International Adult ADHD Evaluations with David W. Goodman, M.D.
There is a tremendous international need for accurate diagnoses of ADHD in adults. With so few clinicians around the world trained in ADHD, people ask me to see them. With telepsychiatry, this now becomes a possibility. Visit us at www.ADDadult.com.
I recently conducted a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation of a 22 year old male residing in the Phillipines via Zoom, a video software. (I’m located in Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.A.-12 hour time difference). For 90 minutes, we were able to cover his life-long history of ADHD symptoms inquiring about other psychiatric symptoms that would indicate other disorders, the medical/developmental history, and the academic and social impairments experienced. With Zoom’s screen sharing, the man could complete the ADHD Rating Scale used to assess childhood symptoms and the Adult Self-Report ADHD Scale indicating current symptoms. As an outside informant, his aunt provided additional developmental history and trajectory of ADHD symptoms since childhood.
His aunt sought me out after hearing my lectures on adult ADHD. Because of advances in technology, the Zoom session went smoothly and allowed for an easy exchange of information.
Most importantly, the man said he was relieved to have had this evaluation and given some direction on how to manage. I did suggest medication would likely be effective and he was receptive.
Most countries have medications available to treat ADHD BUT they are often only used for children. A limited number of clinicians around the world are comfortable using these medications for adults with ADHD.
And so this is the challenge in seeking treatment after you’ve had the evaluation. Since I’m unable to prescribe medication outside the U.S., patients will need to find a clincian in their country and area.
Hopefully, with a full report from me, perhaps a doctor in your area would be reassured of the accuracy of the diagnosis in order to initiate medication. Of course, the effective use of the medication will depend on the doctor’s experience with ADHD medications.
Unfortunately, there are some countries that have banned stimulant medications entirely. Luis Augusto Rohde, professor of child psychiatry at Brazil’s Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, and former president of the World Federation of ADHD has noted Russia, Algeria, Egypt, Morocco, and Jordan are in this group. However, treatment options for ADHD include behavioral/organizational skills beyond medications.
Most importantly, it is the relief that comes from knowing your ADHD is what you have, not who you are.
If people around the world think they have ADHD, help is available. Before seeking an evaluation, go to credible websites (ADDadult.com; CHADD.org; CADDRA.org; ADHD Europe; and read/listen to information to see if it describes your experiences of your life. If so, we may be able to help.