Telehealth for ADHD

What is ADHD?

ADHD stands for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. People with ADHD may have the following symptoms:

• Unorganized
• Poor time management skills
• Restlessness
• Easily distracted
• Trouble paying attention

About 7 million children and 15.5 million adults in the United States have been diagnosed with ADHD.^1,2 ADHD can often go undiagnosed and may not be diagnosed until adulthood. It is also more often undiagnosed in adult women.

What are the symptoms of ADHD in children?

ADHD is a common childhood disorder that can affect both children and adults. Symptoms can begin early as preschool. Symptoms may include the following:

• Difficulty paying attention
• Trouble controlling behavior
• Hard time sitting still

It’s possible to have had ADHD as a child but not get diagnosed until adulthood.

How do you get an ADHD diagnosis?

For an official ADHD diagnosis, go to your Primary Care Provider (PCP) or mental health provider. This may include therapists, psychologists, or psychiatrists. Your provider may be able to recognize the symptoms of ADHD.

From there, they will come up with a plan to help you manage your ADHD. If you start with your PCP, they may refer you to a specialist. This may be done if more testing is needed to rule out other disorders.

If you want to get an ADHD diagnosis for your child, talk to your child’s pediatrician. Learn more about ADHD diagnosis in children.

Can you take an ADHD test online?

You can take an ADHD test online. It is important to understand that an online ADHD test is a starting point. It cannot give you an official ADHD diagnosis. For an ADHD evaluation and diagnosis, go to your PCP or mental health provider. They can help talk through your symptoms and treatment.

Can you get online ADHD treatment?

Yes, you can get virtual care for ADHD. About 46% of adults with ADHD use telehealth services for their ADHD condition.¹

You can speak to licensed health care providers through telehealth visits online. They can talk to you about your ADHD diagnosis and offer treatment and medication as needed.

Is there online therapy for ADHD?

You can schedule online therapy appointments for ADHD. There are many telehealth options where mental health providers offer virtual therapy to help you manage ADHD symptoms. Costs and availability will depend on your health insurance plan.

Can I get ADHD medication online?

Yes, you can get ADHD medication online through a telehealth provider. Many (but not all) providers are qualified to prescribe ADHD medications through online visits.^2,3 Since the COVID-19 pandemic, approximately one-third of adults with ADHD have used telehealth services to get therapy or a prescription for ADHD medication.⁴

¹ Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Diagnosis, CDC, October 10, 2024, https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/73/wr/mm7340a1.htm

² Data and Statistics on ADHD, CDC, October 23, 2024, https://www.cdc.gov/adhd/data/index.html

³ There are state laws that may impact the prescribing of stimulants since they are a controlled substance. Please check with your prescriber to ensure they can meet your needs virtually.

⁴ A Comprehensive Guide To Getting Diagnosed With ADHD Online, Circle Medical, August 15, 2023, https://www.circlemedical.com/blog-post/a-comprehensive-guide-to-getting-diagnosed-with-adhd-online