SAN ANTONIO --Doctors have a new tool for diagnosing and treating ADHD. It’s a testing device that provides specific data about attention and hyperactivity.
Seven-year-old Riley Wood has an older brother diagnosed with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) and now her mother wants to have her tested.
Pediatric neurologist Dr. Jerry Tomasovic is using a new tool he’s only had for a couple of weeks. It’s called the Quotient ADHD System, a computer that provides at 15-minute, task-oriented test that includes a motion tracking system around the head.
It’s designed to provide an objective picture of the inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity that are the hallmarks of ADHD.
“So it’s really a task,” Tomasovic said. “And we actually present it to them as ‘this is a task. This is not a test you can fail. It’s a task. We want to see how you do over a period of time.’”
Tests can be used as a baseline for later comparison, for instance to judge the effectiveness of therapy. On this chart, the goal is to get to green, which shows a high level of attentiveness.
Although it won’t replace other diagnostics, Riley’s mother, Jessica Wood, appreciates the additional information it provides. “I appreciate the more objective feedback with the test because right now the ADHD test is so subjective,” she stated.
The test is not just for children. Adults can be evaluated this way, too. And Tomasovic said it will be useful in deciding on medications to manage the condition.
“This can help with titrating,” Tomasovic explained. “So it’s more aggressive management with titrating the dosage, always being sensitive to side effects because you always have to respect that.”
Tomasovic has the first Quotient ADHD System in San Antonio. He’s used it on about 16 people over the past couple of weeks. He said he likes the early results.
