Frequently Asked Questions

I'm an adult and, for years, I've suspected that I may have a problem with attention. I've been researching the topic on the internet, I've completed some checklists, and, consequently, have decided that I may benefit from medication. Who do I see for the medication?

Although the above question is excellent, the solution is premature and be very dangerous. First, there are many sources of attentional problems. Attention-deficit disorder is just one source. Some examples of other disorders in which attentional problems may be present are depression, anxiety, epilepsy, Tourette's, bipolar disorder, and dementias. Because the picture is so complex, testing can help to determine not only diagnosis, but also treatments/interventions that are the most helpful.
Additionally, just because a person thinks he/she may have attentional problems doesn't mean that he/she does. A professional assessment is necessary to actually measure attention directly via neuropsychological testing supplemented by checklists to describe and to quantify behavior. Adults with untreated attentional problems often have other problems as well. Two of the most common are anxiety and depression. Therefore, although a self-assessment may be an important first step in evaluating one’s attention, it is best to follow-up with a professional assessment.

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