Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) was considered a disorder of childhood for decades, with adult cases uncommon and the diagnosis rarely made, but in recent years, the number of adults diagnosed with ADHD is growing more than four times faster than diagnoses among children. The reasons for this trend are varied and controversial, but the end result is that many of our adult patients are wondering if they have ADHD and are requesting to be evaluated. Over 30% of patients waiting to be seen at our Outpatient Psychiatry Clinic (OPC) at UWMC-Roosevelt are seeking an ADHD evaluation.

In an effort to reduce the impact of requests for adult ADHD evaluations at OPC, we are exploring a new model of care where all patients referred for ADHD evaluations start with one or more group visits focused on psychoeducation, a type of therapy that combines cognitive-behavior therapy, group therapy and education. Our goals are to help patients understand what ADHD is and what it isn’t; provide tools, skills, and strategies for managing the symptoms they are experiencing; and improve their overall wellness and quality of life as they wait to be evaluated. We hope this will help streamline ADHD assessments as well as alleviate the wait list for people seeking non-ADHD evaluations. We are eager to innovate in this area and look forward to launching a pilot in the coming months.