Online ADHD Treatment

How to Find the Best Online ADHD Treatment

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Finding the Best Online ADHD Treatment

ADHD treatment can be life changing for patients, but patients often report difficulty in seeking such care. Accessing in-person ADHD treatment can be more challenging than anticipated. Additionally, your physician might be hesitant to make a diagnosis or prescribe medication immediately, necessitating several follow-up visits before you can start making meaningful changes to improve your daily life

But don’t despair, there is a more accessible solution: Focus Partners online ADHD treatment for both adults. Telehealth ADHD consultations can significantly reduce wait times, allowing you to connect with a licensed clinician often within a week. This facilitates prompt diagnosis and provides you with the answers you seek regarding ADHD treatment and medications. Not only is this approach faster and more convenient, but it is also cost-effective.

Our online ADHD treatment is a game changer, but how do you begin? What should you expect when seeking online help for ADHD? Here’s a straightforward guide to navigating treatment for ADHD online.

Step 1: Schedule an Online Appointment with a Licensed Clinician

Telehealth services are becoming increasingly common, offering numerous options for online ADHD treatment. However, not all services are created equal. It’s crucial to choose a secure platform that protects your personal and health information and provides a user-friendly experience for accessing help via your computer or mobile device.

Quality of care is paramount. You need experienced providers who specialize in ADHD to deliver accurate diagnoses and tailored treatment plans.

At Focus Partners, we prioritize high standards in our online diagnosis and treatment for ADHD. Patient identities are verified through a photo ID uploaded before consultations, ensuring the security of all personal data. Our user-friendly platform simplifies the telehealth experience.

Our team consists of licensed clinicians who focus on diagnosing and treating neurodevelopmental disorders like ADHD. Our approach is holistic, emphasizing comprehensive patient care, and our independent professional corporation oversees clinical operations, ensuring adherence to best practices, including stringent Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs (PDMPs).

Step 2: Discover an ADHD Treatment Plan that Suits Your Needs

Receiving an ADHD diagnosis can significantly impact your life by providing clarity on how your brain operates and establishing a pathway to manage your symptoms.

After connecting with a licensed provider for an accurate diagnosis, the next step is to explore potential treatment options. It’s essential to ensure that the online service you choose offers personalized care that caters to your unique requirements.

Focus Partners adheres to established ADHD treatment guidelines but approaches each case individually. Our clinicians evaluate patients and determine the most appropriate treatment. This may involve referrals for therapy or transitioning to more intensive care in complex cases, connecting you with providers specializing in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).

We also ensure that patients are informed about the best medication options tailored to their personal preferences and needs. Prescriptions are electronically sent to your chosen pharmacy only after a comprehensive assessment and diagnosis.

This seamless process ensures that you’re never left to navigate treatment decisions alone. Focus Partners is dedicated to supporting you at every step, so you feel confident in your journey toward addressing ADHD.

Step 3: Benefit from Ongoing ADHD Management

Starting treatment is an important first step in your ADHD journey. As you try new medications or begin therapy, you may need to adjust your plan. Unlike many other online services, Focus Partners ADHD treatment continues long after your prescription or therapy referral, thanks to our patient-first philosophy.

We facilitate ongoing ADHD management whether or not you have insurance. Our platform requires a modest monthly membership fee, which covers consultations with board-certified psychiatric professionals for follow-ups. This includes online video appointments, continuous diagnosis, 24/7 support from our care team, and convenient prescription delivery.

If you anticipate needing a dosage adjustment, our Focus Partners care team is always available to discuss your concerns. It’s common for ADHD treatment to require several adjustments initially. As a monthly member, you can count on our team to prioritize your satisfaction and provide expert guidance whenever you need it.

Taking the first step toward ADHD treatment is simple with Focus Partners. Start with our short ADHD assessment, and we’ll match you with a licensed ADHD clinician who can provide the support and treatment you need.

Skills to Manage Your ADHD at Work

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Managing ADHD in the Workplace: Effective ADHD Treatment and Skills for Success

Living with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can present unique challenges in the workplace, but with the right ADHD treatment and skills, individuals can thrive professionally. In this blog post, we’ll explore practical strategies for managing ADHD at work, focusing on effective ADHD treatment options and essential ADHD skills that can boost productivity and enhance job satisfaction.

Understanding ADHD in the Workplace

ADHD is characterized by symptoms such as inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. In a professional setting, these symptoms can manifest as difficulty staying focused on tasks, trouble organizing and prioritizing work, and challenges with time management. Recognizing these challenges is the first step toward implementing effective ADHD treatment and developing skills that can help manage these symptoms effectively.

