Attention Deficit Disorder (ADHD) Evaluation and Treatment for International Patients in Brazil
Care designed for international visitors, expatriates, and digital nomads who need ADHD evaluation, treatment guidance, or continuity of care while living or travelling abroad. As an International Continuity of Care Physician, Dr. Fabio Vieira focuses on helping patients maintain safe and consistent ADHD management across different healthcare systems.
Written by: Fábio Luiz Vieira, MD (Family Medicine Specialist, RQE 31053)
Medically Reviewed by: Michael D Upton, MD (Board Certified Psychiatrist)
Last updated: Feb 20, 2026
ADHD Care Across Borders: Support Continuity of Treatment
Many adults diagnosed with ADHD live internationally, relocate frequently, or spend extended periods abroad. Differences between healthcare systems, prescription regulations, and access to specialists may interrupt treatment or follow-up care.
At My Brazilian Doctor, consultations are designed to support continuity of care, helping international patients maintain safe ADHD management while staying in Brazil.
Whether you already have a diagnosis or are seeking evaluation for the first time, care focuses on clear clinical documentation, treatment guidance, and coordination that can be shared with healthcare professionals in other countries when needed.
Clinical practice follows internationally recognised approaches to ADHD assessment and is supported by ongoing professional engagement with global scientific communities, including membership in the ADHD World Federation, promoting alignment with current international standards of ADHD care.
This approach is particularly helpful for expatriates, digital nomads, students, and professionals temporarily living in Brazil who require medical documentation and follow-up aligned with international clinical standards.
A structured clinical assessment designed to support diagnosis, treatment decisions, and continuity of ADHD care across countries.
Clinical Evaluation and ADHD Management in Brazil
Managing ADHD effectively involves more than improving focus or productivity. ADHD is a recognized neurodevelopmental condition that may affect attention, emotional regulation, organization, relationships, and overall wellbeing.
Consultations begin with a careful clinical evaluation, which may include review of previous diagnoses, symptom history, functional impact. When appropriate, structured diagnostic interviews used in specialised ADHD services internationally — such as the DIVA-5 (Diagnostic Interview for ADHD in Adults) — may be incorporated to support clinical evaluation. When relevant a medical summary can be prepared to support to support continuity of ADHD care with healthcare professionals in other countries.
When clinically indicated, management may include:
- review of previous diagnoses and treatments
- individualized treatment planning
- medication evaluation in accordance with Brazilian availability and regulations
- behavioural strategies to support daily functioning
- sleep optimisation and lifestyle interventions
Because prescription regulations differ between countries, we also help patients understand medication availability in Brazil and how treatment plans can be safely adapted during their stay.
The goal is to provide structured clinical care while supporting continuity of ADHD management across different healthcare systems.
Understanding ADHD Beyond Attention Difficulties
Living with ADHD: Daily Challenges and Emotional burden
ADHD isn't just an attention disorder; it can manifest as impulsivity across a wide range of behaviors, impacting various aspects of your life, including relationships and emotional well-being. In adults, it's not uncommon for individuals with ADHD to experience other co-occurring conditions like depression and burnout. Our team takes a integrative approach to ensure that we address the main dimensions of ADHD, providing comprehensive care tailored to your unique needs. The communication during this process is crucial, so as a visitor in Brazil, having support with a bilingual professional who speaks English is essencial for full understanding.
These challenges may become even more pronounced when individuals are living abroad, adapting to new environments, or navigating unfamiliar healthcare systems.
Managing ADHD already brings enough challenges. Our goal is to help simplify care and support continuity of treatment while you are living, working, or travelling in Brazil.
If these experiences sound familiar, a structured ADHD evaluation may help clarify symptoms and guide the next steps in care.
ADHD Medication Continuity between Countries
Many international patients are already receiving ADHD treatment before arriving in Brazil. Medication availability, however, varies significantly between countries.
Adderall, commonly prescribed in the United States, is not commercially available in Brazil. During consultation, treatment plans may need to be carefully adapted using medications approved and available within Brazilian regulations.
Patients currently treated with Adderall frequently transition successfully to equivalent long-acting medications available in Brazil following appropriate clinical evaluation.
Modern long-acting medications such as lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse) are available in Brazil and are often significantly more affordable than private prescriptions in other countries.
Clinical Neuroscience and Pain Medicine Background
Dr. Fabio Vieira’s clinical approach is informed by postgraduate training in pain medicine and clinical neuroscience, exploring the interaction between the nervous system, cognition, and chronic symptoms.
This included training with the Neuro Orthopaedic Institute (NOI) in neurodynamics, pain neuroscience, and nervous system mobilisation, contributing to an integrative understanding of central nervous system regulation.
He has participated in and lectured at medical education events in Brazil and internationally, including primary care and pain medicine conferences at UNESP (São Paulo) and medical congresses in Angola, discussing the relationship between chronic pain, cognition, quality of life, and health systems organisation.
Understanding how the nervous system modulates attention, emotional regulation, stress response, and cognitive performance provides an important framework for evaluating ADHD within a broader medical context.
Dr. Fabio Vieira is a member of the ADHD World Federation, an international organisation dedicated to advancing scientific knowledge and clinical collaboration in Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. This affiliation supports ongoing professional development aligned with current international standards in ADHD diagnosis and management.
How ADHD Prescriptions Works in Brazil
Certain ADHD medications in Brazil are classified as controlled substances and cannot be issued as digital prescriptions under national regulations.
When medication is clinically indicated:
- The original paper prescription is issued after consultation
- The prescription can be securely mailed to your address anywhere in Brazil
- Delivery typically takes 1–2 days in São Paulo or Rio de Janeiro
- Other locations may require a few additional days
- A USD 20 courier service fee applies
All prescriptions are issued only after appropriate medical evaluation and when clinically indicated.
If you would like to begin with a preliminary self-screening, you may use the following internationally recognized questionnaire aligned with the World Health Organization screening frameworks. Please note that screening tools do not establish a diagnosis, but they may help identify whether a professional evaluation is appropriate.
Whether you are seeking an initial ADHD evaluation or continuity of care for an existing diagnosis, consultations at My Brazilian Doctor focus on careful clinical assessment, practical treatment guidance, and support adapted to international patients living in Brazil.
If you would like to discuss your symptoms or treatment options, you may schedule an online consultation at a convenient time.
Request your ADHD consultation at info@mybraziliandoctor.com to begin a structured and medically guided approach to ADHD care.
Consultations are conducted in English and designed for international visitors, expatriates, and digital nomads across Brazil.
Responsible for the Medical Content:
Dr. Fabio L Vieira is a Family Medicine physician licensed to practice in Brazil, with more than 20 years of clinical experience across Brazilian and UK healthcare systems. He completed part of his academic training in the United Kingdom and holds a Master’s degree in International Health Management from Imperial College London. Dr. Vieira focuses on providing medical care for English-speaking visitors and expatriates in Brazil, with particular interest in mental health and ADHD care. He is the principal consultant at My Brazilian Doctor, delivering personalized medical consultations for international patients throughout Brazil.
