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What is ADD?
Attention-Deficit Disorder (ADD), also referred to as Attention-Deficit
Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), is a neurobehavioral disorder, which is estimated
to affect 3 - 9 percent of all children in North America. Recently this
“childhood” disease has been recognized to persist into adulthood.
Characteristic symptoms of ADD may include:
- a sense of underachievement
- difficulty getting organized or completing
tasks
- chronic procrastination
- impulsively speaking or acting
- becoming bored or impatient easily
- unable to sustain attention
and easily distracted
- a tendency to daydream or “not
be there” or to fall asleep
- major mood swings and a low
frustration tolerance
- tendency toward addiction behavior
- relationship problems
- difficulty being quiet and still
for prolonged periods
- unstable work history
- history of childhood problems
The approach taken
is a meticulous and multifaceted evaluation in order to credibly diagnose
or rule out the presence of ADD and/or any other contributory conditions.
Apart from diagnosis, an assessment provides a qualitative profile of each
client’s specific cognitive strengths and weaknesses in order to aid in more
effective coping.
Diagnostic Assessments [back to
top]
Diagnostic assessments include:
Structured clinical interview: This is conducted
by an ADD specialist and is aimed at evaluating symptoms for evidence of
ADD and/or the many other conditions which may contribute to ADD-like problems.
Comprehensive self-assessment scales: This includes
a series of specialized self-rating scales, which help characterize each
individual’s specific symptoms and problems for evaluation and treatment.
Neuropsychological Testing: This is composed of a comprehensive
battery of tests administered by a trained neuropsychologist or psychometrist
in order to characterize patient’s information processing capacities.
Specialized tests, including the computer-based “T.O.V.A.”, are designed
to assess and quantify deficits in sustained attention.
Multidisciplinary Review: The UCSD ADD team includes
psychologists and psychiatrists with experience in ADD. The results
of each patient’s assessment is reviewed by this expert team in order to
determine diagnoses and formulate recommendations for treatment and/or more
effective coping.
Individual Diagnostic Consultation: Following testing
and review, patients will receive individual consultation with an ADD specialist
who will review and explain the results of their diagnostic assessment as
well as appropriate follow-up and/or treatment options.
A formal written report of your diagnostic assessment and recommendation
will be provided.
Treatments [back to top]
The number of effective
treatments available is growing and requires special expertise that relatively
few clinicians possess.
Medication Management: Nearly one dozen different
medications are currently available for the effective treatment of ADHD/ADD
including both stimulant and non-stimulant medications. Our program
offers clients the opportunity to receive pharmacological treatment for ADHD/ADD
and associated conditions.
Psychological Services: We also offer psychotherapy
in our out-patient clinic.
Research Opportunities: The UCSD Adult ADD Program
is conducting state of the art research into the neurobiological basis of
ADD and new treatments for this disorder. Participation may be available for
interested clients.
Career Counseling [back to top]
Patients with
ADHD/ADD often report past inconsistencies, unsatisfactory academic progress,
and employment histories. This can promote a sense of underachievement
and low self-esteem.
This additonal vocational assessment provides a qualitative profile of
a client's vocational interests. An analysis of neurocognitive functioning
with an emphasis on areas of relative strength and weakness is also obtained.
This information is interpreted with a recognition of how symptoms of ADD
may further impact performance. Based on this knowledge, recommendations
regarding appropriate career choices are provided.
Diagnostic Assessments include:
Comprehensive self-assessment scales: This includes
a series of specialized self-rating scales that is aimed at evaluating activities
of interest, academic pursuits, acquired skills, and occupational interests.
Neuropsychological Testing: These test evaluate
overall intellectual functioning, attention, concentration, learning, memory,
organization, psychomotor speed and problem solving abilities.
Individual Vocational Consultation: Patients will
receive individual consultation with an ADD specialist who will synthesize
the test results and provide the client with a comprehensive interest and
skill survey.
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