Online ADHD Treatment from Board Certified Providers

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition affecting attention regulation, impulse control, and activity levels. It involves differences in brain structure and function, particularly in areas responsible for executive functions. ADHD is recognized as a legitimate medical condition by major health organizations worldwide.

ADHD has a strong genetic component, with heritability estimated at around 74%. Brain structure and function differences, particularly in the prefrontal cortex and its connections, play a significant role. Environmental factors like prenatal exposure to certain substances, premature birth, or very low birth weight may increase risk in some cases. ADHD is not caused by poor parenting, too much sugar, or too much screen time.

ADHD affects approximately 4-5% of adults worldwide. It's one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders. Many adults remain undiagnosed, especially those who primarily have inattentive symptoms or who developed coping strategies that masked their symptoms. Women and girls are often underdiagnosed compared to men and boys.

Adult ADHD symptoms often include difficulty sustaining attention, poor time management, forgetfulness, disorganization, and trouble completing tasks. Many adults experience restlessness rather than hyperactivity, described as an internal feeling of being driven or unable to relax. Impulsivity may manifest as interrupting others, making hasty decisions, or difficulty delaying gratification.

At work, adults with ADHD may struggle with meeting deadlines, following through on projects, managing paperwork, and staying organized. In relationships, they might forget important dates or commitments, have difficulty listening fully in conversations, or seem distracted. These challenges can lead to misunderstandings when others misinterpret ADHD symptoms as lack of caring or effort.

Yes, ADHD symptoms often evolve throughout life. Hyperactivity typically decreases with age, while inattention and executive function challenges may persist. Symptoms can fluctuate based on environmental demands, stress levels, and life transitions. Many adults develop coping strategies that mask symptoms, but these may become less effective during periods of increased stress or when facing new challenges.

At Agave Health, our online diagnosis process starts with a comprehensive clinical survey to gather information about your symptoms and history. Next, you'll have video consultations with a licensed provider who will conduct a thorough assessment using standardized tools and clinical interviews. This process takes 3 appointments to complete, ensuring a careful and accurate evaluation.

Research shows that telehealth evaluations for ADHD can be as effective as in-person assessments when conducted by qualified professionals using evidence-based methods. Our providers use the same diagnostic criteria and assessment tools as in-person clinics. The video format allows providers to observe behaviors and conduct interviews just as they would in person.

It's helpful to gather information about your childhood experiences, academic history, work performance, and any previous evaluations or treatments. Consider examples of how symptoms affect your daily life. If possible, input from others who know you well (partners, family members) can provide valuable perspective. Having this information ready helps your provider make a more accurate assessment.

ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) is an outdated term that was used before 1994. Currently, the official diagnostic term is ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder), which includes three presentations: predominantly inattentive, predominantly hyperactive-impulsive, and combined. What was previously called ADD is now referred to as ADHD, predominantly inattentive presentation.

Inattentive ADHD (formerly called ADD) is characterized by difficulties with attention, focus, and organization without significant hyperactivity or impulsivity. People with this presentation may appear daydreamy, forgetful, or easily distracted. They often struggle with starting and completing tasks, following instructions, and staying organized. This presentation is more common in adults and is often overlooked because the symptoms can be less obvious than hyperactivity.

While the core treatments for all ADHD presentations are similar, they may be tailored to address specific symptom patterns. For predominantly inattentive ADHD, strategies might focus more on organization systems, time management tools, and techniques to improve focus and reduce procrastination. For hyperactive-impulsive symptoms, approaches might include more emphasis on self-regulation strategies and channeling energy productively.