Initial Evaluation

ADDTC Diagnostic Process

Initial Evaluation
Continuous Performance Test of Variables of Attention
Analysis

The key to successful treatment is proper diagnosis. Most people with ADD/ADHD experience frustrating visits to mental and medical health professionals because they are not evaluated correctly or thoroughly. ADD/ADHD often exists with other disorders, such as Anxiety, various learning problems, Autism, and other neurophysiological disorders, causing it to be misdiagnosed often.

The professionals at the A.D.D. Treatment Centers have developed a comprehensive evaluation process that provides most, if not all, of the information required to determine an effective treatment plan. Upon scheduling an evaluation appointment with our receptionist, a packet will be sent to you consisting of several intake forms (Create link to Evaluation forms). We ask that you have these forms ready and completely filled out at the time of your appointment. The appointments are scheduled on Saturdays, however we may be able to accommodate those who are unavailable on Saturdays. The evaluation consists of two parts and typically lasts 1-½ hours. The first part is a clinical interview with the clinical director to discuss the patient’s current symptoms and review the intake forms as well as any other school, doctor, or psychological reports that may be helpful. A parent or guardian must accompany patients under 18. The second part consists of a single-point EEG analysis and the Continuous Performance Test of Variables Attention.

The initial evaluation costs $375. We require payment up front for all testing and evaluations. If insurance is a possibility, please bring your insurance card on the day of the evaluation so we can verify coverage. For all our service rates and fees please refer to our Rate Sheet (link to Rate Sheet)

Continuous Performance Test of Variables of Attention

The Continuous Performance Test of Variables of Attention or CPT is a computerized test that requires a patient to press the space bar or click the mouse button when any letter except the target letter appears on the screen. The test lasts between 15 to 20 minutes and measures the patient’s ability to sustain attention and level of impulsivity. The CPT provides information that enables our doctors to better understand the type of deficits that might be present. For example, some response patterns suggest inattentiveness or impulsivity, while other response patterns may indicate activation/arousal problems or difficulties maintaining vigilance (Lyon, J., IPS Information Circular 3rd April, 2005, http://www.devdis.com/conners2.html). It measures several indices such as:

• Response Time
• Change in Reaction Time Speed and Consistency
• Signal Detection Theory Statistics and Consistency
• Overall Statistics
• Omission Errors (Inattention)
• Commission Errors (Impulsivity)

EEG Analysis

The clinical director examines a patient’s brainwave activity by conducting a single-point EEG analysis. This analysis provides a rough estimate of a patient’s theta-beta ratio. Studies have shown that the presence of too much theta brainwaves compared to beta brainwaves is an indication of attention problems and hyperactivity. Theta brainwaves are representative of a drowsy and tuned out brain state. It can also be present during inner reflection without much attention focused on the external environment. Beta brainwaves are correlated with focused, analytic, often externally oriented, intense thinking. The single-point EEG analysis provides a basic road map for treatment.

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