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adult ADHD

International Adult ADHD Evaluations with David W. Goodman, M.D.

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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.

Dr. Goodman interviewed for Today.com on ADHD parents

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Parenting an ADHD child is challenging. Yet, this challenge is heightened when one or both of the parents have ADHD. While consistent behavioral routines are advocated in ADHD households, untreated ADHD parents will have great difficulty executing consistent oversight of their children.

from Today.com reviewed a video of a family whose has ADHD and wanted to offer recommendations to those parents with ADHD, treated or untreated.

CVS Carmark Medication Authorization Criteria January 1, 2018

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CVS CAREMARK CRITERIA

Starting January 1, 2018, these patients may not be able to fill their current medication at the pharmacy, based on the plan’s coverage changes.

Please visit caremark.com/highvalueplan to review the coverage details of this pharmacy benefit plan.

 

PA                                    = Prior Authorization                                    There must be a satisfied PA on file or a PA must be requested.

Please call 1-877-203-1681

 

ST                                    = Step Therapy                                                      The patient must have already satisfied the step therapy

requirements through previous medication use.

 

QL                                    = Quantity Limits                                    The medication to be dispensed must be for less than the quantity

limits restriction. No further action is necessary if the quantity dispensed for this prescription is below the limit.

 

 

QLWPA                                    = Quantity Limits With                                    The medication to be dispensed must be for less than the quantity

Prior Authorization                   limits restriction. A PA must be requested for quantities greater than the limit restriction. Please call 1-877-203-1681. No further action is necessary if the quantity dispensed for this prescription is below the limit.

 

FE                                    = Formulary Exclusion                                    Patient’s formulary does not cover the medication. You may request

A formulary exception based on medical necessity. Please call

1-877-203-1681.

 

BE                                    = Benefit Exclusion                                    Patient’s pharmacy benefit design does not cover this medication.

 

Dr. David W. Goodman on CHADD Webinar Ask the Expert April 18, 2019 at 2pm LIVE

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“What can I expect as an adult from my ADHD treatment in the first 6 months?”

I have been invited to speak online LIVE for the Children and Adults with ADHD Association Webinar Series “Ask the Expert”. I will discuss the benefits of ADHD treatment as they unfold over the first 6 months of treatment. If effectively treated with the sequence of medication and psychotherapy, there is a predictable pattern of improvement that can be expected. Understanding this pattern will help you discover what gets better and when. Patients and families are often amazed that I can predict what will happen over the first 6 months and you may be too.

Register for the Webinar at CHADD.org and find out what you can expect from treatment. I’ll post the link as soon as CHADD sets it up.

ADDitude Magazine Webinar ADHD in Older Adults David W. Goodman, MD

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On May 1, 2018 I presented the first webinar for ADDitude Magazine on ADHD in adults over the age 50. The presentation with audio and slides is available to be hear for free. This is a rare discussion of prevalence, diagnosis, impairments, and treatment of older adults. Complaints of cognitive symptoms are common in older adults, however, ADHD is rarely considered in the diagnostic considerations. Rarely are adults with ADHD diagnosed in childhood because in the 1960s-70s, only hyperactive, disruptive boys were diagnosed. Therefore, clinicians, not trained to identify ADHD, often miss the diagnosis especially in older adults.

Listen to the webinar and learn how ADHD persists for a lifetime in many adults.

A Randomized, 6-week, Placebo-Controlled Study of Treatment for Adult Attention-Deficit Disorder: Individualized Dosing of Osmotic-Release Oral System (OROS) Methylphenidate With a Goal of Symptom Remission

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Goodman DW, Starr LH, Yi-Wen M, Rostain AL, Ascher S. Armstron RB. J ClinPsychiatry 2017;78(1):105-114.

click to read abstract

National Public Radio (NPR) interviews Dr. David W. Goodman on ADHD in older adults Jan 18th Mon 8am “Morning Edition”

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National Public Radio will air an interview with Dr. David W. Goodman on Jan 18th Monday on “Morning Edition” 8am. In addition to Dr. Goodman, older adults will offer their insight on struggling with ADHD for their whole life and the transformation that occurred with an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. I published a review of scientific literature last month in the journal Drugs and Aging that consolidated all, yet limited, research into one source. With an aging population with ADHD, this group of people will be the next clinical frontier for research, education, and treatment.

In order to insure that this disorder is not misdiagnosed and inappropriately treated, clinicians, mental health professionals and the general public need to be aware of this disorder in older adults. I hope that I can increase awareness by participating in the media’s coverage of this important and developing topic.

David W. Goodman, M.D.

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