Adult ADHD

Attention-Deficit Disorder is real. Although traditionally considered a childhood concern, it affects between 2.9% and 16.4% of adults as well. ADHD can be confused with a number of other conditions and may be underdiagnosed. Most psychiatrists are reluctant to prescribe medications without psychometric testing. It is essential to obtain a variety of assessments in order to determine the nature and extent of issues with impulsivity and inattention.

A full battery of psychometric tests takes several hours and is spread over at least two days. It is important that you do not drink alcohol or take recreational drugs for 72 hours prior to testing. Take regular medications as prescribed. Retesting may be performed to determine your effectiveness with and without stimulant medications.

A thorough evaluation for ADHD takes approximately 6 hours in total and the cost is approximately $2000.00. Assessment includes formal IQ testing, a structured clinical interview for ADHD, intake (history), collateral interview, computer assessed performance testing, clinician administered performance testing, personality testing, and a comprehensive integrative report from your clinician. Your strengths and weaknesses will be evaluated and a definitive statement can be made regarding diagnosis. Without psychometric testing, a clinician is seriously limited in his/her ability to give an accurate diagnosis.

Feel free to take the following quiz, however, the results are not necessarily indicative of a diagnosis of ADHD: http://psychcentral.com/addquiz.htm

Personality Disorders

A Personality Disorder is a disorder in the way a person thinks and behaves with others in multiple situations. Often times people will have a number of problems and never recognize that they have a personality disorder. You may have been given 3 or more diagnoses, and none of them seem to fit. You may find that interactions with others have always been problematic. You may feel as if you didn't belong in your family growing up, and even now can't seem to figure out how to make it work with others. 

For pinpointing a diagnosis, it is important that your clinician look at multiple sources of information. It is not enough to see one behavior and to conclude that the person has a personality disorder. There are thoroughly researched psychometric tests that aid in the diagnosis of these conditions. Additionally, it is essential for a clinician to interview others who are in contact with the individual. It is not enough to rely only on the individual's impressions of their behavior. As we all know, we can be our worst critics and have the potential for viewing our behavior in very different ways than others.   

Legal Matters

If you are required to obtain a psychological report for the court, I can also provide these services. Please have your attorney contact me directly.