ADHD Treatment: Finding the Right Approach

ADHD Medication

For many, medication is a cornerstone of ADHD treatment. Stimulants like amphetamines are commonly prescribed and can help improve focus and reduce impulsivity. Non-stimulant options, such as atomoxetine, can also be effective. It’s important to work with your healthcare provider at Focus Partners to find the right medication and dosage tailored to individual needs.

Therapy for ADHD

Behavioral therapy and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) are valuable components of ADHD treatment. These therapies can help individuals develop coping strategies, improve organizational skills, and manage time effectively. Therapy provides a supportive environment to address specific workplace challenges and develop actionable solutions.

ADHD Coaching

ADHD coaching is a specialized form of support that focuses on setting and achieving goals. Coaches work with individuals to develop personalized strategies for managing ADHD symptoms and improving work performance. This might include creating structured routines, breaking tasks into manageable steps, and using tools to stay organized.

Lifestyle Changes

Incorporating healthy habits into daily life can complement ADHD treatment. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and sufficient sleep are crucial for maintaining overall well-being and managing ADHD symptoms. These lifestyle changes can improve concentration and reduce the impact of ADHD in the workplace.

ADHD Skills: Strategies for Success

Time Management

One of the most significant challenges for individuals with ADHD is managing time effectively. Using tools such as planners, calendars, and time-tracking apps can help keep track of deadlines and appointments. Setting reminders and breaking tasks into smaller, manageable chunks can also make it easier to stay on top of responsibilities.

Organizational Tools

Implementing organizational systems can reduce clutter and streamline workflow. Digital tools like project management software and note-taking apps can assist with keeping tasks organized and accessible. Additionally, maintaining a tidy workspace and creating clear labels for documents can enhance efficiency.

Focus Techniques

Productivity techniques like the Pomodoro Technique, where work is broken into intervals with short breaks, can help maintain focus. Creating a distraction-free workspace and using noise-canceling headphones can also improve concentration. Identifying personal peak productivity times and scheduling demanding tasks during these periods can lead to better outcomes.

Communication

Similar to communication with friends and family, open communication with colleagues and supervisors is essential. Discussing ADHD-related challenges and seeking accommodations, such as flexible deadlines or a quiet workspace, can create a more supportive work environment. Building strong working relationships can also provide valuable feedback and support.

Stress Management

Managing stress is crucial for maintaining productivity and overall well-being. Practices such as mindfulness, meditation, and relaxation techniques can help reduce anxiety and improve focus. Incorporating short breaks and engaging in activities that promote relaxation can also help manage stress levels.

Work with Focus Partners to Manage your ADHD

Managing ADHD in the workplace involves a combination of effective ADHD treatment and the development of essential ADHD skills. By exploring various treatment options, incorporating lifestyle changes, and implementing practical strategies, individuals with ADHD can enhance their work performance and achieve professional success. Embracing these approaches can lead to a more productive, fulfilling, and balanced work experience.

At Focus Partners, we’re committed to providing effective and trustworthy treatment online for adults with ADHD. If you’re facing challenges with ADHD at work, book an appointment with our ADHD doctors today to develop a tailored plan that works for you. With the right support and strategies, managing ADHD can become a more manageable and empowering part of your professional journey.

Get started by taking our initial online ADHD assessment and find your focus now. Our team works with adults residing in Ohio, Illinois, Michigan and New York.

FAQs: Adult ADHD Medication

Answers to Your Questions About ADHD Medication

Navigating the different types of ADHD medication can be a confusing process. There are so many out there, and learning about each type is understandably overwhelming for many, especially when you’re newly diagnosed with ADHD.

That’s why we’ve put together a guide that answers all of the most commonly asked questions about ADHD medication.

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Trusted Online ADHD Treatment for You

At Focus Partners, we provide trustworthy and effective treatment services (including medication management) for adults living with ADHD. We are here to listen to you and empower you to unlock your full potential. Our team currently provides ADHD treatment services online in Ohio, Illinois, Michigan and New York. Get started by taking our initial online ADHD assessment to start your ADHD treatment journey today.

Adult ADHD Medication Guide

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Adult ADHD Medication Guide

If you have ADHD, then taking the right medication can make a world of difference. The problem is that there are so many different medications for adult ADHD, and navigating them all can be incredibly confusing. Stimulant medications have been found to be helpful for most adults with ADHD, but if they don’t work for you, then there are other options, too.

Here is a complete guide to medications for adult ADHD.

Stimulant Medications for Adult ADHD

Psychostimulant compounds, or stimulants, are the most commonly used treatment for ADHD. They’re so widely used because they work — around 70 to 80% of people with ADHD see improvement in their symptoms with stimulant medications.

