Neuropsychological Testing for
ADULTS
Adults typically seek Psychological and Neuropsychological Testing
for the following (but not limited to):
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IQ Testing
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Learning Disorders
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ADHD/ADD
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Post Concussion Syndrome
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Traumatic Brain Injuries
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Early Alzheimer's and Dementia Detection
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Executive Functioning Testing
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Expert Neuropsychology Witness
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Personality and Mood Disorders
Evaluations available for:
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School Accomodations
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Disability Benefits
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Epilepsy
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Cognitive Impairment from Multiple Sclerosis, Stroke, or Parkinson's Disease
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Deep Brain Stimulation (for implant surgery for Parkinson's Disease)
Some of the available Neuropsychological and Psychological tests
are as follows (but not limited to):
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Intelligence Testing
Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS)
Woodcock-Johnson Test for Cognitive Abilities (WJ-IV COG)
Memory Testing
Wechsler Memory Scale (WMS)
California Verbal Learning Test (CVLT)
Executive Functioning Testing
Color Word Interference Test
Rey Complex Figure Test (RCFT)
Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST)
Delis Kaplan Executive Functioning System (DKEFS)
Language Skills
Boston Naming Test
Delis Kaplan Verbal Fluency Test (DKEFS)
Attention and Processing Speed
Conners Continuous Performance Test (CPT-3)
Academic and Achievement Assessment
Wechsler Individual Achievement Test (WIAT)
Wide Range Achievement Test (WRAT)
Visuospatial Ability
Rey Ostereith Complex Figure Test (ROCF)
General Cognitive Functioning
Mini-Mental Status Exam (MMSE)
Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS)
Mood and Emotional Functioning
Personality Assessment Inventory (PAI)
Beck Depression Inventory (BDI)
If you need a test that is not listed here, please call and talk to us. This is a sample of tests which we use at SPS. There are many more tests available.
DO YOU HAVE ADULT
Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD)?
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)?
What is Adult ADD/ADHD?
Adults may be affected by neurodevelopmental disorders which we usually associate with children and teens, such as Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Adult ADD and ADHD symptoms might vary, but they usually fall into two basic categories: hyperactivity-impulsivity and inattention. Though impulsivity and inattention can happen to anyone at any time, those with ADD or ADHD often have more severe, ongoing, and disruptive symptoms in their daily lives. Here are a few indicators:
1. Difficulties with Focus and Attention:
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Inability to focus when performing duties or engaging in activities.
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Frequent thoughtless errors made at work or in other contexts.
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Having trouble with planning assignments and activities.
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Avoiding or resisting activities that call for prolonged mental effort.
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Frequently misplacing things
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Forgetfulness in day-to-day tasks
2. Signs of Impulsivity and hyperactivity:
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Tapping hands and feet or fidgeting.
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Unwillingness to remain seated when it's expected.
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Feeling "on the go" is a common description of restlessness.
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Having trouble doing things quietly.
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Impulsivity, which can result in hurried decisions leading to unfavorable outcomes
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Stealing other people's ideas or activities
3. A Combination of Both:
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A combination of hyperactivity-impulsivity and inattention may be present in some people.
4. Emotional Difficulties:
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Annoyance or trouble managing annoyance.
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Difficulties controlling emotions.
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Mood swings.
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Poor self-esteem or low opinion of oneself.
It's crucial to remember that the symptoms must be ongoing, interfere with day-to-day activities, and not be more readily explained by another mental health issue. It is best to speak with a healthcare provider for a thorough assessment and diagnosis if you believe you or someone else may have adult ADD or ADHD.
Is It Really 'A Thing'?
The diagnosis of Adult Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) has led to some contention in the medical and academic communities. The arguments range from the assertion that ADHD is over diagnosed, to the position that it is missed and under-reported. Numerous reasons, including cultural variations, subjective interpretations of symptoms, and the impact of outside factors like stress or sleep deprivation, can lead to overdiagnosis. Furthermore, misdiagnosis of ADHD can occur due to symptoms overlapping with other mental health issues.
Here are some of the main points influencing the debate:
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Subjectivity of Symptoms: Symptoms such as impulsivity, hyperactivity, and inattention can vary and be subjective in people with ADHD. These symptoms could be interpreted differently by various people, which could result in an overdiagnosis or incorrect diagnose.
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Social and Cultural Aspects: Perceptions of behavior can also be influenced by societal expectations and judgements. Ordinary conduct in one culture may be regarded as indications of ADHD in another. Additionally, reporting symptoms of any disorder may be affected by public opinions and stigma towards mental disorders.
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Co-occurrence with Other Problems: Anxiety and depression are two common mental health problems that coexist with ADHD. When symptoms overlap, it can make diagnosis more difficult and can result in a false positive if thorough evaluations are not performed.
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Changes in Diagnostic Evaluation: Variations in diagnosis rates over time may be attributed to changes in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) diagnostic criteria.
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Influence of ‘Big Pharma’: Some critics contend that the overdiagnosis of ADHD may be caused in part by the influence of the pharmaceutical industry. The role of medication and whether it is provided too frequently without giving other approaches careful thought have been questioned.
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Awareness and Education: More people may seek a diagnosis because of greater public awareness of ADHD and initiatives to educate the public about the disorder. This can influence the rate that the disorder is reported, making it unclear whether the increase can be attributed to increased recognition rather than a real increase in its prevalence.
Despite these controversial issues, it remains critical to remember that ADD/ADHD is a real neurodevelopmental condition and it can have a substantial influence on people's lives. To guarantee correct diagnosis and suitable treatment of ADD/ADHD, efforts are being made to promote awareness and develop more accurate assessment instruments. Correct diagnosis and individualized treatment plans still require expert advice from licensed healthcare providers.
How Is It Treated?
Adult Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is usually treated with behavioral treatments, lifestyle modifications, and medication. Seeking individualized guidance from a healthcare professional is crucial. All of these approaches can be greatly enhanced by starting with testing and an accurate diagnosis.
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Behavioral Therapies: Psychoeducation and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can assist people with ADHD in learning time management, organizing, and coping mechanisms.
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Lifestyle Modifications: Creating a controlled atmosphere, modifying daily routines, and establishing reasonable goals can all be helpful. Maintaining a healthy diet, getting enough sleep, and exercising on a regular basis can all help manage symptoms.
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Medication: Ritalin, Ritalin SR, Ritalin LA, Aptensio XR, Concerta, Daytrana, Metadate, Metadate CD, Metadate ER, Methylin, Quillivant XR, and QuilliChew ER are among some of the common stimulant drugs that are used for ADHD. It is also possible to utilize non-stimulant drugs. For individuals six years of age and above, atomoxetine (Strattera) is a non-stimulant medicine used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Guanfacine ER (Intuniv) is another non-stimulant alternative. The intensity of symptoms and personal preferences influence the medicine selection. (Professionals at SPS are not physicians with prescribing priveleges and cannot comment on the appropriateness of any medication. However, we can coordinate treatment with your physician or psychiatrist - they are able to evaluate your symptoms, take into account any cooccurring conditions, and modify the course of treatment as necessary. It is essential for your treatment team to collaborate).
To make an appointment, please contact Summit Psychological Services at:
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482 Springfield Avenue, Summit (2nd Floor)
Tel: (908) 273 - 5558