Frequently Asked Questions About ADHD - ADD Health and Wellness Centers, Inc.

Frequently Asked Questions

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General Information About ADD Health & Wellness Centers

Can you tell me more about how you treat ADD/ADHD?

Our approach to treating ADD is an integrated approach, and is customized to each individual client. We believe that no one solution works for everyone; therefore, to achieve a long term positive outcome, it requires a comprehensive approach. Our team of health professionals include: psychologists, ADD coaches, medical doctors, and other support services, who will work directly with you and your family through the evaluation and treatment process. Treatment can include therapy, dietary changes, support groups, coaching, and/or medication.

What is a full neuropsychological test?

The full neuropsychological test is a group of tests that assess a variety of brain functions and processes. They include paper and pencil tests and tests using manipulatives. The neuropsychological test provides a way to evaluate how your brain is processing information. It also includes screening for ADHD. The full test takes about five hours, depending upon the individual. There are breaks provided during the testing session. Children are often scheduled for two 2.5 hour sessions. The psychologists are sensitive to an individual’s stamina during testing.

Will my insurance cover your services?

In order to provide individuals with the highest quality of service, ADD Health & Wellness Centers, Inc. does not contract directly with insurance companies. However, frequently our services are covered by the "out of network" portion of your insurance coverage. Our staff does provide you with the documentation necessary for submission to your insurance company.

This decision to not contract directly with insurers is based on our commitment to provide individuals with the best possible treatment, free of managed care and insurance restrictions. Therefore, all services are provided on a private-pay basis only and are collected at the time of service.

Can you tell me more about your free monthly educational seminar?

On a monthly basis, our professional staff offers a free presentation in our centers where we will explain the facts about ADD, discuss our unique treatment approach, and answer your questions. Please call your local center to make reservations today.

Medication and Nutrition

I’ve heard there are problems with stimulant medications.

This is one reason we require such a detailed medical history and why it is important to work with a physician who is trained in the use of ADD/ADHD medications. If medication is necessary, our physicians can best determine which medication is most appropriate for the individual. During the treatment process, we closely monitor the client and make adjustments as needed. Once an individual is stabilized on a medication, we require a regular six month follow-up appointment with the psychiatrist.

Can changes in diet cure ADD/ADHD?

It has been suggested that attention disorders are caused by refined sugar or food additives, or that symptoms of ADHD are exacerbated by sugar or food additives. In 1982 it was found that diet restrictions helped about 5% of children with ADHD, mostly young children who had food allergies. However, a more recent study suggest, that using sugar or sugar substitute showed no significant effects in regards to sugar and behavior or learning disabilities.

However, what we eat determines how effectively our brain operates. Poor diet alone can lead to distractibility, impulsivity, and restlessness, and look like ADD when it is not. Protein is important. Lowering the intake of carbohydrates to match the intake of protein, eating breakfast, consuming vitamin C through food vs. supplements, and adding an Omega 3 Fatty Acids in the form of Fish Oil supplementation are a good starting point with dietary changes.

Continue to check out our website on a continual basis for more information to come about Nutrition and ADD/ADHD.

Questions About ADD / ADHD

My child has been diagnosed with ADHD. I think maybe I have it too. Can adults be evaluated?

Yes, adults can be evaluated for ADD/ADHD. We know from clinical experience that ADD is often undiagnosed in adults and can have serious negative consequences left untreated. Recent research suggests that ADHD possesses a strong genetic component and is often present in multiple members of the same family.

Will my child grow out of ADD/ADHD?

Many children with ADD/ADHD experience a general diminishing of symptoms as they approach adulthood. However, approximately 50-60% of children with ADHD will still meet the full criteria for ADHD as adults and will continue to have significant problems with attention and impulsivity in their academic, occupational, or social life. The majority of children with ADHD will grow into adults with ADHD. With proper treatment children with ADD/ADHD can experience what is known as ADD/ADHD in partial remission. Also children who receive proper treatment will develop critical life skills that they may otherwise not learn.

The Neuropsychological Evaluation / Testing

What is a Neuropsychological Evaluation?

A Neuropsychological Evaluation is a comprehensive assessment of cognitive and behavioral abilities via a variety of standardized tests and procedures. A variety of abilities and cognitive functions are systematically tested, which may include but are not limited to:

Intelligence
Problem solving and conceptualization
Planning and organization
Attention, memory, and learning
Language processing
Academic skills
Perceptual and motor abilities
Emotions, behavior, and personality

How does a Neuropsychological Evaluation differ from a Core Evaluation or testing completed at school?

A Neuropsychological Evaluation is not a fixed series of tests that anyone can give. Specialized training allows the neuropsychologist to formulate and interpret a customized, comprehensive set of particular tests and procedures that will yield the most help in understanding an individual's strengths, any areas of weaknesses, and general learning style. A neuropsychological evaluation may also confirm or clarify a diagnosis, assess and document any changes in abilities since previous examinations, and it may also assess the effectiveness of some treatments.

Most importantly, the evaluation provides a better understanding of an individual’s behavior and learning and provides extensive recommendations on how to maximize one’s strengths and compensate for any potential areas of weakness. Recommendations are also useful to help guide academic planning and possible accommodations, career planning, and treatment alternatives from a holistic and integrated perspective.

What is the evaluation like?

A Neuropsychological Evaluation involves a wide variety of different types of tasks, some with paper and pencil, some computerized, etc. There are no invasive procedures, such as needles or electrodes and ideally the testing will be interesting and even fun. The evaluation often takes 4 or 5 hours of testing time although this can vary. The evaluation is generally scheduled in two appointments or if necessary in a series of appointments. For every hour spent completing the testing, another approximately 1.5 - 2 hours is required for scoring and interpreting the data and preparing a report.

A verbal discussion of the results of the assessment will occur at a separate appointment and will be scheduled approximately two weeks after the last testing session. At that appointment you will be provided with an extensive written report which will include a comprehensive analysis of relevant historical information, testing results, clinical interpretation, and recommendations. We are happy to send the report directly to any one else you wish. Please inform your clinician of the request and sign a release form. A follow-up session will be scheduled to provide feedback regarding the results approximately 2-3 weeks after the completion of the testing. At that time, you will be provided an extensive report.

Although testing is often interesting and fun, it can also be somewhat demanding for some people. Therefore, we highly recommend being well-rested before the evaluation and eating a well-balanced, healthy meal which includes some form of protein.

How to talk to children about testing?

Children respond better when parents are relaxed and convey a positive feeling when providing information. Enthusiasm for the office and the person your child will be working often helps reduce anxiety. It will be helpful to speak in an age appropriate way and tell children that everyone learns differently. Followed by how we are going to do some tasks that are “kind of like games” to help us figure out how he/she “learns best”. Kids typically don’t need a lot of detail but want just enough so they feel comfortable. Helping your child feel at ease about the process in advance can set the stage for a positive experience at the center. Due to individual differences, some parents may choose to offer a reward or incentive to their child to increase motivation while others do not.