Do you suspect that you or your child are struggling with symptoms of undiagnosed ADHD? Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder can be tricky to properly diagnose because the evaluation process isn't just a simple physical assessment. ADHD testing in Denver, Boulder, and even Fort Collins is a rigorous process that involves thorough evaluations, observations, and interviews to determine if the disorder is present.
Whether you're concerned about your child's academic progress or your ability to stay focused at work, it's important to get a clear diagnosis from a healthcare professional sooner rather than later. That diagnosis will then inform the most appropriate next steps to mitigate symptoms and improve quality of life.
When to Seek Out a Diagnosis
ADHD is commonly characterized by consistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that interfere with daily functioning in a multitude of capacities. If you or your child are experiencing any combination of the following symptoms, it's a good idea to seek out ADHD testing and diagnosing services:
- Difficulty staying focused
- Inattention to detail and/or instructions
- Forgetfulness and time management issues
- Repeatedly making the same mistakes
- Excessive talking and/or fidgeting
- Disruptive outbursts and issues with self-regulation
- Restlessness
It's important to note that ADHD can look different in kids compared to adults and that diagnosing adults is more generally challenging because it relies on historical information. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), ADHD can be officially diagnosed if the symptoms:
- Are present in two or more settings
- Interfere with daily functioning
- Are not caused by or better explained by another mental health disorder
- And are present before age 12
Who Can Test for and Diagnose ADHD?
While you can take many online tests and attempt at-home evaluations for ADHD, you cannot receive an official diagnosis without the help of a licensed and qualified healthcare professional. Only a handful of professionals accurately can diagnose ADHD including psychiatrists, psychologists, pediatricians, physicians, neurologists, nurse practitioners, and some counselors or therapists.
What Does ADHD Testing in Denver Look Like?
Each practitioner will approach the testing and diagnosis in different ways, incorporating a combination of assessments, clinical evaluations, and in-depth interviews. There are many ways to assess the severity and frequency of symptoms, including tests like:
- Behavior Assessment System for Children (BASC) – This examines the symptoms related to aggression, hyperactivity, conduct, attention, learning issues, and more.
- Conners Comprehensive Behavior Rating Scales (CBRS) – This test assesses various symptoms and works to determine how those symptoms impact numerous areas within their daily life, such as relationships, academics, and more.
- Vanderbilt Assessment Scale – This tool gathers information from parents, teachers, and the individual themselves about their symptoms.
Keep in mind that the tools and assessments for ADHD testing in Denver and across Colorado are not foolproof and may not be conclusive. In some cases, an accurate diagnosis cannot be reached after one or even multiple evaluations, and additional testing and assessments may be needed.
How We Approach ADHD Testing, Assessments, and Diagnoses
At Larson Mental Health, we can facilitate ADHD testing in Denver, Boulder, Fort Collins, Highlands Ranch, and Colorado Springs, and we approach the evaluations from a thoughtful and comprehensive perspective. During these evaluations, we will gather a wealth of information on you or your child's behaviors through rating scales and detailed observation periods from multiple sources, such as parents, teachers, siblings, friends, and other caregivers.
For kids, we typically conduct additional interviews with you and others, review the medical history of your family and your child, and assess their developmental and academic progress.
For adults, the evaluation and testing process is very similar, however, we may instead focus on evaluating your history of symptoms, functional impairments, and childhood behaviors.
Building upon the gathered subjective data and information, we will perform an objective, FDA-approved evaluation called the QbTest. In this unique assessment, you will follow attention-based tasks on a computer screen and press a responder button every time the same shapes or colors appear in a sequence. Your activity is measured via an infrared camera tracking the movements of a reflective marker attached to your head. Your responses, reaction times, and errors are then compared to a neurotypical control group of the same age and sex who don't have ADHD.
This terrific assessment streamlines our ADHD testing in our Denver, Boulder, Fort Collins, Highlands Ranch, and Colorado Springs offices, without compromising diagnostic accuracy. The QbTest takes approximately 30 minutes to complete and can be done remotely at home, and it provides valuable, objective information that our Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners use in conjunction with the information gathered earlier to make an accurate diagnosis.
Get Starting with Your ADHD Assessment Today
If you are concerned about focus-related difficulties or ADHD symptoms in your daily life or your kids’, our team at Larson Mental Health can help. We have extensive experience in diagnosing ADHD and focus-related issues in kids and adults alike, and we can provide tailored psychiatric treatments to alleviate symptoms in the short and long-term. Our Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners are trained and licensed to work with both kids and adults, and we'll go the extra mile to help you get the mental health resources and treatments you're looking for. We may even integrate innovative ADHD treatment strategies like EndeavorRx into our personalized treatment plan for you or your child.
Schedule your 90-minute consultation with one of our psychiatric professionals today to get started with ADHD testing in Denver, Fort Collins, Highlands Ranch, Boulder, or Colorado Springs.