Stimulants work by increasing the amount of certain chemicals, like dopamine and norepinephrine, that are available in the brain. ADHD affects the levels of these chemicals, which is what causes symptoms. Taking stimulants can even out the effects of ADHD and ease symptoms like distractibility, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.

Stimulant medications for ADHD can be divided into two types:

  • Amphetamines
  • Methylphenidate

Both types of medication are central nervous system stimulants, and both are effective for people with ADHD. Which type of stimulant works better depends on each person. And about half of the people who take these medications find that both types work about the same for them. Your treatment provider can help you decide which one to try first, and you may need to go through a process of trial and error before you find the right one for you.

Common types of amphetamine medication:

Some common brand names for amphetamine medications for ADHD include:

  • Adderall
  • Dexedrine
  • Mydayis
  • Evekeo
  • Zenzedi
  • Vyvanse

Common types of methylphenidate medication:

Some common brand names for methylphenidate medications for ADHD include:

  • Metadate
  • Concerta
  • Ritalin
  • Methylin
  • Quillivin

What are the most common side effects for stimulant medications?

For most people, the side effects of stimulants are temporary and/or mild. Some of the most common mild side effects of stimulants include:

  • Insomnia
  • Lack of appetite
  • Weight loss
  • Increased blood pressure
  • Upset stomach
  • Headache
  • Nervousness
  • Muscle twitches or tics
  • Fast heartbeat
  • Irritability

Long-term and serious side effects of stimulants are rare, but do affect some people. Some rare serious risks of stimulant medications include:

  • Heart disease
  • High blood pressure
  • Abuse or addiction (with use at higher than FDA-approved doses)
  • Skin discoloration

If you already live with high blood pressure or are at high risk for heart disease, then stimulants may not be for you. 

A note about stimulant medication and addiction: Stimulants are a Schedule II medication, and some people abuse ADHD medication. In general, ADHD medication, when taken as prescribed, has not been found to increase people’s risk for substance use disorder.

There have been studies that show that patients who are appropriately diagnosed and treated with stimulants experience reduced substance abuse disorder as adults.

However, if you’ve struggled with addiction to stimulant drugs (like methamphetamines, cocaine, or ADHD medication used recreationally) in the recent past, your treatment provider may suggest another type of medication on a case-by-case basis.

Sometimes, living with untreated ADHD can increase your risk of addiction more than taking stimulant ADHD medication does. It’s important that you are honest with your treatment provider about your entire medical history, including any past experience with addiction. They can use that information to help you make the right medication choice.

Other things to know about stimulant medication for ADHD

Again, stimulant medications are the best-known and most widely used type of ADHD treatment, and they help up to 80% of people with ADHD. After conducting an assessment of your medical history, your treatment provider will let you know if stimulants are a good option for you.

Both amphetamine and methylphenidate medications come in short-acting, intermediate-acting, and long-acting forms. Long-acting medication is popular because you don’t need to take it as often (usually just once a day). Many people also say that long-acting ADHD medication feels smoother to adjust to, because the effect is released throughout the day instead of all at once.

Unlike other psychiatric medications, stimulants start to work almost immediately (usually within an hour of taking them). You don’t need to let stimulants “build up” in your system for them to be effective.

Because of its immediate effect, some people may also take breaks from taking stimulant medication or only take it on an as-needed basis. However, you should always take your medication exactly as prescribed — never stop taking your ADHD medication without getting your doctor’s approval first.

Under certain circumstances, clinicians may prescribe certain stimulant drugs for off-label purposes, including to help lose weight or address binge eating concerns, as these medications may make you less hungry or cause your body to burn calories faster than usual. It is important that you discuss this with your clinician, as other medications may be more appropriate for managing weight loss or binge eating, such as compounded semaglutide, compounded tirzepatide, or similar GLP-1 medications offered through Coby Health.  Please also note that these GLP-1 medications have side effects unrelated to interactions with ADHD medication.

Non-Stimulant Medications for Adult ADHD

Stimulants like the ones listed above are, by far, the most effective type of medication available for adult ADHD. But if stimulants aren’t the right fit for you (whether they don’t work, aren’t safe, or cause too many side effects), then your treatment provider may prescribe you with a non-stimulant ADHD medication.

There are two types of non-stimulant medications that are used specifically to treat ADHD symptoms. One is atomoxetine, the non-stimulant that’s most commonly used for adult ADHD. Two types of blood pressure medication, guanfacine and clonidine, are also sometimes used to treat ADHD.

