North Andover, Mass., March 28, 2007 – According to the National Institutes of Mental Health (NIMH), proper diagnosis is a critical step in the process of managing ADD/ADHD. Unfortunately, a proper diagnosis -- defined as one that is “made by a professional with training in ADHD or in the diagnosis of mental disorders” can be an expensive, time-consuming process beyond the reach of many suffering with the disorder. To raise public awareness of the importance of proper diagnosis, and make diagnosis available to everyone in the greater Boston area, the ADD Health and Wellness Center of Andover, Mass. has initiated a free evaluation program which is open to the public with no restrictions regarding age or income level.

“The system of care in the U.S. for individuals with ADD/ADHD is a confusing maze,” said Robert S. Baurys, II, CEO of ADD Health and Wellness Centers, Inc.
“The system is so broken that diagnostic testing has become a last resort for people willing to dig deep into their pockets in hopes of finding some relief, and that’s just plain backwards,” Baurys added. “In an effort to help as many people as possible, we’re opening our doors to provide access to qualified medical and counseling professionals with no strings attached. This community service provides a sense of direction to help parents make better choices for effective treatments.”

To take advantage of the free evaluation, an individual who suspects they may suffer from ADD/ADHD – or the parent of a child who may – can register online or by telephone.

A common condition in the U.S., ADD/ADHD is estimated to affect up to 7 percent of U.S. school children, or around 4 million. Additionally, because of the strong genetic link, many parents of children with ADD/ADHD find that they themselves are suffering from the condition.
“Most adults with ADD/ADHD could benefit greatly from non-pharmaceutical treatments like coaching, counseling and nutrition therapy,” says Theresa Lavoie, Ph.D., Director of Psychology Services. “These adults have learned to cope with the ADD/ADHD, but in many cases they have internalized the effects and continue to struggle in certain areas. They don’t fully understand how the disorder has impacted their lives professionally and emotionally.”
Studies show that adults with ADD have higher rates of alcohol and drug addiction, joblessness, divorce and other serious consequences. With the appropriate treatments, adults can learn to manage ADD/ADHD and significantly minimize the negative impact on their lives.
Other important treatment components available at ADD Health and Wellness Centers include:
• Neuropsychological evaluations and diagnostic clarifications
• Education and counseling
• Behavioral and cognitive treatment for ADD and other co-existing conditions
• Academic tutoring and placement specialists
• Coaching services
• Support groups
• Social skills groups
• Skills-based group treatment
• Intensive workshops
• Complementary and alternative non-medication therapies
• Nutritional counseling and supplementation
The ADD Health and Wellness Centers of Greater Boston opened October 1 and is the first of more than a half dozen Centers scheduled to launch around the country in the next year.
About ADD Health and Wellness Centers: ADD Health and Wellness Centers, Inc. is dedicated to individualized, comprehensive, accessible, results-driven treatment for ADD and related conditions. The ADD Health and Wellness Centers of Greater Boston is located at: Jefferson Office Park, 790 Turnpike Street, Suite 106, North Andover, Mass., 01845. To schedule a free diagnostic screening, call (978) 683-6065, or visit ADDhealthandwellness.com .