By: Leah K., QB Behavioral Technician
I was wrong about ADHD. I used to think the disorder was easy to see and understand; however, since working as a Quantified Behavioral Test technician, I have learned otherwise. The QB Test is a continuous performance test that can be used effectively as one point of objective data to assess ADHD in people ages 6-60. It uses factors such as inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity in order to give prescribers and therapists a more well rounded view of a patient’s symptoms.
I have tested children, teens, and adults of various backgrounds and education levels, some with different coexisting mental health disorders. One Sunday, a woman came into the clinic for her QB Test, and I was immediately sure she had ADHD. She seemed very scattered, unsure of what was happening, and was fidgety and hyperactive. She took the test, and I made observations about her behavior and movements during the course of the twenty minutes via a video monitor. After our clinician scored her QB test on the three factors, we came to a surprising conclusion: yes, this patent was certainly hyperactive, but not because she had ADHD. Using the data from this test, a self assessment the patient filled out, and a comprehensive conversation about the patient’s symptoms and lifestyle, it was determined that the patient most likely did not have ADHD, but rather evidenced some anxiety features, which would require further examination with her own clinician. If I had only talked to this patient and observed her, I would have definitely diagnosed her with Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder. However, with data from the QB Test, a self assessment, and a comprehensive conversation, one of our therapists was able to see an equally valid differential diagnosis.
Likewise, a young man came in for a QB test, and I believed he didn’t have ADHD based on his behavior that I observed. He seemed still, quiet, and paid attention to the instructions well. However, when the test report came out, I was astounded to see that he was in the highest percentiles for hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity. This, combined with the self assessment and an in depth conversation with the patient about his symptoms, allowed us to discuss his deficits with him properly, as we had the full picture and multiple points of applicable data. He was referred for further evaluation by a psychiatric nurse practitioner in our office.
If you or your patient is interested in the QB test, we hold QB testing at The Kendal Clinic every Sunday. For more information, feel free to reach out to our QB test technician at leah@kendalclinic.com