ADHD AND COGNITIVE TESTING

ADHD testing is critical to finding the root cause of focus and concentration issues. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimate that 7 million (11.4%) U.S. children aged 3–17 years have ever been diagnosed with ADHD, according to a national survey of parents using data from 2022.

ADHD Symptoms and Presentations

ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects both children and adults. The disorder presents in three main types, each with distinct symptom patterns:

Inattentive Type (Previously Known as ADD)

Individuals with this presentation primarily struggle with:

• Difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or activities
• Frequently making careless mistakes in work or school
• Problems organizing tasks and managing time
• Avoiding or being reluctant to engage in tasks requiring sustained mental effort
• Frequently losing items necessary for tasks
• Being easily distracted by external stimuli
• Forgetfulness in daily activities

Hyperactive-Impulsive Type

This presentation is characterized by:

• Fidgeting, tapping, or squirming when seated
• Difficulty remaining seated when expected
• Excessive talking or interrupting others
• Difficulty waiting for turns
• Acting without thinking about consequences
• Restlessness and feeling constantly “on the go”
• Intruding on others’ conversations or activities

Combined Type

The most common presentation, where individuals experience symptoms from both inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive categories.

ADHD in Adults: Recognizing the Signs

Many adults with ADHD went undiagnosed in childhood, leading to years of challenges that may have been misunderstood. Adult ADHD symptoms often manifest as:

• Chronic disorganization and difficulty managing responsibilities
• Relationship difficulties due to inattention or impulsivity
• Employment challenges, including frequent job changes or underperformance
• Emotional regulation difficulties, including mood swings
• Chronic lateness and time management problems
• Difficulty completing projects or following through on commitments
• Low self-esteem related to perceived failures or underachievement

The Importance of Proper Diagnosis

According to research, ADHD persists into adulthood: Approximately one-half to two-thirds of children with ADHD continue to manifest symptoms of the disorder into adulthood (APA, 2022; Turgay et al., 2012). When accurately diagnosed, ADHD is a highly treatable disorder; however, ADHD frequently goes undetected in adults, exerting adverse impact on psychosocial functioning and serving as a risk factor for the development of other disorders, such as anxiety, depression, and substance use disorders. Many adults with ADHD report struggling throughout life with a sense of underachievement and failure to realize their full potential. Rivas-Vazquez et al. (2023)

Comprehensive ADHD Treatment Approaches

Effective ADHD treatment typically involves a multi-modal approach tailored to individual needs:

Medication Management

Stimulant Medications:

• Methylphenidate-based medications (Ritalin, Concerta, Daytrana)
• Amphetamine-based medications (Adderall, Vyvanse, Dexedrine)
• Typically first-line treatment with 70-80% effectiveness rate

Non-Stimulant Medications:

• Atomoxetine (Strattera) – suitable for those who cannot tolerate stimulants
• Guanfacine (Intuniv) and Clonidine (Kapvay) – often used as adjunct treatments
• Bupropion (Wellbutrin) – may be helpful, especially when depression co-occurs

Behavioral Interventions

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT):

• Helps develop coping strategies and organizational skills
• Addresses negative thought patterns and low self-esteem
• Teaches practical life management techniques

Skills Training:

• Time management and organizational strategies
• Social skills development
• Emotional regulation techniques
• Mindfulness and stress reduction practices

Lifestyle Modifications

• Regular exercise routine (shown to improve focus and reduce symptoms)
• Consistent sleep schedule and good sleep hygiene
• Nutritious diet with regular meals
• Stress management techniques
• Environmental modifications to reduce distractions

Educational and Workplace Accommodations

• Extended time for tests and assignments
• Quiet work environments
• Written instructions and checklists
• Regular breaks and movement opportunities
• Technology aids and organizational tools

Our Advanced ADHD Testing Solution

That is why Diligence Care Plus is proud to announce that we have partnered with Creyos, through the administration of the Creyos Cognitive Health test, to provide timely and comprehensive ADHD diagnosis for our patients. Creyos Health combines proprietary online tasks with digitized behavioral health questionnaires. Our providers combine this information with the history that you provide during your visit and use their clinical expertise to arrive at a clinical diagnosis. Once a diagnosis is made, with your help, our providers will formulate a treatment plan that is tailored to your individual need.

What is Creyos Health?

Creyos Health is an online brain health assessment service that accurately measures core elements of your cognitive function, including memory, attention, reasoning, and verbal abilities. Your healthcare practitioner will use these measures to assess, monitor and manage core areas of cognition that are key to your health and wellness.

The Creyos ADHD protocol includes a battery of cognitive tests to measure attention and executive function, including a sustained attention to response task (the SART) that measures continuous performance. Performance on these tasks is measured against the typical range for 14 specific ADHD markers, to show whether a patient falls in or out of norms.

Learn more about Creyos here.

ADHD Testing: Benefits of Creyos Health

Convenient: Creyos Health is web-based and flexible. Assessments can be completed on desktop, laptop and tablet devices, no pen and paper or special hardware required.

Engaging: Creyos Health tasks take only 1.5 – 3 minutes to complete, and are highly engaging, enjoyable and unintimidating. Plus, interactive, and repeatable task tutorials will ensure you get up to speed on the task instructions quickly.

Actionable: Creyos Health allows you to quantify the core elements of cognition and track your cognitive trends over time, validating that treatment or wellness plans are having the desired effects, or allowing you to detect episodic changes to your cognition.

Co-Occurring Conditions

ADHD often occurs alongside other conditions, making comprehensive evaluation essential:

• Anxiety Disorders: Present in 25-40% of adults with ADHD
• Depression: Affects approximately 20-30% of individuals with ADHD
• Learning Disabilities: Common in childhood, may persist into adulthood
• Substance Use Disorders: Higher risk due to impulsivity and self-medication
• Sleep Disorders: Both cause and consequence of ADHD symptoms
• Executive Function Disorders: Difficulty with planning, organization, and time management

Living Successfully with ADHD

With proper diagnosis and treatment, individuals with ADHD can lead fulfilling, productive lives. Many successful entrepreneurs, artists, athletes, and professionals have ADHD and have learned to leverage their unique strengths while managing challenges.

ADHD Strengths Often Include:

• High energy and enthusiasm
• Creativity and innovative thinking
• Ability to hyperfocus on interesting tasks
• Resilience and adaptability
• Entrepreneurial spirit and risk-taking ability

Next Steps

If you suspect you or a loved one may have ADHD, don’t wait to seek professional evaluation. Early and accurate diagnosis, combined with appropriate treatment, can dramatically improve quality of life and help individuals reach their full potential.

Click on this link to download the patient Creyos Health Introduction for Patients to learn more about the Creyos Health cognitive test.

Contact our office today to schedule your comprehensive ADHD evaluation and take the first step toward better understanding and managing your cognitive health.