How to Prepare for a Video Visit About ADHD (Adult) - Evaluation Pathway

Audience: pediatric

Preparing for a video visit about adult ADHD can help you and your healthcare provider have a clear and helpful conversation. ADHD, or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, is a condition that affects focus, organization, and behavior. Adults with ADHD often have challenges that started in childhood but may not have been diagnosed before. During the video visit, the healthcare provider will ask questions about symptoms, history, and daily life to understand if ADHD might be present. This visit is an important step in the evaluation pathway but does not provide a diagnosis by itself. Being ready with information and questions can make the visit more effective. This guide helps pediatric caregivers prepare for the visit, understand what telemedicine can and cannot do, and know when to seek urgent care.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Severe mood swings or depression with thoughts of self-harm — seek emergency care immediately.
• Sudden or severe changes in behavior or personality — contact healthcare provider urgently.
• Signs of substance misuse or overdose — call emergency services or poison control.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial discussion of symptoms and history related to adult ADHD.
• Providing education about ADHD and evaluation steps.
• Answering general questions about ADHD and management options.
• Guiding when to seek in-person care or specialist referral.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing physical examinations or neurological assessments.
• Conducting formal psychological or cognitive testing.
• Diagnosing ADHD definitively without further in-person evaluation.
• Managing emergencies or severe mental health crises.

What to Expect During the Video Visit

The healthcare provider will ask about the adult's symptoms, such as trouble focusing, impulsivity, or restlessness. They may also ask about school, work, and social history to see how symptoms affect daily life. The visit usually includes questions about other medical or mental health conditions. A full diagnosis often requires more visits and possibly in-person tests or assessments.

How to Prepare for the Video Visit

Gather information about the adult's symptoms and history. Write down examples of challenges with attention, organization, or behavior. Note any past diagnoses or treatments. Find a quiet, private space with a good internet connection for the visit. Have a list of questions ready to ask the healthcare provider.

What Telemedicine Can and Cannot Do for ADHD Evaluation

Telemedicine can help start the conversation about symptoms and history. It allows for flexible access to healthcare providers and can guide next steps. However, telemedicine cannot perform physical exams or certain psychological tests that may be needed for a full diagnosis. Sometimes, in-person visits or referrals to specialists are necessary.

When to Seek Urgent Care

If the adult experiences severe mood changes, thoughts of self-harm, or sudden behavior changes, seek urgent in-person care immediately. These are signs that need prompt attention beyond a scheduled video visit.

Supporting the Adult During the Process

Encourage open and honest communication. Help the adult keep track of symptoms and any changes. Support them in following up with recommended care and treatments. Remember that evaluation and diagnosis can take time.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• List specific symptoms noticed in the adult, including examples and how long they have occurred.
• Gather any past medical or mental health records related to attention or behavior.
• Prepare a quiet, private space with a reliable internet connection for the video visit.
• Write down questions or concerns to discuss with the healthcare provider.
• Ensure the adult is available and comfortable participating in the video visit.
• Have a notepad or device ready to take notes during the visit.

After your tele-visit

• Follow any recommendations given by the healthcare provider, including scheduling follow-up visits.
• Complete any suggested in-person assessments or testing if referred.
• Keep track of symptoms and any changes after the visit.
• Discuss treatment options and support strategies as advised.
• Reach out to the healthcare provider if new or worsening symptoms occur.
• Consider support groups or educational resources for ADHD.

FAQs

What is adult ADHD and how is it different from childhood ADHD?

Adult ADHD is a continuation of symptoms that often start in childhood but may not have been diagnosed earlier. Adults may experience challenges with focus, organization, time management, and impulsivity. Symptoms can look different than in children and may affect work, relationships, and daily life.

Can a video visit diagnose ADHD?

A video visit can help start the evaluation by discussing symptoms and history, but it usually cannot provide a full diagnosis. Additional in-person assessments or testing may be needed to confirm ADHD.

What should I do if the adult has other mental health concerns?

Be sure to share any other mental health symptoms or diagnoses during the visit. The healthcare provider can help address these concerns and may recommend additional support or referrals.

How can I support the adult during the evaluation process?

Encourage honest communication and help keep track of symptoms. Support follow-up care and treatment plans. Understanding that evaluation and diagnosis take time can help manage expectations.

When is in-person care necessary?

In-person care is important if physical exams, psychological testing, or urgent mental health concerns arise. If there are severe mood changes, thoughts of self-harm, or sudden behavior changes, seek emergency in-person care immediately.

Sources

1. Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in Adults — MedlinePlus | U.S. National Library of Medicine / National Institutes of Health.
2. What is ADHD? — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
3. Adult ADHD: Symptoms and Diagnosis — Mayo Clinic.
4. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) — American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).
5. Telemedicine: What You Need to Know — National Library of Medicine.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. If you have urgent health concerns, please seek immediate medical attention.