT

Certain conditions that could mimic ADHD or cause the ADHD-like behaviors are:

 

 

High School /College Students may feign symptoms to obtain accommodations or controlled substanc

ADULT ADHD ASSESSMENT

ADHD is diagnosed after a person has shown some or all of the symptoms of ADHD on a regular basis for more than six months. In addition, symptoms must be present in more than one setting and have been present since the age of 12. Depending on the number and type of symptoms, a person will be diagnosed with one of three subtypes of ADHD: Primarily Inattentive, Primarily Hyperactive or Combined subtype.

CHILD YOUTH ADHD ASSESSMENT

The diagnosis involves gathering information from several sources, including schools, caregivers, and parents. Based on the information obtained from standardized rating scales a child's/adolescent behavior will be compared with that of other children the same age. Some symptoms that suggest ADHD in children include inattention, hyperactivity, and/or impulsivity. 

ADHD 

Assessment

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STEP 1

CPT 3 & CATA  and Clinical Interview

The Conners Continuous Performance Test Third Edition™ (Conners CPT 3™) measures attention-related problems in individuals aged eight years and older. By indexing the respondent’s performance in areas of inattentiveness, impulsivity, sustained attention, and vigilance, the Conners CPT 3 can aid in the assessment of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) and other neurological conditions related to attention. The Conners CPT 3 provides objective information about an individual’s performance in attention tasks, complementing information obtained from rating scales such as the Conners 3®.

The Conners CPT 3 can be used in conjunction with the Conners Continuous Auditory Test of Attention™ (Conners CATA™), which assesses auditory processing and attention-related problems in individuals aged eight years and older. The Conners CPT 3 and Conners CATA can be purchased as a combo kit or individually. Click here to learn more about the Conners CATA.

  • CLINICAL INTERVIEW

    • During the clinical interview important background information, family data, developmental history, will be collected. Think of it as an information-gathering session for the professional’s benefit (but ultimately for your benefit). You may have to recall or review a lot of your life and personal history with the professional, who will often ask specific questions about various stages in your life.

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STEP 2

Psychological Testing

During the second session, a Psychological assessment will be performed. Psychological assessment is a process of testing that uses a combination of techniques to help arrive at some hypotheses about a person and their behavior, personality and capabilities. Psychological assessment is also referred to as psychological testing or performing a psychological battery on a person.

 

Psychological testing measures an individual’s performance at a specific point in time — right now. Psychologists talk about a person’s “present functioning” in terms of their test data. 

 

Psychological Test/Rating Scales will be administered focusing on 

 

  • ADHD symptoms

  • Executive Functioning

  • Mental Health

  • Substance Abuse

  • Social and Interpersonal Functioning

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STEP 3

Diagnosis

During the third session, the results obtained during the first two sessions will be verified and analyzed.  Based on the information obtained from this session and the previous session a diagnosis will be formulated.

The diagnosis will be explained and the treatment options will be discussed.

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STEP 4

Treatment

Based on the clinical diagnosis a treatment plan, targeting individual symptoms will be formulated. A treatment plan can incorporate the following;

 

  • Medication Management;

    • Medication options should be discussed with your family physician

      • Stimulant medications and atomoxetine are the most effective treatments we have available for ADHD with the largest evidence base Their safety is incredibly well established They improve 70-90 percent of clinical cases, normalizing 50-60% of such cases They are convenient to administer, with the least effort required relative to other non-medical treatments, especially the once daily delivery systems They are less expensive than psychosocial therapies over the same span of time They can be used for years, even into adulthood 

  • Alternative Therapies

    • Micronutrient Formulation.

      • Latest research: Micronutrients improved overall function, reduced impairment and improved inattention, emotional regulation and aggression, but not hyperactive/impulsive symptoms, in this sample of children with ADHD. Although direct benefit for core ADHD symptoms was modest, with mixed findings across raters, the low rate of adverse effects and the benefits reported across multiple areas of functioning indicate micronutrients may be a favorable option for some children, particularly those with both ADHD and emotional dysregulation. Trial registered with the Australian New Zealand 

    • CogMed

      • Cogmed Working Memory Training® is a computer-based solution for attention problems caused by poor working memory. Together with qualified teams around the world, Cogmed offers a training solution for all settings.We combine cognitive neuroscience with innovative computer game design and close professional support to deliver substantial and lasting benefits to our users. Our solutions include easy-to-use software and personal support.

    • Executive Functioning Training

      • GROUP THERAPY Executive function skills enable us to plan, focus attention, remember instructions, and manage multiple tasks. Up to 90 percent of kids with ADHD struggle with executive function challenges that impair goal-directed behavior. Here’s how to identify EFD, and get it under control.

      • The group sessions will be running on a continuous intake basis. You can enter the program at any time.  The sessions will repeat so that you do not have to miss a session and can fit it into your busy schedule.    

 

 

·     Self- management to time

·     Self-organization /problem-solving.

·     Self-restraint/ impulse control

·     Self motivation

·     Self activation/ concentration

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