What are some screening questions for a patient presenting with distractibility at home?

From the Guidelines

When screening a patient presenting with distractibility at home, I recommend using the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS-V1.1) as the initial assessment tool, as it is a widely recognized and effective screening method 1. To further evaluate the patient's symptoms, I suggest asking the following questions:

• Can you describe the situations where you experience distractibility, and how often do they occur?
• How do you think your distractibility affects your daily life, relationships, and work performance?
• Do you have difficulty completing tasks, and if so, what strategies do you use to stay focused?
• Have you noticed any patterns or triggers that make your distractibility better or worse?
• How would you rate your overall level of stress, anxiety, and sleep quality, and do you think they contribute to your distractibility? It is essential to assess the patient's symptoms in multiple settings, including home and work, to determine the severity and impact of their distractibility 1. The patient's responses to these questions will help identify potential underlying causes of their distractibility, such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anxiety disorders, depression, sleep disorders, substance effects, or medication side effects. By using the ASRS-V1.1 and asking these follow-up questions, healthcare providers can gather valuable information to inform further evaluation and management planning, ultimately improving the patient's quality of life and reducing morbidity and mortality associated with untreated attentional disorders 1.

From the FDA Drug Label

The FDA drug label does not answer the question.

From the Research

Screening Questions for Distractability

To assess a patient presenting with distractability at home, the following screening questions can be used:

• Can you describe a typical day and how you stay focused on tasks?
• How often do you find yourself getting distracted by your surroundings or thoughts?
• Do you have difficulty completing tasks or projects due to lack of focus?
• Have you noticed any changes in your ability to concentrate over time?
• Are there any specific situations or environments where you feel more or less distracted?

Potential Underlying Causes

Distractability can be a symptom of various underlying conditions, including:

• Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) 2, 3, 4
• Anxiety disorders, such as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) 5
• Chronic stressors, which can lead to the use of positive distraction as a coping mechanism 6
• Other mental health conditions, such as depression or substance abuse

Assessment Tools

Several assessment tools can be used to evaluate distractability, including:

• ADHD diagnostic tools, such as those used in the study by 2
• Clinician-rated assessments of symptoms, such as those used in the study by 5
• Self-reported measures of difficulty concentrating and distractability
• Behavioral tasks, such as letter-search and name-classification tasks, to assess attentional focus and distractibility 2

Treatment Options

Treatment options for distractability depend on the underlying cause, but may include:

• Medications, such as methylphenidate and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which can be used alone or in combination 3, 4
• Behavioral therapies, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), to address underlying cognitive and emotional factors
• Lifestyle changes, such as increasing physical activity and improving sleep habits, to reduce stress and improve focus.