AD/HD Information

TOVA Testing  -  for Adults and Adolescents

 © 2008 Focal Point Professional Services, Daphne, Al 36526       Barry Swope, MS LPC- Managing Member.     

PADDS    -   testing for ages 6-12

Adult AD/HD screener

Adult Supplemental Screener

Adult Attention Deficit Disorder Website

Facts about AD/HD and AD/HD assessment.   

· Many emotional, physical and environmental factors  produce symptoms identical to those of AD/HD.

· There is no such thing as a “test” for AD/HD.  Assessment is a synthesis of information from multiple sources that ultimely          results in a probable diagnosis.  

· Trying medication to “see if it works” is an inappropriate way to diagnose AD/HD. Stimulant medication can mask symptoms of other disorders by producing a temporary improvement of symptoms.

· AD/HD may not be a lifelong condition. Many children outgrow the symptoms, and no longer need medication. For this reason a Physician may request a periodic re-evaluation, especially for a child.

· Higher doses of medication often prove less effective than lower doses. TOVA (CPT) testing can provide evidence of dose efficacy and can prevent the use of excessive  medication. This is particularly important for children, who often are unreliable in reporting the true effects of their medications.

· There is no research evidence to support the common belief that the use of  stimulant medication increases the likelihood of future addictions. On the contrary, research shows that the proper diagnosis and treatment of AD/HD significantly decreases the chances that a child or adult will use illegal drugs.

· Hyperactivity is often not the primary symptom of AD/HD, and in fact may not be present at all. AD/HD is best understood as a pervasive inability to remain focused when attention is required.

· AD/HD is believed to be a neuro-biological condition with a strong genetic component.  It is common for a child with      AD/HD to have a parent with AD/HD

· Mood and Conduct Disorders commonly co-occur with AD/HD. Cognitive therapy is often effective in treating these conditions. 

 

 

 

Typical assessment process for AD/HD

                                                    Is it really AD/HD? 

The following is a partial list of conditions that can produce

symptoms similar to those of AD/HD.

 

Mood Disorders

Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Abuse/Neglect

School Bullying

Anxiety Disorders

Personality Disorders

Substance Abuse

Severe Allergies

Primary Care Disruptions

Learning Disabilities

Brain Injuries

Developmental Delays

 

A thorough assessment is used to rule out the above causes.