Article
Evaluation Protocol for AD/HD
This is the recommended evaluation procedure used at the Hallowell Center in Sudbury Massachusetts. It is the most comprehensive and accurate approach to determining the presence of AD/HD and the most appropriate treatment.
I. Initial clinical interview. A nurse, social worker, psychologist or psychiatrist interviews you and collects important information for the purpose of making preliminary treatment planning decisions. This first meeting will include:
- A review of past testing records and past medical records should be forwarded ahead of time to the interviewing clinician.
- Administration and review of rating scales.
- A thorough diagnostic interview
- Collection of information from family members or other caregivers.
II. Specialized attention testing, comprehensive neuropsychological testing and/or speech and language testing.
This is usually a one or two hour visit. The goals of testing are to assess your strengths and weaknesses in attention, memory, organizational skills. Learning and processing problems, learning style and disorders that interfere with attention such as depression or anxiety are also identified in this process. At the end of testing, the neuropsychologist will briefly discuss the findings. A full discussion of findings takes place during the follow-up visit.
III. Psychiatric Evaluation
A psychiatrist will review all of the data collected during initial stages of assessment,
confirm the findings through an interview with you; establish a diagnosis and a plan
of care, educate you and caregivers on the findings and plan of care.
If it is appropriate, the psychiatrist may recommend medication. Prior to initiating
medication treatment when it is needed, the psychiatrist will have an informed
consent discussion with you about the benefits and risks of the proposed medication
treatment.
IV. Follow-Up Meeting
The final phase of your evaluation is a feedback meeting with your primary clinician
to review the findings of your assessment, answer any questions you might have
about your diagnosis and treatment. You will receive a basic education about your
diagnosis and treatment options (for example group therapy, couples therapy,
individual therapy, speech/language therapy, additional evaluations or medication
follow-up). When needed, we will work with you to obtain a referral to a clinician in
your area.
(For more information click on the Hallowell Center)
