How to Talk to Your Doctor About ADHD & Get Treatment

Occasional forgetfulness, trouble concentrating, or fidgety behavior happens to all of us. Everybody, at times, struggles to pay attention at work or finds it hard to follow a conversation with a friend or family member. However, if these ADHD symptoms are chronic and are taking a toll on your physical and mental well-being, talking with a doctor can help you alleviate symptoms and get the treatment you need. 

Knowing what questions to ask when you talk to your doctor about ADHD, also known as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, is key to getting the proper diagnosis and the treatment plan that will provide relief from your symptoms. 

If you are uninsured or otherwise don’t have access to a trusted doctor for support with ADHD symptoms, Klarity can help. Klarity will connect you with a medical professional for fast, affordable online ADHD treatment. Get started today with our free online evaluation and begin your journey towards simple and accessible treatment for your ADHD symptoms. 

Explain Your ADHD Symptoms

In order to diagnose and properly treat you, your doctor is going to need to know everything about your ADHD symptoms. Be sure to discuss all possible symptoms—even something as seemingly minor as continually forgetting where you placed your keys may indicate you may have ADHD. 

To outline your ADHD symptoms effectively, it’s essential to know the many different ways the condition affects a person’s memory, attention, and behavior.

Signs and Symptoms of Adult ADHD

One way to break down the many symptoms of ADHD is to divide them into three categories—lack of focus, hyperactivity, and impulsiveness. 

Hyperactivity

• Trouble staying still, feeling restless
• Moving or speaking inappropriately during social interactions
• Fidgeting, tapping, shaking, or talking excessively
• Inability to be quiet
• Interrupting conversations or activities
• Acting as if being driven by a motor

Impulsiveness

• Engaging in risky behaviors
• Acting without thinking
• Unable to delay gratification
• Doesn’t consider long-term consequences
• Desiring immediate rewards
• Possessing little to no self-control

Lack of Focus

• Difficulty remaining focused
• Difficulty starting or finishing tasks
• Trouble organizing and planning procedures for completing tasks
• Avoiding tasks that require sustained effort
• Becoming easily distracted
• Often losing or misplacing essential items like keys, wallets, or important documents
• Overlooking details and making sloppy mistakes

You may experience symptoms from just one or all three of the above umbrella categories. They’re all important to discuss with your doctor.

Questions to Ask Your Doctor About ADHD

During your discussion with your doctor, you shouldn’t hesitate to ask any questions about your condition. It’s important to understand everything you can about your ADHD and how best to treat its symptoms.

What Kind of ADHD Do I Have?

Doctors typically diagnose people with one of three types of ADHD: Inattentive ADHD, Hyperactive-Impulsive ADHD, and Combined ADHD, in which people exhibit inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive ADHD symptoms. A healthcare provider who has the experience and knowledge to diagnose ADHD patients is the only way to know whether or not you have ADHD for sure. 

Inattentive ADHD

This form of ADHD affects around 33% of adults who have ADHD and can cause the following symptoms:

• Can’t focus attention on details and makes careless errors during tasks and projects.
• Has difficulty staying on task and focused while reading, during conversations, or in meetings.
• Doesn’t seem to be present during interactions or conversations. 
• Cannot follow simple ordered instructions. Has difficulty finishing tasks. 
• Has poor organizational skills—exhibits poor time management, is disorganized or misses deadlines.
• Avoids engaging in projects or tasks that require sustained focus for an extended period of time.
• Loses important objects—cell phones, glasses, etc.
• Becomes easily disengaged or distracted during activities.
• Is unable to make important deadlines, return important phone calls, or keep appointments.

Hyperactive-Impulsive ADHD

ADHD that causes hyperactivity and impulsivity is less common than inattentive ADHD, but still affects around 7% of ADHD in adults. These are the common symptoms: 

• Is unable to sit still or move constantly; exhibits incessant fidgeting or foot-tapping. 
• Is unable to remain still—in the workplace, may present as being unable to stay seated.
• Inappropriately runs, moves, or climbs.
• Is unable to be quiet or perform activities quietly. 
• Seems to be acting as if driven by a motor.
• Talks excessively and at inappropriate times. 
• Interrupts people during conversations, may finish people’s sentences, etc.
• Is averse to waiting in lines or waiting their turn in conversations.
• Involves themselves or intrudes on the activities or conversations of others; takes over activities; takes control of situations without permission or justification.

Combined ADHD

Combined ADHD is the most common form, affecting around 60% of adults with ADHD. It causes a combination of the symptoms of inattentive ADHD as well as hyperactive-impulsive ADHD. Their symptoms can be any combination of the symptoms associated with the other two, and they may have more from one than the other. 

What Types of ADHD Treatment Will Work Best for Me?

