Online ADHD assessment & treatment
Skip the months-long waiting list – speak one-on-one with an ADHD psychiatrist this week and start a clinically proven care plan.
How it works: from online ADHD sssessment to ongoing care
Four straightforward steps to move from “suspecting ADHD” to a validated care plan.
Medication is prescribed only when clinically appropriate. For urgent mental-health crises, contact local emergency services immediately.
ADHD psychiatrists available online
Compare clinical focus, languages, and appointment times, then book your video consultation in minutes through Oladoctor.
ADHD treatment guide: what to know before you book
Efficacy, eligibility, safety, costs and timeline – everything you need to make an informed decision.
What Is ADHD? Beyond the stereotypes
In adults the picture looks subtler than in childhood: missed deadlines, difficulty starting tasks, mental “noise,” emotional swings and chronic forgetfulness. Hyperactivity often shifts from running around to inner restlessness—fidgeting, multitasking or needing constant background noise.
Clinicians group symptoms into two domains: inattention (e.g., losing keys, zoning out in meetings) and hyperactivity/impulsivity (e.g., interrupting, overspending). Meeting at least five criteria in one or both domains—going back to before age 12—is central to a DSM-5 diagnosis.
Does diagnosis actually help? Evidence & outcomes
Medication is only part of the story: when stimulants or atomoxetine bring core symptoms under control, people engage better with CBT, coaching and sleep hygiene, multiplying gains in focus and emotional regulation. A 2024 meta-analysis of 12 RCTs found that combining medication with brief CBT sessions produced an extra 18-point drop on the ADHD Rating Scale compared with pills alone.
Safety profiles are solid when monitoring is in place. Long-term registry data from Sweden (n = 25 k) links continuous treatment to a 42 % lower accident rate and fewer ER visits for substance-related issues (source: JAMA Psychiatry, Chang Z et al. 2017;74(6):603–610). The same data set shows no increase in serious cardiovascular events among adults without pre-existing heart disease.
Bottom line: an evidence-based assessment unlocks targeted therapy, reduces life disruption and, crucially, rules out conditions that mimic ADHD, such as anxiety or thyroid dysfunction. Book your assessment to see whether treatment could deliver similar gains for you.
Who’s eligible for ADHD medication? Tests, red flags & alternatives
Your psychiatrist will use validated rating scales (e.g., ASRS, Conners) alongside a detailed medical and psychiatric history to rule out mimicking conditions like anxiety disorders, thyroid dysfunction or sleep apnea. A baseline physical exam—blood pressure, heart rate and, in some cases, an ECG—is recommended before starting stimulants to flag any cardiac risks.
Certain “red flags” may steer you toward non-stimulant options: uncontrolled hypertension, recent substance-use disorder, active psychosis or a history of severe mood swings. In these situations, atomoxetine or guanfacine can be safer first-line therapies, often paired with behavioural strategies.
When stimulants are appropriate, titration begins at low doses with close follow-up—typically a check-in at 1 month, then every 3–6 months—to monitor efficacy, side effects and any emerging concerns. Alternative support, such as CBT-based coaching, sleep hygiene advice and digital focus tools, can further enhance outcomes whether or not medication is prescribed.
Side effects & safety monitoring
Tips to manage side effects:
- Dose timing. Take stimulants early in the day to minimise insomnia.
- Start low, go slow. Begin at the lowest effective dose and increase in small increments.
- Hydration & nutrition. Stay well-hydrated and plan balanced meals—even small snacks—to counter appetite dips.
- Routine review. Keep a simple side-effect diary to share with your psychiatrist at follow-up.
When to seek help:
Stop medication and contact your doctor if you experience chest pain, significant increases in heart rate or blood pressure, severe mood changes (depression, aggression) or any new, persistent tics.
Safety monitoring involves checking blood pressure, heart rate and weight at baseline, then repeating at one month and every 3–6 months thereafter. If regular stimulants aren’t an option, non-stimulants like atomoxetine or guanfacine offer alternatives with different safety profiles.
Cost, timeline and what happens after your assessment
Medication (methylphenidate or lisdexamfetamine) runs €20–€120 per month at retail prices, varying by pharmacy and formulation.
- Report delivery: Within 24 hours of your second session, you’ll receive a detailed DSM-5 diagnostic report and treatment recommendations.
- E-prescription: If medication is indicated, the e-prescription is available immediately after your second session and is valid for 30 days in most EU countries (or 10 days in Spain).
European guidelines require a follow-up 1 month after starting stimulants, then every 3–6 months to review progress, adjust doses, and ensure ongoing safety. You can schedule these follow-up appointments through your Oladoctor account.
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Your guide to healthcare in Spain
Practical information about the healthcare system, doctors and medical services in Spain.