Atomoxetine for adult ADHD

Atomoxetine, sold under the brand name Strattera, is the only non-stimulant medication that’s FDA-approved to treat ADHD in adults. It isn’t typically used for any other purpose.

Atomoxetine is a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, or SNRI. It’s thought to work by increasing the amount of norepinephrine (a neurotransmitter) that’s available in your brain. Unlike stimulants, atomoxetine does not boost dopamine levels.

Some common but mild side effects of atomoxetine include:

  • Constipation
  • Dry mouth
  • Loss of appetite
  • Dizziness
  • Sexual side effects
  • Upset stomach

In some cases, atomoxetine has been found to cause liver damage. Your treatment provider will probably monitor your liver if you take atomoxetine. This might not be a good medication option for you if you already live with liver disease.

Blood pressure medication for adult ADHD

Two types of Alpha-2 agonist medications, typically used for high blood pressure, have also been used successfully to treat adult ADHD. The extended-release formulations of these medications are FDA-approved to treat ADHD in children, but not adults. But if neither stimulants or atomoxetine are good options for you, then your treatment provider might suggest one of these medications.

The two blood pressure medications that are used to treat ADHD are:

  • Guanfacine (sold under the brand name Inutiv), and
  • Clonidine (sold under the brand name Kapvay, among others).

It’s unknown exactly how these medications work for ADHD, but they have been found to reduce symptoms in children and adults. We do know that they relax your blood vessels to lower your blood pressure. Experts think that these medications may also impact levels of norepinephrine in the brain.

These medications are usually only used as a second- or third-line treatment option for adults with ADHD if stimulants or atomoxetine aren’t helpful or cause too many side effects. They can also be used alongside stimulants, which makes them more effective.

Side effects for these medications are often related to the way they lower blood pressure. Common but mild side effects for guanfacine and clonidine include:

  • Dizziness upon standing
  • Tiredness and weakness
  • Headache
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Constipation
  • Sexual side effects

More serious side effects include low blood pressure and an irregular heart rate. You may not be able to take these medications if you already have low blood pressure.

Antidepressants for Adult ADHD

Lastly, antidepressants are sometimes, but rarely, used to treat ADHD symptoms in adults. They’re used as a last-resort option in most cases because stimulants and other non-stimulants are so much more effective. The types of antidepressants that can improve ADHD also tend to come with a lot of side effects.

Antidepressants are not FDA-approved to treat ADHD. They are used “off-label,” which means that your treatment provider can prescribe them (and they’ve helped some people), but they weren’t designed to be used for ADHD.

Some types of antidepressants that have been used to treat ADHD in adults include:

  • bupropion (sold under the brand name Wellbutrin)
  • Venlafaxine (sold under the brand name Effexor)
  • Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), like Nardil
  • Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), like Tofranil

People tend to tolerate Wellbutrin and Effexor better than they do MAOIs and TCAs. MAOIs and TCAs have been found to help some people with ADHD, but they’re rarely prescribed because they come with many unpleasant side effects. MAOIs, in particular, can have dangerous and even life-threatening interactions with foods and other medications, so your treatment provider will probably only prescribe this if absolutely nothing else is an option.

A note about ADHD and depression: ADHD and depression often overlap. People with ADHD are 3 times more likely to also have major depressive disorder. If you live with both ADHD and depression, antidepressants might help you to combat symptoms of both disorders. If you do experience symptoms of depression, make sure to tell your treatment provider about it.

Focus Partners: Online Treatment for Adult ADHD

At Focus Partners, we will provide a thorough assessment to determine which, if any, of these medications may be the right choice for you. Sometimes, it takes a process of trial and error to find the right medication fit — and we will walk with you every step of that journey.

We are here to listen to you and empower you to unlock your full potential. Get started by taking our initial online ADHD assessment and find your focus now.

7 Benefits of Telehealth for Adult ADHD Treatment

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Why Telehealth for Adult ADHD Treatment?

If you’re newly diagnosed with ADHD (or if you’re looking to be evaluated for a potential diagnosis), it’s understandable to want to be very careful about who you choose as a treatment provider. It’s important to be familiar with all of your treatment options to be able to choose the provider that’s right for you.

Telehealth services for adult ADHD may not be a traditional choice for treatment, but research has found that it’s just as effective as in-person treatment. On top of that, telehealth ADHD treatment may come with unique benefits that you wouldn’t get if you limit yourself to only in-person providers.

So why should you consider telehealth for adult ADHD treatment? Here’s everything you need to know.

What Is Telehealth?