You and your doctor will discuss the best way to address your ADHD symptoms. Usually, doctors recommend a combination of medicine and talk therapy that helps control symptoms and offer coping skills. In addition, your doctor might recommend making behavioral changes to help you stay focused and organized. This might include making lists, keeping a planner, and engaging in moderate exercise. 

ADHD Medication

Medication can be an effective way to manage ADHD symptoms for many individuals. Depending on your symptoms and needs, a provider will prescribe a stimulant ADHD medication or one that is a non-stimulant. Stimulant ADHD medications work by increasing levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, while non-stimulant ADHD medications work by targeting different brain chemicals to improve focus and reduce impulsivity.

There are a variety of prescription medications available, and a provider on Klarity can help you find one that best suits your needs. We connect you with an affordable provider who has experience treating ADHD within 48 hours, so you can find quick and affordable symptom relief.

Stimulants 

Stimulants are often prescribed to help people with ADHD combat inattentiveness and remain focused throughout the day.

Common stimulant medications prescribed for ADHD include:

• Amphetamines
  • Adderall
  • Dexedrine
  • Vyvanse

• Methylphenidate
  • Concerta
  • Ritalin
  • Quillivant

Warning: Amphetamines and methylphenidate are Schedule II stimulants classified as controlled substances due to their high potential for misuse and abuse. Proper use and monitoring of Schedule II stimulants are essential to prevent misuse and minimize potential harm. 

Individuals should only take these medications as prescribed and under the supervision of a healthcare provider. Do not take these medications in higher doses or more frequently than directed.

Non-Stimulant Medication

Non-stimulant ADHD medication is not the first-line treatment for the disorder but may be prescribed for people who have trouble with stimulants’ side effects.

Some of the non-stimulant medications commonly prescribed for ADHD include:

• Atomoxetine (Strattera)

• Guanfacine (Intuniv)

• Clonidine (Kapvay)

Antidepressants

In some cases, antidepressants are used to treat ADHD. They can be the treatment of choice when someone suffers from both ADHD and depression.

These medications include:

• Bupropion (​​Wellbutrin)

• Venlafaxine (Effexor)

Therapy for ADHD

ADHD symptoms affect every aspect of a person’s life. For example, untreated ADHD can often lead to problems with both personal and work relationships. This is why therapy is an important part of a comprehensive ADHD treatment plan. 

There are several types of therapy that can help with the day-to-day impact of your ADHD symptoms.

Support Groups

Knowing you’re not alone can be a big help in combating some of the social stigma associated with adult ADHD. Support groups can help participants share common experiences with others who suffer from the condition.

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy

This form of talk therapy helps patients understand the connection between the thoughts they have and the behaviors that follow. With CBT, patients learn how their beliefs shape their behavior and how changes in thinking can affect the outcomes of negative thoughts.

Anger Management

People with ADHD may have trouble controlling their emotions, and as such, anger is often associated with the disorder. Anger management helps patients understand the mechanisms of their impulsiveness and low tolerance for frustration. Patients learn coping mechanisms, practice mindfulness, and learn what triggers their emotional outbursts so they can control intense emotions stemming from ADHD. 

Exercise to Treat ADHD

Exercise can help boost mood-regulating beta-endorphins and neurotransmitters. Your doctor might recommend that you exercise to help control some of the symptoms of ADHD, which happen in part due to low levels of the neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin.

How Do I Know if ADHD Treatments Are Working?

ADHD medication is intended to reduce some of your ADHD symptoms, but sometimes it takes a while to find the right one. Talk to your doctor about when you can expect you’ll feel better. Carefully monitor the intensity of your symptoms and whether you’re experiencing relief. 

Open communication with your doctor will help them effectively treat your ADHD.

How Doctors Diagnose Adult ADHD

Doctors experienced with ADHD typically ask a series of questions designed to determine whether someone is suffering from the condition. As detailed above, a medical provider will diagnose a patient with inattentive ADHD, Hyperactive-Impulsive ADHD, or Combined ADHD when they meet the recognized criteria.

There are also self-reporting tests you can take to determine whether or not you should consult with a doctor and seek a diagnosis. Klarity offers a quick two-minute self-evaluation that can help you decide if you may have ADHD and would benefit from speaking with a medical professional.

See an ADHD Doctor Within 48 Hours With Klarity

Starting a conversation with an experienced medical professional is the best way to get your ADHD properly diagnosed and treated. Knowing how to talk to your doctor about ADHD will ensure you receive accurate and effective treatment.

If you are ready to talk to a professional provider about managing your ADHD symptoms, contact Klarity today. We quickly schedule you to meet with a qualified professional for online ADHD treatment within 48 hours, so you can get the care you need conveniently and at an affordable price. Take Klarity’s online evaluation today and find the help you need to overcome your symptoms of ADHD.