Given the rate of misdiagnosis for ADHD and associated consequences of medication management, the PCH Assessment Center offers an abbreviated, tailored assessment focused on screening for attention capacity, in order to confirm or deny a diagnosis of ADHD.
An ADHD assessment incorporates a psychosocial history, self-reported measures of symptoms, and direct standardized assessment of attention capacity and executive functioning. Screening measures are also included for emotional and personality functioning that can also contribute to difficulties sustaining attention.
Without an ADHD assessment, providers frequently misdiagnose ADHD based on a brief examination or cursory questionnaire without sufficient data to support this diagnosis. Our focused ADHD assessment is a combination of a clinical evaluation and limited testing battery, which can assist in assessing the appropriateness of prescribing stimulant medications, many of which are commonly prescribed without adequate information. An ADHD assessment is appropriate when a full neuropsychological evaluation is not indicated.