Telehealth, or telemedicine, is an umbrella term that’s used for any type of health service that’s delivered over a virtual platform. There are many types of telehealth services, from digital health apps to receiving lab results online to having a doctor’s visit over a video call. Telehealth has been around for a while, but it exploded during the Covid-19 pandemic. When people were afraid to leave their homes, especially to go to the hospital, they were able to have their health appointments online. 

Many health services can be delivered through telehealth platforms, including psychotherapy and . Obviously, some hands-on medical care like surgeries can’t be delivered online. But for most minor doctor’s visits, telehealth provides us with a convenient option for treatment.

Benefits of Telehealth for Adult ADHD Treatment

People see many different health professionals for help with ADHD, from their primary care provider to their in-person therapist. Telehealth may not be the best option for everyone, but in general, it’s a safe, effective, and accessible way to receive ADHD treatment.

Studies have found that online telehealth for adult ADHD treatment is comparable to in-person ADHD treatment in terms of both effectiveness and satisfaction.

So why do people choose telehealth for adult ADHD treatment? Here are 7 specific benefits to consider.

It’s geographically accessible.

If you live in a large metropolitan area, then you may have no problem finding a local adult ADHD treatment provider in your area. But others who live in remote or rural areas might not be so lucky.

Many people, even in the U.S., find themselves without specialized medical services in their local area. Rural mental health services are especially lacking.

For people who aren’t fortunate enough to have an ADHD treatment provider in their area, telehealth services can make ADHD treatment more accessible. They can receive quality, specialized ADHD treatment without having to commute outside of their area. This helps bridge the gap between the adults who need ADHD treatment and those who are actually getting it.

You can choose a provider who specializes in adult ADHD.

When you’re seeking assessment or treatment for adult ADHD, it’s important to see a provider that specializes in ADHD. ADHD is still such a misunderstood condition, which is why so many people reach adulthood without ever having received the correct diagnosis. Seeing a general practitioner for ADHD is, in many ways, a game of chance. Some practitioners may have expertise on adult ADHD, but others may not.

If you choose a telehealth platform, you can choose to work specifically with an ADHD specialist. This will make it more likely that your provider will be able to catch all the signs and symptoms of ADHD that may be affecting you and refer you to the type of treatment that’s right for your specific situation.

Teletherapy is effective.

Some people worry that mental health services over telehealth aren’t as effective as in-person therapy. Research so far shows us that this isn’t the case. Studies have found that online mental health therapy is just as effective as in-person therapy.

That means you don’t have to worry about whether you’re getting quality treatment if you choose an online platform — and you can focus more on whether your treatment provider has specialized experience in treating adult ADHD.

Telehealth saves money and time.

Even if you have an ADHD provider in your local area, the time and money that you spend on commuting to appointments adds up. You’re a busy adult, and getting ADHD treatment should make your life easier, not more complicated. 

Telehealth appointments can save you time and money by taking the commute out of the equation. You can also save time and money on smaller details, like having to get professionally dressed. We can’t speak for all online treatment providers, but at Focus Partners, we don’t care if you arrive at your appointment wearing pajama bottoms!

Telehealth simplifies the treatment process.

Because telehealth appointments are so much easier to attend, the treatment process (from initial consultation to follow-up) is often more simplified when receiving services online.

After going through your initial assessment and receiving an ADHD diagnosis, your treatment provider will probably prescribe you with medication. But the process shouldn’t end there — regular follow-up appointments are important so your provider can monitor your symptoms and how you’re reacting to the meds. Telehealth makes it easier to attend these follow-up appointments without canceling or postponing them.

Telehealth can be easier for people with ADHD.

On top of other things, ADHD makes it hard for people to keep their schedules and tasks organized. Attending treatment appointments may feel like yet another task on the never-ending to-do list, and it’s easy to become so overwhelmed that you put off making an appointment at all.

Communicating online, and not having to physically transport yourself to an office, can make it easier for people with ADHD to keep up with appointments. There’s often more flexibility in scheduling with online appointments, as well. For example, you don’t need to account for commuting time or traffic. All of this makes telehealth appointments much easier for adults with ADHD.

Telehealth can feel like a natural way to communicate for millennials and Gen Z patients.

Younger people grew up using technology for communication, and they often primarily communicate with their friends through technology, too. In some cases, seeing a treatment provider online might feel more natural to you than visiting an unknown office somewhere. 

If you attend telehealth appointments at home, it can sometimes also give your provider a glimpse into your life that they wouldn’t necessarily get if you went to their office. You might feel more natural at home, and more free to be yourself rather than trying to mask your symptoms. This can give your provider a more accurate look into what you’re going through and how ADHD affects your life.

