What to Expect at Your QB Test Appointment

If you suspect you may have ADHD, you may wonder how the experts test for it, especially if you weren’t diagnosed as a child. Believe it or not, it’s not uncommon for people to make it to adulthood without an ADHD diagnosis, but that doesn’t mean they don’t, in fact, actually have the disorder. Many people develop coping mechanisms and self-medication strategies that allow them to function, which makes it easier to go undetected. 

One thing a medical professional can do is to take a thorough inventory of your symptoms and your daily functioning. But they can also use another standard of measurement called the QB test.The providers at 2nd Chance Treatment Center explain more about what the QB test is and what information the results can give them.

How common is ADHD?

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, is very common, and many people believe that it’s widely underdiagnosed. According to official statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the number of children with ADHD increased to 11%, but that only includes children.

The number of adults with the condition is estimated to be only 2.5-4.4% but this is believed to be a major undercounting. Only about 20% of US adults who have ADHD are receiving treatment for it. This means a lot of people are living with this condition without receiving proper treatment, which has a massive impact on their ability to function.

How to diagnose ADHD

Diagnosing ADHD is often challenging, especially in adults. Part of what we need to do is to take an extensive history and inventory of your symptoms and how often they impact you. There are different types of ADHD as well, which adds to the risk that you may have difficulty in getting a diagnosis.

Predominantly inattentive type

One type of ADHD presents as predominantly inattentive. This may be more likely among women. Some of the common symptoms of the inattentive type of ADHD include:

• Has difficulty in following directions
• Problems with organization
• Makes careless mistakes
• Is easily distracted
• Loses things
• Is forgetful in daily activities

Predominantly hyperactive/impulsive type

This type of ADHD presents with primarily hyperactive or impulsive symptoms. It may be more common among men. The symptoms of the hyperactive or impulsive type of ADHD may include:

• Has difficulty remaining seated
• Fidgets a lot
• Extreme restlessness
• Difficulty waiting
• Interrupts people in conversation
• May talk excessively

You don’t have to have all of the symptoms of either type to be diagnosed with ADHD. It’s also possible to have a combination of both the inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive types of ADHD.

The function of a QB test

The QB test is a computerized test that’s FDA-cleared for use in diagnosing ADHD. By completing this test and comparing your results to those of people with and without ADHD, your doctor can determine whether or not you have it as well.

You wear a headband and infrared sensor while performing a task on the computer that’s fairly boring. The task requires a lot of attention and focus, and the headband detects any small movements that you make. It can both diagnose you with ADHD and determine whether treatment for it is working.

If you think you may have ADHD, getting an accurate diagnosis is essential. Call the providers at 2nd Chance Treatment Center, or request an appointment online.