What is the goal of the

ADHD Center of Excellence?

With our advanced diagnostic and treatment protocols, we seek to diagnose your (or your child’s) condition(s) accurately so that we get you started with the greatest chance of success. Our treatment plans often include not only medication, but possibly behavioral therapy, lifestyle changes, structured routines, and environmental modifications. Further, we conduct ongoing follow-up appointments to monitor your progress and to adjust your medications if necessary.

Let us help you achieve your goals.

What will my treatment at the

ADHD Center of Excellence look like?

As an area of expertise at IPC, we have developed a special protocol for evaluating and treating patients who believe that they may have ADHD. The protocol includes:

• A comprehensive initial evaluation including specific screens for depression, anxiety, trauma, and attention disorders.
• We use an FDA-approved video assessment called a QbCheck. For about 20 minutes, you will sit in front of a camera at a computer and click the space button each time you see a red or blue square which has been repeated. The system analyzes your responses by considering your eye movement, facial expressions, and limb movement. The QbCheck will be done before you start ADHD medications, and then again about 12 months later to assess the effectiveness of the medications
• A detailed treatment plan which may include medication, behavioral therapy, and recommended lifestyle changes.
• Ongoing follow-up appointments so that we can adjust and improve upon your medications until the optimum combination is achieved.

It all starts with the right team in your corner.

What is the danger of being

misdiagnosed with ADHD?

ADHD misdiagnosis is a real concern, though exact numbers can be tricky to pin down. A 2010 study estimated that over one million children in the U.S. may be misdiagnosed with ADHD each year. Misdiagnosis can happen for several reasons, including overlapping symptoms with other conditions like anxiety or learning disabilities, environmental factors, and rushed evaluations. Interestingly, while some experts worry about overdiagnosis, others argue that ADHD is still underdiagnosed in certain populations.

Misdiagnosing ADHD can lead to serious consequences. Here are some key risks:

• Unnecessary Medication: A misdiagnosed individual may be prescribed stimulant medications that they do not need, potentially causing side effects like insomnia, anxiety, or appetite suppression.
• Overlooking the Real Issue: ADHD shares symptoms with conditions like anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, and learning disabilities. If ADHD is wrongly diagnosed, the actual underlying condition may go untreated.
• Academic and Social Struggles: A misdiagnosed child might receive ADHD-focused interventions instead of support tailored to their actual needs, leading to frustration and continued difficulties.
• Self-Esteem Issues: Being labeled incorrectly can affect a person’s self-perception, making them feel misunderstood or incapable.
• Long-term use of Adderall can have potential risks, though it is generally well tolerated when taken as prescribed.

Treat your whole person, not just your ADHD.

How can ADHD interfere with your

personal and professional lives?

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder which affects millions of Americans. Often carried over from childhood, uncontrolled ADHD can be detrimental and frustrating to your role as a student, professional, spouse, parent and even with friends. ADHD can cause you to be disorganized and forgetful. It can cause you to be perceived (and to perceive yourself) as less capable than you really are.

The hyperactivity aspect of ADHD involves a degree of socially awkward impulsivity and poor decision making (such as substance abuse and poor relationship choices). Hyperactivity commonly afflicts children more than adults but should still be assessed in both.

Be your best self. Start with the right team in your corner.