Our office takes a very comprehensive approach to evaluation for ADHD. The process of diagnosis is challenging and difficult. You may find THIS (click HERE) article helpful to understand some of the complex issues involved.  We have instituted the best possible standard for getting a correct diagnosis. This process will include two visits to the clinic. The first visit will be for testing using both a computer and paper tests, and the second will be for your full evaluation with one of our providers. The first visit will be about 1 hour, and the second will be about 60 to 90 minutes. Your provider can then choose to discuss the results and your potential treatment options, or choose to schedule another visit to complete this.  There are several things that you need to be aware of:

1. There is no one single test that definitively diagnoses someone with ADHD. It is a combination of several factors including a diagnostic interview by a provider who uses their clinical judgement.

2. There are several treatment approaches for ADHD that do not involve medications.

3. STIMULANTS LIKE Ritalin and Adderall ARE NOT FOR EVERYONE! Even if you meet the criteria for ADHD, there are many factors that are involved in making the decision about what treatments are appropriate.

4. There are serious side effects, both short term and long term to the use of stimulants.  

5. Just because someone responds to a stimulant does not confirm the diagnosis of ADHD. All people will respond to a stimulant to some extent, but that doesn’t  always make it the right choice.