Online Adult ADHD Treatment with Focus Partners

At Focus Partners, we’re committed to providing effective and trustworthy treatment online for adults with ADHD. Our online clinic specializes in adult ADHD, so you can feel confident that you’re receiving treatment from providers who know ADHD very well. We offer online assessment and diagnosis, online medication management, and other services.

We are here to listen to you and empower you to unlock your full potential.  Get started by taking our initial online ADHD assessment and find your focus now. Our team works with adults residing in Ohio, Illinois, Michigan and New York.

Adult ADHD Treatment Options

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Adult ADHD Treatment Options

It can be confusing to navigate the complex world of ADHD treatment options. Different treatment types are most helpful for different people, and it can feel overwhelming when you’re presented with all of the options.

At Focus Partners, we will walk you through every adult ADHD treatment option and recommend treatments that we think are right for you. In the meantime, here’s a simple guide that explains every ADHD treatment option, including different medications and therapies.

Medications for Adult ADHD

Most adults with ADHD can find relief through psychiatric medications. In broad terms, there are two types of medications used for ADHD: stimulant medication and non-stimulant medication.

Medications are helpful because ADHD affects the way your brain works — and it may not be working like it’s supposed to. For example, ADHD affects your executive functioning skills, like memory and task organization. This is why ADHD makes it so difficult to complete everyday tasks like starting on projects or keeping spaces organized. Medications interact with your brain to help it function like it should.

Most people start with stimulant medication, but may use other types of medication if stimulants don’t work for them.

Stimulant medication

Stimulant medication is used as the first-line treatment for ADHD. That means that treatment providers suggest that people with ADHD try taking stimulants before moving on to other medication options. This is because there’s a lot of evidence that proves that stimulants are helpful for most people with ADHD; research has found that stimulants help around 3 out of 4 people with ADHD.

Stimulants work by increasing levels of chemicals like norepinephrine and dopamine in your brain. This decreases certain ADHD symptoms like impulsivity, inattention, and hyperactivity.

The two main types of stimulant medications that are used for ADHD are amphetamines and methylphenidate.

Specific types of amphetamine medications include:

  • Adderall
  • Dexedrine
  • Evekeo
  • Vyvanse

Specific types of methylphenidate medications include:

  • Ritalin
  • Concerta
  • Focalin
  • Metadate

Stimulants like these are considered to be controlled substances, and are often used recreationally in other forms. But the evidence so far suggests that they don’t increase your risk for developing an addiction. In fact, for adults who have ADHD, taking medication may actually reduce your chances of having substance use disorder.

If you’ve struggled with stimulant abuse in the past, then another type of medication might be a better option for you. You should be honest about your past history of addiction with your treatment provider. Stimulant medications are also prescribed as to assist people with weight loss or to treat binge eating. Please let your doctor know if you are taking a stimulant or other medication (such as semaglutide or other GLP-1 weight loss medication like tirzepatide) for medication-assisted weight loss.

Non-stimulant medications

If stimulants don’t work for you, then your care provider might suggest that you try other, non-stimulant medications. There are non-stimulants that are specifically used for ADHD, but sometimes, your provider may suggest you try other classes of medication, like antidepressants.

The only non-stimulant medication that is FDA-approved to treat adult ADHD is atomoxetine (sold as Strattera). This medication works by increasing levels of norepinephrine in your brain. There are other non-stimulants that are approved for treating ADHD in children, including:

  • Kapvay
  • Intuniv
  • Qelbree

Other medications, like antidepressants, are sometimes used “off-label” for ADHD. This means that these medications weren’t intended for treating ADHD, but research has found that it’s sometimes helpful.

Antidepressants that are used off-label for ADHD treatment include:

  • Wellbutrin
  • Effexor
  • Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), like Marplan and Nardil
  • Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), like Anafranil and Pamelor

MAOIs and TCAs are rarely used because of their risk for serious side effects. But your doctor might suggest them if other medications haven’t worked for you.

Therapy for Adult ADHD

Stimulant medication is the most effective treatment for adult ADHD. But there’s some evidence that suggests that psychotherapy can be helpful for people with ADHD, too.

You don’t need to choose between therapy and medication. Often, people take medication and receive other non-drug treatments to help them manage their ADHD symptoms. This is especially true if you live with other mental health conditions on top of ADHD, like depression. 

Studies have found that people with ADHD are more likely to also have depression, and many people with ADHD also struggle with low self-esteem. Therapy can help boost your self-image and challenge the negative thoughts that often come along with ADHD.

