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ADHD Testing

What is ADHD?

  • ADHD stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.

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  • ADHD is a Neurodevelopmental Condition evident beginning in childhood.

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  • People with ADHD experience ongoing patterns of 1 or more of 3 primary symptoms:

    • Inattention

    • Hyperactivity

    • Impulsivity

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  • ADHD diagnoses began to rise in the 1980s amongst children with disruptive behaviors at school. Those diagnosed were predominantly boys who displayed hyperactivity and impulsivity.

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  • In recent years, we have come to realize that the way we had been identifying ADHD in children and teens, we failed to recognize it in: ​​

    • Those who were high achievers/got good grades

    • Those who discovered their own strategies to control symptoms

    • Girls and women.

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  • People with ADHD have difficulty with:​​

  • Organization           

  • Paying Attention

  • Forgetfulness

  • Losing things

  • Excessive Talking 

  • Interrupting Others

  • Moving fast all the time​

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  • Fidgeting/leg tapping

  • Time Management

  • Procrastination

  • Coping with Stress

  • Motivation

  • Boredom

  • Impulsivity​

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  • Completing tasks

  • Meeting deadlines 

  • Making choices without thinking things through

  • Hyperactive

  • Mood Swings

  • Emotional sensitivity

Is ADHD Testing For Me?

  • If you are a parent of a child who was recently diagnosed with ADHD and their symptoms resonate with you - Yes

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  • If you find yourself relating to the symptoms, difficulties or experiences of other adults with ADHD diagnoses - Yes

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  • If your primary care physician (PCP) suspects ADHD but has only known you as an adult and requires a deeper dive into your history and symptoms - Yes

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  • If your close friends, family, teachers, colleagues have commented over the years on your difficulties with the symptoms listed above - Yes

What happens during ADHD Testing?

  • Diagnosing ADHD includes a variety of different methods:

    • ​You will complete Questionnaires prior to your testing session that...

      • Ask questions related to a variety of mental health and/or behavioral challenges.

      • Guide me on which areas to focus on with you, as to be more productive during our time together.

    • During the Clinical Interview, we will...

      • Review parts of your paperwork/questionnaires where I may need more information.

      • Discuss your current symptoms and functioning.

      • Discuss what you were like as a child, as best we can.

    • Continuous Performance Testing (CPT)​

      • A computer test in which the participant is asked to watch a screen and focus on a particular item ex. circles. Anytime the participant sees a circle, and only a circle, they must press the space bar. During the 22min test, various other items come on the screen ex. squares, triangles or ovals. Additionally, there are both visual and auditory distractors to simulate real life situations.

FAQ

Why Have ADHD Testing vs. Neuropsychological Testing?

-ADHD Testing has a significantly shorter wait time; Neuropsych Testing wait times range from several months to a year. -ADHD Testing costs 60-75% less than the cost of Neuropsych Testing. -The purpose of Neuropsych Testing is to assess for Autism and/or Learning Disabilities. Some neuropsychologists will not find ADHD in people who are very high functioning. -Most adults no longer require educational accommodations from an academic institution, thus, the cognitive and educational testing on a neuropsych evaluation are unnecessary. -My comprehensive approach gives us more time during the assessment session to explore the ADHD diagnosis and distinguish it from other conditions. -In special circumstances, I am able to conduct the testing online, so I can assess those from all over Massachusetts. -I specialize in how to assess the cases of ADHD that have slipped through the cracks for years. Whether you are a working professional or a stay at home parent managing a household, if it’s there, I’ll find it. -Our post assessment session and the subsequent report will provide you with recommendations for some possible next steps.

How long is the Testing Session?

- One 2 hour in person assessment session - One 30 minute Zoom results session

How quickly will I receive my results?

Unless otherwise indicated at the time of testing, you should receive your results 2 weeks after the testing session.

I am an adult in school, who needs both a diagnosis and recommendations for academic accommodations. Are there any differences for me?

Yes, we may need to schedule an additional assessment session to collect the necessary information to meet your school’s guidelines. The write up for an academic institution is a more extensive process. There could be an additional cost of up to $500 depending on your needs.

What if I do the assessment and don’t have ADHD?

I look at ADHD assessments as a way of exploring your behavior and mental health beyond a diagnosis. If you do not meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD, I will provide you with suggestions for further treatment whether that be services such as therapy, or more comprehensive neuropsych testing.

I was diagnosed with ADHD as a child, do I still need testing as an adult?

Not necessarily. If you were diagnosed as a child, you typically do not need another ADHD assessment as an adult. It might be better to begin therapy for your ADHD and/or see a psychiatrist to discuss treatment/medication options. If your psychiatrist or PCP has asked you to have a new assessment for ADHD, or you would like to re-explore your diagnosis of ADHD, feel free to reach out.

Will you be able to prescribe me medication?

No. Only a Psychiatrist, another trained Medical Doctor (MD), a Psychiatric Physician Assistant (PA) or a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (PsychNP) should prescribe medication. I am not trained in any of these professions and thus I cannot prescribe medication. However, I am extensively trained in the diagnosis and the psychological as well as the behavioral treatment of mental health conditions such as ADHD.

What is included in the cost of ADHD Testing?

This flat fee includes: -15-20 minute pre-testing Phone Consultation -Review of pre-testing paperwork, questionnaires and measures -Two hour-long clinical interview session -Review of report cards and additional surveys -30 minute follow-up Zoom call explaining your results and suggesting next steps for treatment -A written report describing the findings of the assessment and recommendations for treatment The flat fee for all of the above is $1200.

Does my health insurance cover ADHD testing?

I do not accept Insurance for ADHD Testing. Please call your Insurance Company to see if this service is covered with your Out-Of-Network Benefits.

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