How the QbTest Helps Us Diagnose ADHD

Have you ever found yourself wondering if the challenges in focusing, restless energy, or impulsive decisions you or a loved one face might be signs of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)? 

At Desert Bolt Behavioral in Phoenix, Arizona, our mental health providers understand how confusing it can be to navigate the information available and distinguish ADHD from normal behavior variations. That’s where the QbTest can help.

This technological tool helps us clarify the diagnosis of ADHD and gives your care team helpful information for managing your condition. Here’s a closer look at ADHD and how the QbTest helps us diagnose it. 

Understanding ADHD and the challenges of diagnosis

To understand the ins and outs of the QbTest, it’s important to understand what ADHD is and the challenges associated with getting an accurate diagnosis. 

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by a range of symptoms, including difficulty maintaining attention, hyperactivity, and impulsive behavior. These symptoms can significantly affect all aspects of life, from school and work performance to personal relationships.

But the good news is that with the right diagnosis and treatment plan, people with ADHD can lead successful and fulfilling lives. The not-so-good news is that diagnosing ADHD can be tricky. 

This is because its symptoms often overlap with those of other conditions, and there's no single test that can definitively pinpoint the disorder. 

Traditionally, the process has relied on clinical evaluations and behavioral assessments, which are subjective and can vary from one professional to another. 

Now, thanks to developments in medical technology and mental health research, there’s a tool designed to introduce objective data into the diagnostic process: the QbTest. 

Understanding the QbTest 

The QbTest, or quantitative behavior test, is a sophisticated, computer-based assessment tool that measures the core symptoms of ADHD — hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity — to provide us with a comprehensive understanding of ADHD symptoms. 

You or your loved one perform a computer-based task that lasts about 15-20 minutes. During this time, a motion tracking device measures movements, while the task itself assesses attention and impulse control.

This information is then compared to standardized norms and interpreted by our expert clinicians, offering a clear picture of where an individual falls on the spectrum of ADHD behaviors. 

Here’s a closer look at the reasons our seasoned providers at Desert Bolt Behavioral trust the QbTest:

Objective data

The QbTest offers objective, quantifiable data that cuts through the subjective nature of traditional assessments, providing a more nuanced understanding of ADHD symptoms.

Efficiency

By integrating the QbTest into our diagnostic process, we can make faster and more accurate ADHD diagnoses. This means getting you or your loved one the help needed sooner rather than later.

Personalized treatment plans

The detailed report from the QbTest allows us to tailor treatment plans more precisely to each individual's needs, improving the odds for positive outcomes and better management of ADHD symptoms.

Peace of mind

For many families and individuals, having concrete data about ADHD symptoms provides a sense of validation and relief. It's a step toward understanding and managing the condition more effectively.

How our team uses the QbTest

At Desert Bolt Behavioral, the QbTest is an important part of our diagnostic protocol, but we don’t rely on this test alone. Here’s how we use the QbTest as tool and where it fits into our process:

Initial consultation

We start with a thorough psychiatric evaluation to discuss symptoms, history, and concerns, laying the groundwork for a holistic understanding of the individual's experiences.

The QbTest

If we suspect ADHD, we schedule a QbTest. This quick and engaging test is straightforward and noninvasive, making it suitable for both children and adults.

Review and plan

Once the test is completed, we review the QbTest results with you, explaining what they mean in the context of your or your loved one’s symptoms, and, if necessary, outline a personalized ADHD treatment plan.

Adding the QbTest to our diagnostic approach not only improves our ability to accurately diagnose ADHD, but it also gives you a better understanding of the condition and the ways it affects your life. 

Are you ready to learn more about diagnosing ADHD and how the QbTest can help? Request a consultation online or over the phone with us at Desert Bolt Behavioral in Phoenix, Arizona.