The type of psychotherapy that is the most helpful for adults with ADHD is called cognitive-behavioral therapy, or CBT. CBT has been found to increase productivity for adults with ADHD, as well as improve their organization and self-esteem.

Especially if you didn’t get diagnosed with ADHD until adulthood, you may have lived with frustration and disappointment your entire life. Careless mistakes and an inability to focus leave many adults with ADHD feeling like they’re not meeting their full potential.

CBT helps people to notice, and challenge, their negative and unhelpful thoughts about ADHD.

For example, you may have had a thought like: “I made such a stupid mistake. Why am I so dumb and careless? I can’t do anything right.”

A CBT therapist can help you notice when you’re talking to yourself like this. They can help you challenge these thoughts and replace them with more helpful ones, like:

“ADHD makes it harder for me to focus, and so I may make mistakes sometimes. But I know that I don’t have to be perfect to be worthy. I’ll keep up with my treatment plan and learn more and more skills to stay on top of my work.”

Behavioral Intervention for Adult ADHD

We tend to think of behavioral therapy as something only for children with ADHD, but there are behavioral interventions that are helpful for adults, too. 

When it’s used with kids, behavioral therapy strategies teach the whole family, along with other adults like teachers, ways to reward the child for positive behavior. For adults, there is no one to reward you but yourself. Behavioral intervention for adult ADHD usually focuses on strategies to help the adult with life skills like organization and time management.

Learning these skills is a reward in itself for adults with ADHD. These strategies make life with ADHD a lot easier, and can allow adults with ADHD to improve their careers and relationships. Knowing how to manage ADHD symptoms can also lessen feelings of frustration or incompetence.

Some adults are able to learn behavioral strategies on their own. Others may choose to work with an ADHD coach or therapist.

Some specific life skills that behavioral therapy for ADHD can teach you include:

  • Creating a distraction-free working environment
  • Time management skills
  • Task organization skills, like using lists and calendars
  • Home and space organization
  • Setting up reminder systems
  • Finding alternative, healthy behaviors for hyperactive energy
  • Social skills (like how to have a conversation without interrupting)

ADHD Education

A complete treatment plan for adult ADHD usually includes some type of ADHD education.

Knowing what ADHD is, how it operates, and how it affects your life can help you learn how to manage its symptoms, especially when you’re newly diagnosed. Of course, education alone isn’t typically enough as treatment. But when you are equipped with important knowledge, you can strategize ways to live well with ADHD.

For example, if you know in advance that ADHD makes it difficult for you to concentrate, you can choose the way you work or study wisely — like putting in noise-canceling headphones or facing toward a blank wall.

Having education about ADHD may also limit the ways ADHD affects your mood and mental health. Instead of blaming or labeling yourself for mistakes, you can recognize when ADHD has caused you to become forgetful. You may also be able to explain to loved ones how ADHD affects you so they can support you the best they can.

Get Online Adult ADHD Treatment Now

ADHD is a chronic condition, but that doesn’t mean your life is over. Far from it — with the right treatment, you can learn to live well with adult ADHD and even turn some of its symptoms into strengths.

Focus Partners provides effective online ADHD treatment for adults residing in Ohio, Illinois, Michigan and New York. . We can provide you with a thorough medical assessment and help you navigate the treatment options that may be right for you. See if we can assist by taking our initial online ADHD assessment to start your ADHD treatment journey today.

ADHD in Women: A Reality

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ADHD Myth #1: Women aren’t affected by ADHD

Let’s talk about the #1 myth about ADHD in adult women!

We don’t know who started this, but it’s time to end it.

Not only are 50-75% of women with ADHD undiagnosed, but women aged 26-34 are the fastest growing population undergoing treatment for ADHD.

Why do so many women live with undiagnosed ADHD?

More than a few reasons, but here are a few main ones:

  1. ADHD symptoms in women as children tend to be more internalized (inattentiveness) vs. externalized (hyperactivity or impulsivity).
  2. Inattentive ADHD symptoms are more likely to be incompletely diagnosed (or even misdiagnosed) as simply anxiety and/or depression.
  3. Women are more likely to employ coping strategies to cover up their ADHD symptoms and forego seeking an ADHD diagnosis. (This is at least partly because women are, for better or worse, historically more societally conditioned to be “people pleasers,” which includes efforts to push themselves to look “put together” to others, masking their ADHD symptoms to outsiders.)

Since we’re on the subject, what might a Predominantly Inattentive ADHD patient struggle with?

Inattentive-Predominant ADHD patients can struggle with starting, maintaining effort on, and completing tasks – in any or all areas of their life – whether it’s a chore within the home, a project for work or an essay for school.