Frequently asked questions about ADHD assessment & treatment
Find clear answers on the assessment process, medication options, costs, follow-up care and data privacy before you book your consultation.
The process consists of two video sessions (45–60 minutes each): <ol> <li><strong>Session 1 – Initial evaluation:</strong> After booking, you’ll receive a secure video link. The psychiatrist reviews your medical and developmental history, screens for mood and anxiety disorders, and applies general DSM-5 scales.</li> <li><strong>Session 2 – ADHD focus:</strong> In the second session, the doctor administers ADHD-specific rating scales (ASRS, Conners) and discusses symptoms across home, work and school contexts.</li> </ol>
Within 24 hours of your second session, you’ll receive a written report outlining findings and next steps, including treatment options if ADHD is confirmed.
Your psychiatrist will ask detailed questions about your attention, focus, impulsivity and daily routines (<a href="https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/adhd/what-is-adhd" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for ADHD</strong></a>). You’ll complete standardized checklists such as the <a href="https://www.hcp.med.harvard.edu/ncs/asrs.php" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>ASRS-v1.1</strong></a> and the <a href="https://conners.com/caars/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Conners Adult ADHD Rating Scales</strong></a> to quantify symptoms…
You’ll have your video assessment on the date you choose. Within 24 hours of the session, you’ll receive a comprehensive diagnostic report summarising the psychiatrist’s conclusions and recommendations. If ADHD is confirmed, the report will outline a tailored treatment plan. Electronic prescriptions, where appropriate, are issued at the end of your appointment or delivered shortly afterwards in the secure client portal.
A complete assessment includes two video sessions, each lasting 45–60 minutes. Fees range from €70 to €200 per session, depending on the psychiatrist’s set rate. Oladoctor displays the exact price on each doctor’s profile before you book—no hidden fees or subscriptions. You pay only for the two booked sessions. Follow-up visits or additional coaching packages are optional and billed separately, giving you full control over your care budget.
Coverage depends on your country and your plan. Most public health systems in Europe do not fund private telehealth assessments, so you’ll usually pay out-of-pocket. Some private insurers reimburse psychological or psychiatric evaluations — if so, your doctor can provide an itemised invoice for claims. Check your policy details in advance.
Following diagnosis, your psychiatrist may prescribe stimulant options like <strong>methylphenidate</strong> (<a href="https://oladoctor.com/en/medicines/spain/atenza-18-mg-comprimidos-de-liberacion-prolongada-efg">Atenza</a>, <a href="https://oladoctor.com/en/medicines/spain/concerta-18-mg-comprimidos-de-liberacion-prolongada">Concerta</a>) or <strong>lisdexamfetamine</strong> (<a href="https://oladoctor.com/en/medicines/spain/elvanse-adultos-30-mg-capsulas-duras">Elvanse</a>), or non-stimulant alternatives such as <strong>atomoxetine</strong> (<a href="https://oladoctor.com/en/medicines/spain/strattera-4-mgml-solucion-oral">Strattera</a>) or <strong>guanfacine</strong> (<a href="https://oladoctor.com/en/medicines/spain/intuniv-1mg-comprimidos-de-liberacion-prolongada">Intuniv</a>). Medication choice depends on symptom profile, personal preference and medical history. The doctor will discuss benefits, side effects and dosing strategies to find the most suitable option for your needs.
Common reactions include reduced appetite, difficulty sleeping, dry mouth, mild headaches and occasional jitteriness. These often peak during the first few weeks of dose adjustments and typically lessen as you acclimate. Report any severe mood shifts, chest discomfort or persistent insomnia to your psychiatrist immediately—these may require dose changes or a switch to a different medication.
If medication is appropriate, your psychiatrist issues an e-prescription at the end of your appointment. You can view or download it in your Oladoctor portal and present it at any participating pharmacy. In Spain you must redeem the prescription within 10 days of issue; in most other EU countries it remains valid for 30 days. To refill, simply book a follow-up appointment — typically after 1 month, then every 3–6 months — as required by local regulations.
Yes. European guidelines recommend a 1-month check-in post-initiation to assess response and side effects, followed by 3–6-month reviews thereafter. These follow-ups ensure your dose remains optimal, monitor blood pressure and heart rate, and address any emerging concerns.
Yes. If stimulants aren’t suitable — due to heart concerns, substance history or personal preference — your psychiatrist can recommend atomoxetine or guanfacine, which work through different mechanisms and have a lower risk of misuse. Non-stimulants may take longer to reach full effect but can offer stable symptom control without stimulant-related side effects.
Oladoctor is not an emergency service. If you’re experiencing thoughts of self-harm, severe panic or suicidal ideation, call 112 (EU) or your local emergency helpline immediately. For non-urgent crises, consider contacting your national mental health hotline or reaching out to a trusted caregiver.