DIAGNOSTIC EVALUATION

A careful diagnostic evaluation of ADD and related concerns requires a thorough interview, a variety of questionnaires, and some brief neurocognitive and psychological testing.  You will be scheduled to meet with Dr. Tsukahara for approximately 3 hours for the interview, review of questionnaires, and neurocognitive testing. 

At a separate time (possibly on the same day), you will be given one or more psychological tests. 

Prior to your appointment, you will complete several forms.  Some of these forms are available on this website, and you will need to download and complete those before coming to the office. You will need to complete Forms # 1, 2, 3, 4 and 9.

On the day of your appointment, plan to arrive at least 45 minutes early to complete questionnaires that cannot be posted here.  If you prefer, you may arrange to pick these up a few days prior to your appointment. 

You may invite a family member to attend the appointment with you.  Although it is not required that someone come with you, it can be very helpful to get additional information from someone who knows you well (e.g., a parent, spouse or life-long friend).  If you do invite someone to come with you, Dr. T will still want to meet with you alone for a portion of the interview and for the neurocognitive testing. 

Please bring with you:

• The forms you completed from the website [link to Forms]
• Previous psychological test reports (if applicable)
• A list of all current medications, including dosage
• Reading glasses, if needed
• Other information you think may be important (e.g., academic records)
• Payment (cash, check to “Dr. Tsukahara”, or credit card – Visa or Master Card)

When the Diagnostic Evaluation is completed, Dr. T will prepare a written report for you. 

ADDITIONAL TESTING

Although psychological and neurocognitive testing are not essential to making a diagnosis of ADD, testing provides very important information about you and how your brain processes information.  Additional testing may be required if you are seeking accommodations for academic purposes or for professional exams. It can also be very helpful if you are about to start college or graduate school because the testing reveals strengths that can be used to compensate for any weaknesses you may have.  We all have cognitive strengths and weaknesses, and it can be very helpful to identify those before launching into a demanding new endeavor. 

For most purposes, the testing Dr. T does as part of the Diagnostic Evaluation is sufficient.  If you and she determine that additional testing is necessary or beneficial, plan for the following:

• Additional testing will involve the use of a variety of psychological and neuropsychological tests.
• Testing appointments range from 4 to 6 hours, depending on your individual needs. 
• You will be working directly with Dr. Tsukahara for most of the testing appointment.  Dr. T uses the “Boston Process” approach to testing.  This means that she will be making decisions as she works with you to determine whether particular tests need to be added or can be dropped.  Her goal is to provide you with a thorough examination with minimum cost to you.  Testing is therefore billed on an hourly basis rather than a flat rate.
• Your testing may be done on two separate days rather than one longer session. 
• After the test report is completed (one to two weeks), you will meet with Dr. T to discuss the results.  You will be given a copy of her report at that time. 

Preparing for Testing:

• Get a good night’s sleep, but avoid sleep medications unless you take them regularly.
• Do not take any stimulant medications or consume any caffeine the day of testing.  Bring your medication with you, however, since Dr. T may want to repeat some tests on meds.
• Dress comfortably, but bring a light sweater since the office can be chilly.
• Feel free to bring a snack or lunch.
• Bring reading glasses if you need them. 
• Plan to arrive at least 10 minutes early.

Plan to turn your cell phone off completely.