The disorganization of an ADHD brain can overwhelm us when there’s decision to make or an action to start – often causing us to either shut down or make mistakes.

Some very common scenarios for Inattentive-Predominant ADHD are:

  • If we start a task and we can’t complete it, we can beat ourselves up for “failing”.
  • If we start a task and we make mistakes because we can’t maintain our focus on it, we can feel things like frustrated, embarrassed, or “incompetent.”
  • And, if we can’t get ourselves to start until the last minute – regardless of how long we had – we stress ourselves out, often using guilt and shame as motivators.

All of these can create feelings of anxiety and/or leave ourselves mentally (and sometimes physically) exhausted.

Are there any groups of women more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD?

In general, those undergoing stressful life events or other big life changes – even positive ones, like getting a promotion! When we change our environment or add more responsibility onto our plate, our coping strategies that we have trained our brains to use to overcome our ADHD symptoms cannot always keep up. This is a very common time for patients to do some self-reflection on their ADHD symptoms – which have often been around for years – and decide to reach out.

Some common groups of women seeking out a diagnosis for ADHD include:

  1. Women starting graduate school
  2. Women changing or starting new jobs
  3. Mothers of young children, particularly those who have recently gone back to work
  4. Mothers whose children were recently diagnosed with ADHD

How can we help reduce instances of undiagnosed ADHD?

Normalize ADHD. Not only in women but in everyone. Help end the stigma around it.

ADHD is a neurological disorder – it isn’t a choice. So don’t be afraid to seek help if you feel yourself struggling with it.

Take our ADHD Assessment and sign up for an ADHD evaluation with Focus Partners. Our ADHD specialists provide online ADHD treatment services via telemedicine to our members located in Ann Arbor, Chicago, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton, Toledo and throughout the states of Illinois, Michigan and Ohio.

Welcome to Online ADHD Treatment at Focus Partners

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Intro to our trusted online ADHD treatment and evaluation services

Allow us to introduce ourselves in this inaugural blog post. We are Focus Partners, the Midwest’s premier independent membership-based medical practice dedicated to treating adults living with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).  We provide the best online ADHD treatment services available to you.  Our providers at Focus Partners listen to you to empower you to reach your full potential. We will provide some honest and candid commentary in this blog. We plan to work together with all of you to continue breaking the stigma of adult ADHD so that people get the assistance they need.

Focus Partners began as a simple start-up medical practice to help those that were either too afraid to bring up the conversation of ADHD with their primary care providers (PCPs) or that were brave enough to bring it up only to be dismissed (“adult ADHD isn’t real”). Or that faced 3-6 month wait times to schedule an appointment with an ADHD specialist that could help. We are solving this issue one patient at a time, now working with members in Ohio, Illinois and Michigan. We have members in Chicago, Columbus, Dayton, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Ann Arbor and have some big expansion plans in the works for 2022.

ADHD diagnosis and treatment online

The advantages of providing online ADHD diagnosis and treatment services for adult ADHD are (or should be) clear to everyone. Focus Partners makes it even easier. Our program is one flat monthly fee that covers your initial consultation, automatic electronic refills and any follow-up appointments or questions that you have. There are no extra fees if you want to check in with questions or just let us know how you’re doing.

The initial consultation is risk free. If we are not able to establish a treatment plan, you will not be charged. As of this post, the monthly program fee is $65 per month. We can’t guarantee this won’t go up for new members, but your rate won’t as long as you are a continuous member of Focus Partners. You also don’t have to worry about us running a special for a reduced consultation fee the week after you sign up either, which we have heard is done by certain online ADHD treatment services.

Other online ADHD treatment services

We receive a lot of questions about how we differ from some of these online ADHD treatment companies like Donefirst, Cerebral, Klarity ADHD, etc. The key difference is that Focus Partners is a real medical practice that is backed and managed by physicians. We are invested in our members’ well-being. Our goal is not to see an infinitely high volume of patients, which might sacrifice your experience and care. With fully licensed physicians, there are no limitations on ADHD medication management like you might see with other ADHD treatment services (ex: not able to prescribe Schedule II stimulants).

We work with several members that switched over from one of these other online ADHD treatment services. Focus Partners does not charge a separate fee for the initial consultation. We can help whether you are looking to get an ADHD diagnosis for the first time or transfer your ADHD medication management to our ADHD specialists. Please schedule an appointment with us today.

If you have any questions or think we can help manage your ADHD, please visit the rest of our site, shoot us an email or leave a comment below. We appreciate your feedback and are always learning from each other and our members. We will be adding more states for online ADHD treatment throughout 2022. Good luck to all – make yourselves a great day.