Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder. Typically starting in childhood, ADHD can persist into adulthood and cause significant impairment in everyday functioning.

Fortunately, people who struggle with the symptoms of ADHD can find relief through treatment. Several different therapies and medications have been shown to aid in the treatment of ADHD, and starting online treatment with MindRx Group can help get you back on track.

Symptoms of ADHD

The symptoms of ADHD vary between individuals, and many people will experience certain symptoms and not others. Adults with ADHD may experience symptoms like:

1. Difficulty focusing on certain tasks

2. Trouble managing stress

3. Difficulty with time management

4. Problems with prioritizing tasks

5. Disorganization

6. Inability to multitask

7. Poor planning

8. Restlessness or high levels of activity

9. Mood swings

10. Difficulty completing tasks or following through

Many people mistakenly believe that the primary symptom of ADHD is an inability to focus altogether. While an inability to focus on specific tasks is a key symptom and diagnostic criterion of ADHD, that doesn’t mean that people who have the disorder lack the ability to focus altogether. Instead, most people with ADHD have trouble controlling their focus, prioritizing their tasks, and managing their time.

As such, many people with ADHD have no trouble focusing on some tasks — and may thrive doing so — but are unable to focus on other tasks, even though they consider them important. For example, they may have no trouble focusing on tasks they enjoy, such as playing music, creating art, or reading novels, but may be unable to bring themselves to focus on schoolwork or their job responsibilities.

Adults with ADHD may experience several consequences as a direct result of their mental illness. They may be unable to meet deadlines, forget about meetings or plans, and experience undue frustration from everyday tasks. To receive a diagnosis of ADHD, a person must show clear evidence of impairment in social, academic, or occupational functioning.

Types of ADHD

While the diagnostic criteria for ADHD are the same for everyone, people living with ADHD typically fall into one of three clusters. Each of these clusters has a specific set of behaviors or symptoms that differentiate it from the others, and people in different clusters may present in very different ways.

Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive

The predominantly hyperactive-impulsive cluster refers to people whose symptoms primarily revolve around an inability to sit still. They may constantly fidget, struggle with sitting at a desk or table, or have restless energy that they can’t seem to get rid of. They may also struggle with impulsive behaviors and have trouble regulating their actions.

Adults within this subcluster may find themselves driven to overwork, speak out of turn, and participate in highly stimulating activities.

Predominantly Inattentive

People with ADHD who are predominantly inattentive struggle primarily with managing their attention. Their key symptoms include trouble finishing tasks, focusing on specific projects, or getting distracted easily. People in this subcluster often overlook important details and may struggle to keep organized.

Combined Presentation

The combined presentation of ADHD shows both inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms. People can oscillate between symptoms, and they may change over time.

Starting Online Therapy for ADHD

While therapy alone may not be enough to resolve the symptoms of ADHD, starting online therapy for ADHD can help people deal with the stress, mood swings, and impairment that their mental illness brings. The primary method of treating ADHD with therapy is cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT).

CBT focuses on reframing thoughts and changing behaviors. It can help people to manage the complex emotions that surround having an ADHD diagnosis and can teach people valuable skills for dealing with maladaptive thought patterns.

People with ADHD often beat themselves up for failing to live up to their own expectations. They may tell themselves statements like “I can never finish anything, so why do I even try?”

Thought patterns like this are inherently self-defeating and frame the problem as intrinsic rather than a result of circumstance. A cognitive-behavioral therapist would work on reframing the thought in a more realistic way and helping people to change their behavioral patterns in the future.

Meeting with an Online Psychiatrist for ADHD

While therapy is an important component, the best treatment for ADHD is a combination of therapy and psychiatric medicine. Meeting with an online psychiatrist for ADHD is the first step to receiving a diagnosis. An online psychiatrist can then guide you toward medications that can significantly improve your ADHD symptoms.

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who focuses on the brain and mind. As such, their expertise can help you to understand your symptoms and how treatment can help. In the case of ADHD, there are several psychiatric medicines available, including:

1. Adderall

2. Concerta

3. Dexedrine

4. Ritalin

5. Strattera

6. Vyvanse

Most of these medications belong to the class of stimulant drugs. Despite the name, people with ADHD tend to feel calmer and more able to manage their focus when taking these medications, creating a significant sense of relief.

Simple Online Medication Management for ADHD

Online medication management for ADHD makes the process of prescribing, filling, and refilling your medications effortlessly simple. After meeting with an online psychiatrist, any medications can be transmitted electronically directly to a pharmacy of your choosing. When it comes time for a refill, meeting with your psychiatrist online makes the process simple and easy.

But online medication management is about much more than filling prescriptions. With MindRx Group, you can work closely with your psychiatrist to monitor your progress, adjust dosage, or change medications with ease.

Start Treatment Today with MindRx Group

If you’re one of the 4.4% of the adult population who struggles with ADHD, starting treatment with MindRx Group can simplify the process of getting the treatment you need. Meet with doctoral-level providers from the comfort of your own home, enjoy flexible telehealth scheduling, and pair medication management services and targeted psychotherapy at one convenient location.

With MindRx Group, you’ll never have to deal with long wait times, inconvenient commutes, or paper prescriptions or forms that are easy to lose track of. Premium telehealth and teletherapy services make behavioral healthcare simple, easy, and affordable.