What Happens After a Telemedicine Visit for ADHD (Adult) - Evaluation Pathway

Audience: adult

After a telemedicine visit for adult ADHD evaluation, you will usually receive guidance on the next steps for diagnosis and care. The healthcare provider may recommend further assessments, such as questionnaires or in-person evaluations, to better understand your symptoms. They might discuss treatment options, which can include behavioral strategies, lifestyle changes, or medication. Follow-up appointments are often scheduled to monitor progress and adjust care as needed. It's important to communicate openly about your symptoms and any concerns during and after the visit. Remember, telemedicine helps start the evaluation but may not replace all in-person assessments needed for a full diagnosis and treatment plan.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Sudden worsening of mood or behavior, including thoughts of self-harm or suicide — seek emergency care immediately.
• Severe difficulty concentrating that impacts daily safety, such as while driving or operating machinery — contact your healthcare provider promptly.
• New or worsening side effects from any medication started, such as chest pain, severe headache, or allergic reactions — get urgent medical help.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial discussion of symptoms and concerns related to adult ADHD.
• Providing education about ADHD and possible next steps.
• Reviewing symptom questionnaires and screening tools.
• Discussing general treatment options and lifestyle advice.
• Scheduling follow-up appointments and monitoring progress.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing physical examinations or neurological tests.
• Administering formal psychological or cognitive testing requiring specialized equipment.
• Diagnosing complex or co-occurring mental health conditions without in-person evaluation.
• Managing emergencies such as severe mood crises or suicidal behavior.
• Prescribing controlled medications without appropriate in-person assessments where required by law.

What to Expect Immediately After Your Telemedicine Visit

After your telemedicine appointment, your provider may summarize the discussion and suggest next steps. This often includes completing symptom checklists or questionnaires to gather more detailed information about your attention, focus, and behavior patterns. You might also be advised to track your symptoms or daily routines to share at future visits.

Further Assessments and In-Person Evaluations

Telemedicine can start the evaluation process, but some assessments may require in-person visits. These can include psychological testing, physical exams, or interviews with family members to get a fuller picture of your condition. Your provider will guide you on when and how to arrange these if needed.

Treatment Options Discussed After Evaluation

Based on your evaluation, your provider may talk about treatment choices such as behavioral therapy, organizational strategies, lifestyle adjustments like exercise and sleep improvements, or medication. They will explain benefits and possible side effects to help you make informed decisions.

Scheduling Follow-Up and Monitoring Progress

Follow-up appointments are important to see how well treatments are working and to make changes if necessary. These visits may be via telemedicine or in-person, depending on your needs and provider recommendations. Keeping a symptom diary can help during these check-ins.

When to Seek Immediate Help

If you experience severe mood changes, thoughts of self-harm, or difficulty functioning, seek emergency care immediately. These signs require urgent attention beyond telemedicine visits.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• List your current symptoms and how they affect daily life.
• Gather any previous medical or mental health records related to ADHD or other conditions.
• Prepare answers for common questions about your concentration, memory, mood, and sleep.
• Find a quiet, private space with a reliable internet connection for your telemedicine visit.
• Have a list of current medications and supplements ready to share with your provider.

After your tele-visit

• Complete any recommended questionnaires or symptom tracking as instructed.
• Schedule and attend any suggested in-person assessments if advised.
• Follow treatment plans discussed, including behavioral strategies or medication.
• Keep a symptom diary to share during follow-up visits.
• Contact your healthcare provider if symptoms worsen or new concerns arise.

FAQs

Can I get a full ADHD diagnosis through telemedicine alone?

Telemedicine can begin the evaluation process and help your provider understand your symptoms. However, a full diagnosis often requires in-person assessments, including psychological testing and physical exams, to rule out other causes and confirm ADHD.

What types of treatments might be recommended after my telemedicine visit?

Treatment options may include behavioral therapies, lifestyle changes such as improving sleep and exercise, organizational strategies, and sometimes medication. Your provider will discuss what might work best for you based on your evaluation.

How can I prepare for my telemedicine visit to make it effective?

Prepare by listing your symptoms, how they affect your daily life, and any questions you have. Have your medical history and current medications ready. Choose a quiet place with good internet to talk openly with your provider.

What should I do if I experience severe side effects from medication started after my telemedicine visit?

If you have serious side effects like chest pain, severe headache, or allergic reactions, seek emergency medical care immediately. Contact your healthcare provider promptly to report any concerns about medication effects.

Will I need follow-up visits after my telemedicine appointment?

Yes, follow-up visits help monitor your progress, adjust treatments, and address any new symptoms. These may be done via telemedicine or in person, depending on your needs and provider recommendations.

Sources

1. Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in Adults — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine / National Institutes of Health.
2. Adult Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
3. ADHD: Diagnosis and Treatment — Mayo Clinic.
4. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in Adults — American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) via FamilyDoctor.org.

This telemedicine education is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional in-person medical care, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have concerns about your health or experience emergency symptoms, seek immediate in-person medical attention.