Our Award-Winning Doctors Provide ADD/ADHD Testing in Manhattan NYC
ADD/ADHD Testing
Fifth Avenue Psychiatry specializes in the accurate diagnosis of ADD/ADHD which often includes Neuropsychological Testing. Unfortunately, many adolescents, teenagers and adults go misdiagnosed. Psychological Testing can help distinguish an underlying anxiety disorder – or even normal energetic adolescents – from what is truly ADD or ADHD.
Depending on the presenting complaint, age and other factors a battery of psychological tests will be recommended. The specific group of tests can range from a small treatment focused battery to guide treatment to a thorough educational assessment that can uncover potential learning disabilities.
What tests are used to diagnose ADD/ADHD?
Neuropsychological testing involves a battery of objective and standardized tests. Usually, the doctor gets ADD/ADHD assessments from the parents, teacher or supervisor. Some common rating scales include:
- The Vanderbilt Assessment Scale – reviews symptoms of ADHD according to the DSM-IV criteria. It also screens for co-existing conditions such as behavioral disorder, oppositional-defiant disorder, anxiety, and depression.
- Behavior Assessment System for Adolescents – assesses hyperactivity, aggression and behavioral problems. It also addresses anxiety, depression, attention and learning problems and lack of certain essential skills.
- Adolescent Behavior Checklist/Teacher Report Form – assesses physical complaints, aggressive or delinquent behavior and withdrawal.
These tests provide a detailed understanding of an individual’s symptoms and how they relate to ADHD criteria. Neuropsychological testing for ADHD identifies specific attention and behavioral challenges while ruling out other factors that may cause similar symptoms. This comprehensive approach ensures the diagnosis is accurate, setting the foundation for effective and personalized treatment.
Other important diagnostic tools include computer-based “continuous performance tests” where the adolescent or teen gives very simple responses (i.e., click a button) to a simple stimulus (numbers, letters, etc.) on a computer screen.
These tests are designed to be long and tedious so if an adolescent has ADD/ADHD they will be challenged. The attention they display in this test, and any subsequent mistakes or mistake patterns, are analyzed to help understand the individual weaknesses. Adolescents with ADD/ADHD will make specific errors on this test; some of which also measure hyperactivity.
These tests include Continuous Performance tests such as:
- Individual Variables of Attention
- Test of Variables of Attention
- Connors Continuous Performance Test
Simpler Continuous Performance tests, which are shorter in duration and provide less sophisticated data, include:
- Rapidly Recurring Target Figures Test
- Digit Cancellation Tasks
Once there is an ADD/ADHD diagnosis, the doctor may request other tests in order to rule out other causes, such as:
- Blood diseases, i.e., thyroid disease
- Blood lead levels
- CT scan or MRI for brain abnormalities
- Encephalograph test brain waves to measure electrical activity in the brain
- Hearing and vision
Neuropsychological testing for ADHD is a critical step in guaranteeing accurate and reliable diagnoses. By using these detailed assessments, Fifth Avenue Psychiatry helps patients uncover the true nature of their challenges, whether it’s ADHD or a related condition like anxiety or learning disorders. This thorough approach provides the clarity needed to create effective, personalized treatment plans. With expert guidance, patients can better understand their condition and take meaningful steps toward improving focus, patterns of behavior, and overall well-being. Request an appointment to get started.
