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

Audience: pediatric

After a telemedicine visit for adult ADHD evaluation, several steps usually follow to better understand and manage the condition. The healthcare provider may recommend further testing or in-person visits to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other causes. Treatment options often include behavioral strategies, lifestyle changes, and sometimes medication. Follow-up appointments help track progress and adjust care as needed. It's important to watch for warning signs that require urgent attention, such as sudden mood changes or thoughts of self-harm. Telemedicine can provide convenient access to evaluation and support but may have limitations for complex cases. This guide helps pediatric readers understand what to expect after a telemedicine visit for adult ADHD evaluation, emphasizing safety, preparation, and ongoing care.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Sudden severe mood swings or depression — seek emergency care immediately.
• Thoughts of self-harm or suicide — contact emergency services or a crisis hotline right away.
• Severe difficulty concentrating that leads to unsafe situations (e.g., while driving) — seek urgent evaluation.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial ADHD symptom discussion and history taking.
• Providing education about ADHD and treatment options.
• Monitoring treatment progress and side effects in stable cases.
• Referrals to specialists or for in-person testing.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Emergency mental health crises or suicidal thoughts.
• Complex diagnostic testing requiring physical presence.
• Medication initiation requiring close in-person monitoring in some cases.
• Physical exams that cannot be done remotely.

What to Expect Right After Your Telemedicine Visit

After your telemedicine visit, your healthcare provider may share initial impressions based on your discussion and any questionnaires completed. They might suggest additional steps such as in-person assessments, psychological testing, or gathering information from family members or employers to better understand symptoms. Sometimes, a diagnosis cannot be made during the first visit, and further evaluation is needed.

Possible Next Steps in Evaluation

Your provider may recommend seeing a specialist, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist, for detailed testing. This can include attention and memory tests or mood assessments. These evaluations help confirm ADHD and identify any other conditions that may affect your symptoms. Sometimes, physical exams or lab tests are done to rule out other health issues.

Treatment Options That May Be Discussed

Treatment often includes behavioral strategies like organizing tasks, improving time management, and developing coping skills. Lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, healthy sleep, and balanced nutrition can also help. Medication may be considered depending on the severity of symptoms and other health factors. Your provider will discuss the benefits and risks of each option.

Importance of Follow-Up Care

Regular follow-up appointments, either through telemedicine or in person, help track how well treatments are working. Your provider may adjust medications or recommend new strategies based on your progress. Ongoing communication is important to address any concerns or side effects.

When to Seek Immediate Help

If you experience sudden mood changes, severe anxiety, thoughts of self-harm, or difficulty functioning, seek urgent medical care. These signs are serious and require prompt attention beyond telemedicine visits.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Prepare a list of your symptoms, including when they started and how they affect daily life.
• Gather any previous medical or mental health records if available.
• Have a quiet, private space with good internet connection for the visit.
• Be ready to discuss your medical history and any medications or supplements you take.
• Consider having a family member or close friend available to provide additional information if recommended.

After your tele-visit

• Schedule any recommended follow-up visits or specialist appointments.
• Complete any suggested psychological or physical tests.
• Begin or adjust treatment plans as advised by your provider.
• Monitor symptoms and side effects, keeping a symptom diary if helpful.
• Reach out to your provider if you experience new or worsening symptoms.

FAQs

Can ADHD be diagnosed through telemedicine alone?

Telemedicine can be used for initial evaluation and discussion of symptoms, but a full diagnosis often requires additional testing or in-person assessments to rule out other conditions.

What should I do if I don’t feel better after treatment starts?

Contact your healthcare provider to discuss your symptoms. They may adjust your treatment plan or recommend further evaluation.

Are medications for ADHD safe to start through telemedicine?

Medications may be prescribed after careful evaluation via telemedicine, but some cases require in-person visits for monitoring, especially at the start of treatment.

How can I prepare for my telemedicine visit?

Prepare a list of symptoms, medical history, and any questions you have. Ensure you have a private, quiet space with a reliable internet connection for the visit.

What if I have urgent concerns during or after my telemedicine visit?

If you experience urgent symptoms like thoughts of self-harm or severe mood changes, seek emergency medical care immediately rather than waiting for a telemedicine appointment.

Sources

1. Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in Adults — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
3. ADHD: Diagnosis and Treatment — Mayo Clinic.
4. Telemedicine: What You Need to Know — National Library of Medicine.
5. Clinical Practice Guideline for the Diagnosis, Evaluation, and Treatment of ADHD in Children and Adolescents — American Academy of Pediatrics.

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 urgent or severe symptoms, please seek immediate medical attention.