Objective, FDA-Cleared ADHD Evaluations in Phoenix, AZ
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most commonly misunderstood and misdiagnosed conditions in psychiatry. Symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity can look very different in a 7-year-old child than they do in a 35-year-old adult.
At Interventional Psychiatry of Arizona, we eliminate the guesswork. We provide comprehensive, data-driven ADHD assessments for patients ages 6 to 70 across the Phoenix metro area. Led by Board-Certified Psychiatrist Dr. Gerhard Gomez and ADHD specialist Michael Jacobson, PA-C, our clinic combines advanced objective testing with thorough clinical evaluations to ensure accurate diagnoses and effective treatment plans.
The QbCheck: Objective ADHD Data
Historically, diagnosing ADHD relied heavily on subjective questionnaires and interviews. While clinical history is essential, we elevate our diagnostic accuracy by utilizing the QbCheck, an FDA-cleared, objective ADHD testing platform.
The QbCheck involves a computer-based task that measures your sustained attention and impulse control, while simultaneously tracking your micromovements via a specialized camera.
- ✔ Highly accurate: Validated for children, teens, and adults.
- ✔ Objective data: Measures the core symptoms of ADHD against an age- and gender-matched control group.
- ✔ Reduces misdiagnosis: Helps differentiate ADHD from conditions like anxiety, which can mimic attention deficits.
- ✔ Tracks progress: Can be repeated to objectively measure how well your medication is working.
Why an Accurate Assessment Matters
A correct diagnosis is the critical first step. Undiagnosed or misdiagnosed ADHD can lead to years of frustration, underachievement, and secondary conditions like depression and anxiety. Here is how a proper diagnosis helps at every stage of life:
For Children (Ages 6–12)
Early intervention is key. An accurate diagnosis leads to proper school accommodations (IEPs or 504 plans), improved academic performance, reduced behavioral conflicts at home, and better peer relationships.
For Teens (Ages 13–18)
As academic demands increase, untreated ADHD can cause grades to plummet. Proper diagnosis supports academic achievement, stabilizes self-esteem, and lowers the risk of substance misuse.
Learn more about our Teenage Psychiatry services.
For Adults (Ages 19–70)
Many adults mask their symptoms for years, leading to chronic burnout. Treatment can radically increase workplace productivity, improve emotional regulation, and repair strained family dynamics.
Common Signs & Symptoms of ADHD
ADHD symptoms typically fall into two main categories: Inattentive and Hyperactive-Impulsive. Many patients have a "combined" presentation. Because symptoms often look different depending on age and environment, a professional evaluation is essential.
Inattentive Presentation
- Difficulty sustaining focus on tasks or play activities
- Frequent careless mistakes in schoolwork or on the job
- Struggling to follow through on instructions or finish chores/duties
- Often losing things necessary for tasks (keys, wallet, assignments)
- Easily distracted by unrelated thoughts or external stimuli
Hyperactive-Impulsive Presentation
- Fidgeting, tapping hands/feet, or squirming in seat
- Feeling restless (in adults, this often feels like an internal restlessness)
- Talking excessively or blurting out answers prematurely
- Difficulty waiting for one's turn in conversations or lines
- Interrupting or intruding on others' activities
Our 4-Step Evaluation Process
We take a meticulous, data-backed approach to ensure you receive an accurate diagnosis and a customized path forward.
1. Initial Clinical Interview
Your assessment begins with a thorough 60 to 90-minute psychiatric consultation. We will discuss your current struggles, childhood history, family medical history, and rule out any other medical conditions that might be causing your symptoms.
2. Objective QbCheck Testing
You will complete the computer-based QbCheck, which takes about 15-20 minutes. This test objectively measures your attention, impulsivity, and motor activity against a normative database of individuals the same age and biological sex.
3. Review & Diagnosis
Our clinical team reviews the subjective history alongside the objective data from the QbCheck. We will have a feedback session with you (or your child) to explain the results clearly and discuss the official diagnosis.
4. Comprehensive Treatment Planning
If ADHD is diagnosed, we immediately build a treatment plan. This may include medication management, behavioral recommendations, lifestyle adjustments, and school/workplace accommodation letters.
ADHD in Women & Girls
For decades, ADHD was stereotyped as a condition that only affected hyperactive young boys. Because of this, millions of women and girls went undiagnosed. Females with ADHD often present with inattentive symptoms—such as daydreaming, internal distractibility, and chronic disorganization—rather than external hyperactivity.
Many women are not diagnosed until adulthood, often after years of masking their symptoms, struggling with perfectionism, or being misdiagnosed with anxiety or depression. Our team is highly experienced in identifying the nuanced presentation of ADHD in women and providing the validation and treatment they have long deserved.
Understanding Co-Occurring Conditions
ADHD rarely travels alone. In fact, over 60% of adults and children with ADHD have at least one co-occurring mental health condition. This is why a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation is so vital.
Conditions that frequently overlap or mask ADHD include:
- Anxiety Disorders
- Major Depressive Disorder
- Learning Disabilities (e.g., Dyslexia)
- Bipolar Disorder
- Substance Use Disorders
By utilizing the objective QbCheck and our deep psychiatric expertise, we can accurately untangle these overlapping symptoms and treat the whole person.
Frequently Asked Questions: ADHD Testing
How long does the ADHD assessment take?
The QbCheck computer test itself takes about 15 to 20 minutes to complete. However, the test is only one part of our comprehensive evaluation. Your initial psychiatric consultation will typically last 60 to 90 minutes to ensure we gather a complete medical, behavioral, and family history.
Are assessments available via Telehealth?
Yes. We offer flexible options to meet your family's needs. While some patients prefer to come into our Phoenix clinic for their assessment, the QbCheck can be administered securely online from your own home, provided you have a compatible computer and webcam. Your clinical evaluation can also be conducted via our secure telehealth platform.
What happens after I receive a diagnosis?
If you or your child are diagnosed with ADHD, our team immediately begins developing a customized treatment plan. This often involves medication management (such as stimulants or non-stimulants), behavioral strategies, and lifestyle modifications. Because we handle both the testing and the medical treatment, you do not have to find a separate prescriber after your diagnosis.
Does insurance cover ADHD testing?
Many commercial insurance plans do cover psychiatric evaluations and ADHD testing when medically necessary. Our office team will verify your specific benefits prior to your appointment so you understand any out-of-pocket costs. We also offer affordable cash-pay options for patients without insurance or who prefer not to use it.
Schedule Your ADHD Evaluation Today
If you or your loved one is struggling with focus, impulsivity, or inattention, don’t wait. Getting an accurate diagnosis is the first step toward unlocking your full potential. Contact our Phoenix office today to schedule your comprehensive assessment.
📞 Call us directly at (602) 824-8404
Request an Appointment