ADHD Program in Maine

Telehealth for mental health in ADHD involves providing ongoing mental health services, including personalized and private therapy counseling and medication management, all performed remotely via video conferencing phone calls and or secure messaging platforms.

Some of the most common services that can be performed via telehealth include initial assessments and consultations, individual and possibly group therapy sessions, medication management, follow-up appointments, psychoeducation, and support groups.

Yes, in many cases, telehealth has been shown to be an effective treatment option for individuals who are diagnosed with ADHD in addition to other types of mental health conditions. Research indicates that telehealth interventions can often produce outcomes that are comparable to in-person care sessions. However, it's important to note that not all individuals diagnosed with ADHD or other mental health conditions will benefit exclusively from telehealth services.

Some of the most exclusive benefits of Telehealth telehealth Services for ADHD and mental health include ongoing and increased access to personalized care, convenience, flexibility in scheduling appointments, reduced travel time and cost, and the ability to receive care from the comfort of your home.

Similar to in-person assessments for ADHD, a telehealth assessment typically involves comprehensive evaluation conducted via video conferencing or phone calls. These evaluations can include questionnaires, interviews, and assessments of your functioning and symptoms.

Yes, in many cases, you can be prescribed ADHD medication with telehealth psychiatrists, and other qualified and experienced healthcare professionals can conduct medication evaluations, monitor your treatment and or progress, and prescribe medications as they feel appropriate via telehealth.

If you choose to use telehealth for diagnosis, management, and treatment of ADHD some of the most common benefits include:

• Convenience - telehealth appointments can be scheduled at your convenience instead of you having to adhere to the office's frequently flexible scheduling. This will reduce your need to take off work from school or work.

• Increased access to care - opting for telehealth services will eliminate any geographic barriers you may have, allowing you access to ADHD professionals who can specialize in your care who specialize in treating ADHD. 

• Privacy and comfort - Many individuals who are diagnosed with ADHD feel more comfortable and less anxiety-ridden when they're able to receive care from the comfort of their homes. In turn, this can enhance the professional and therapeutic relationship between their care provider and themselves.

• Access to specialists - Patients with ADHD, in addition to other mental health concerns, such as anxiety, depression, or OCD, may benefit from having ongoing access to specialists all in one place. They can access their comprehensive care team from the comfort of their home, undergo comprehensive evaluations, and receive personalized treatment through telehealth.

Join our Remote ADHD Program and enjoy the convenience of receiving expert care without the need to travel, all while being part of a supportive community.

Children with ADHD often exhibit a range of potentially challenging behaviors, such as:

• Inattention: Difficulty staying focused, making careless mistakes, and being easily distracted.
• Hyperactivity: Frequent fidgeting, inability to sit still, and excessive talking.
• Impulsivity: Acting without thinking, interrupting others, and having trouble waiting their turn.

These behaviors often lead to academic difficulties and strained relationships with peers. They may also cause conflicts with authority figures.

ADHD in adults can manifest differently than in children. Common signs include:

• Inattention: Difficulty with organization, forgetting appointments or tasks, and losing items often.
• Hyperactivity: Feelings of restlessness, trouble sitting through meetings, and a tendency to take on many tasks at once.
• Impulsivity: Making hasty decisions, interrupting conversations, and having difficulty waiting in lines.

Adults with ADHD may struggle with maintaining employment and managing responsibilities. They may also have trouble sustaining relationships.

In a school setting, ADHD can impact a child's learning and social interactions. Manifestations may include:

• Difficulty following instructions: Struggling to complete tasks or understand assignments.
• Poor organizational skills: Trouble keeping track of homework, school supplies, and deadlines.
• Frequent daydreaming: Appearing not to listen when spoken to directly.
• Disruptive behavior: Speaking out of turn, leaving their seat, and disturbing classmates.

Teachers may notice that these students need more supervision and redirection than their peers.

When deciding whether to use medication for ADHD treatment, there are several factors to consider:

• Severity of symptoms: Medication might be beneficial if ADHD impairs daily functioning or quality of life.
• Response to other treatments: Medication could be a helpful addition if behavioral therapy and lifestyle changes have not been effective.
• Side effects and risks: Consult a healthcare provider to weigh the benefits against possible side effects. Some of the most well-known side effects include sleep difficulties, appetite changes, and headaches.

Parents play an essential role in supporting children with ADHD. They can offer support by implementing the following strategies:

• Create structure: Establish a consistent daily routine to provide stability.
• Use positive reinforcement: Reward good behavior with praise or small incentives.
• Break tasks into manageable steps: Simplify instructions and provide frequent breaks. This helps to prevent overwhelming the child.
• Encourage physical activity: Regular exercise can reduce hyperactivity and improve concentration.
• Collaborate with educators: Maintain open communication with teachers. This will ensure consistency between home and school strategies.

For managing ADHD, behavioral therapies are often the most effective:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps individuals with ADHD manage their symptoms by teaching them coping strategies to address negative thinking patterns and improve organizational skills.
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): A cognitive-behavioral approach that teaches individuals skills to manage emotions, tolerate distress, and improve relationships.

Social skills training can be beneficial, For adults, therapy may also focus on time management, decision-making, and emotional regulation.

Yes, genetics can influence ADHD. Research shows that this condition tends to run in families. This means that children with ADHD often have parents or siblings with it. 

Scientists have identified several genes that may contribute to ADHD. However, no single gene is responsible for it.

A family history of ADHD increases the likelihood of a child developing the condition. Environmental factors and brain development also play a role, though. These factors interact to influence whether someone develops ADHD and the severity of their symptoms.

Diet and nutrition can play a role in managing ADHD symptoms. However, the impact varies from person to person.

Some studies suggest that certain food additives, such as artificial colors and preservatives, may exacerbate hyperactivity in children. On the other hand, omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish like salmon, may positively affect ADHD symptoms, as they are essential for brain health. Reducing sugar intake and maintaining a balanced diet with whole foods can also help stabilize energy levels and improve focus.

Diet changes alone will not cure ADHD. Still, making healthy nutritional choices may complement other treatments.

Adults with ADHD often face challenges with time management, focus, and organization at work. These tips can help with managing ADHD in the workplace:

• Creating a structured routine
• Using tools like calendars, to-do lists, and project management apps to track tasks and deadlines
• Breaking large projects into smaller, manageable steps to improve focus and productivity
• Setting specific time intervals for work, followed by short breaks (known as the Pomodoro technique) to maintain concentration
• Minimizing distractions in the workspace
• Seeking accommodations, such as flexible work hours

Yes, ADHD often co-exists with other mental health conditions. This situation is known as comorbidity. Common co-occurring conditions include:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Learning disabilities

Individuals with both ADHD and other conditions often require an integrated treatment approach. For example, someone with ADHD and anxiety might benefit from both ADHD medication and therapy to manage anxiety symptoms.

Treatment should be tailored to address each condition. This might involve combining medication, psychotherapy, and behavioral strategies. Healthcare providers should also work with patients to ensure that all aspects of their mental health are considered and treated together.