Welcome! You have taken an important step in learning more about Attention Deficit Disorders (ADD / ADHD). Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder is commonly referred to as ADD or ADHD. ADHD can be diagnosed in children or adults. Most individuals have experienced difficulty with attention, concentration, fidgeting, or self-management at some point in their lives. The presence of these symptoms alone does not result in a diagnosis of ADHD. A child or adult is diagnosed with ADHD when they exhibit a minimum of 6 symptoms, in two or more settings (home and school), for at least six months. Some of the symptoms must have been present before the child / adult reached 7 years of age. The symptoms must also result in significant impairment in academic, social, or occupational / career functioning. Children and adults sometimes experience symptoms of ADHD at certain points in their lives. Our ability to concentrate, focus, and self-manage our behavior can be affected by changes in school, family, and home. Feelings of Stress, Depression, or Anxiety can also result in symptoms that mimic ADHD. It is important to obtain an evaluation or assessment to ensure that a proper diagnosis is made. ADHD has three subtypes that are often referred to as ADD - Low Attention or ADHD - Hyperactive. When a child or adult has six or more symptoms that involve poor attention, low concentration, forgetfulness, distractibility, careless mistakes, poor organization, etc.. the subtype involved is "ADHD Predominantly Inattenive." When a child or adult has six or more symptoms that involve fidgeting, excessive movement, excessive talking, difficulty waiting turns, interruptions, etc.. the subtype involved is "ADHD Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive." If a child or adult has both six symptoms of Inattention and 6 symptoms of Hyperactivity-Impulsivity, resulting in 12 or more symptoms combined, the subtype is referred to as "ADHD Combined Type." Psychologists, Neuropsychologists, Neurologists, Pediatricians, Physicians, and Therapists alike all use the diagnostic criteria established in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV-TR) to diagnose ADHD. ADHD Predominantly Inattentive - Six or more symptoms of inattention occur at a clinically elevated range. If symptoms of Hyperactivity and Impulsivity are also present they must be fewer than six symptoms. ADHD Predominantly Hyperactivty-Impulsive - Six or more symtpoms of hyperactivity or impulsivity occur at a clinically elevated range. If symptoms of Inattention are present they must be fewer than six symptoms. ADHD Combined Type - Six or more symptoms of Inattention AND Six or more symtpoms of Hyperacitivty-Impulsivity occur at a clinically elevated range Best Practices for Diagnosing, Evaluating, and Testing for ADD / ADHD - ADHD Professional Organizations and ADHD researchers have identified crucial components that should be part of all ADHD evaluations for children, teens, and adults. Our ADHD clinic follows the Best Practice guidelines to ensure that children, adolescents, and adults receive an appropriate evaluation. Our ADHD clinic partners with many local pediatricians and pediatric groups to establish a diagnosis prior to determining if a course of ADHD stimulant medication is appropriate. Your pediatrician / general physician is your partner in your medical care. Pediatricians and physicians exercise caution before prescribing medication for ADHD. They want to ensure that the child or adult meets the diagnostic criteria for ADHD. Our diagnostic report provides the pediatrician / general physician with the information needed to support their course of medical treatment for ADHD symptom management. What you can Expect at our ADD / ADHD Evaluation ($450 Flat Fee) Our Psychologist will meet with the child / adolescent / adult over two or three sessions. The assessment will include psychological testing (to rule in / rule out an Attention Deficit Disorder), clinical interview questions, and behavioral observations. The child / adolescent / adult will be asked a variety of questions to learn more information about difficulties in school / work, awareness of symptoms, and problems relating to peers / co-workers. More than one visit is necessary to establish that the ADHD symptoms are apparent and persist over time. The Psychologist has an opportunity to observe first-hand any symptoms that may be present (fidgeting, difficulty concentrating, distractibility, excessive talking, etc...). The Psychologist will review any school or work records available to identify relevant information. A diagnostic report summarizing the testing results, behavioral observations, and a diagnostic impression about the presence or absence of ADHD symptoms will be provided. Other contributing factors (possible low self-esteem, difficulty with certain aspects of memory, low motivation, limit-testing, etc..) will be discussed if these features contribute to the areas of concern. Our clinic strives to provide objective evaluations and assessments. We do not make diagnosis strictly based on verbal reports without additional supporting evidence (testing and record review).