 
The Complete Assessment For Attention Deficit
Hyperactivity Disorder
There is no one
test to determine if an individual has ADHD. It takes a trained
professional to discriminate between many biological and environmental
factors. Assessments may vary depending on the individual needs
of the client. The following is a general overview of what to expect
at an assessment at Comprehensive Psychiatric Resources.
Review of Records
Once an appointment has been set you will be given a comprehensive
survey to be filled out and asked to return it and any previous
records prior to your assessment with Dr. Greenblatt. Dr. Greenblatt
reviews these records in depth before seeing the patient. Approximate
time of record review is 30 - 60 minutes.
EEG
Neurofeedback is a computerized brainwave training that teaches
children and adults to recognize specific brain waves. With the
use of a sophisticated computer and a trained technician one is
able to see their brain waves at work. Research conducted has identified
that brain wave patterns in children with ADHD have an abundance
of Theta waves (associated with daydreaming) and a diminished amount
of Beta waves (associated with concentration). QEEG's are obtained
from patients while they are engaged in several cognitive tasks:
reading, listening, drawing and a baseline. The approximate time
of the evaluation is 35 minutes.
CPT Testing
This is a "Continuous Performance Test." It is a standardized,
reliable and objective diagnostic aid. CPT testing is used as part
of a multi-modal approach to the diagnosis of ADHD. Initial ratings
serve as baseline indicators of distractibility, impulsivity, sustained
attention and reaction times. Additionally, it is an effective tool
for monitoring treatment effectiveness and changes over time by
comparing later scores with the initial ratings. The test lasts
approximately 20 minutes.
Parent Interview
This interview lasts for up to 60 minutes. It is a time to discuss
your concerns about your child, your hypothesis about what is going
on and what your goals are for you and your child. You will be asked
many questions about your child's behavior, mood and interactions
with others. If there are any questions about the written material
you provided, we will ask you to elaborate on them.
Child Interview
This interview lasts for approximately 45-60 minutes, based in your
child's age and desire or ability to talk to the clinician. Similar
to the parent interview, this is a time for your child to speak
with the clinician alone about his or her moods, behavior and interactions
with others. This is an important time for Dr. Greenblatt to get
to know your child.
Recommendations
After the complete assessment Dr. Greenblatt will make a list of
recommendations for the patient. This may include additional lab
work, medications, supplements, dietary changes and/or life style
changes.
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