ADHD Diagnosis Appointment — What to Prepare
An ADHD assessment — whether with a psychiatrist, neuropsychologist, or specialist — typically takes longer than a standard appointment, but the initial referral conversation with your GP or first specialist contact is where many people get stuck. Describing ADHD to a doctor who may be looking for hyperactive children rather than inattentive adults requires specific language. This guide helps you present your experience in clinical terms that reflect the current diagnostic picture of adult ADHD.
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What to tell your doctor
- 1Specific, concrete examples of how inattention affects your daily life: losing things, missing deadlines, difficulty sustaining focus on non-stimulating tasks
- 2Whether you experience hyperactivity (restlessness, difficulty sitting still, talking excessively) or primarily inattention
- 3How symptoms have been present since childhood — even if unrecognised. Recall specific school examples.
- 4Impact on relationships, work performance, finances, or self-esteem
- 5Any co-existing conditions: anxiety, depression, sleep issues, dyslexia, autism traits
- 6What coping strategies you currently use and whether they are sustainable
- 7Whether anyone in your family has been diagnosed with ADHD or related conditions
Questions to ask your doctor
- Q1.What assessment tools do you use for adult ADHD diagnosis?
- Q2.Will you assess for both inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive presentations?
- Q3.What is the wait time for a full assessment from this point?
- Q4.Should I bring school reports or ask a parent/sibling to complete a rating scale?
- Q5.If diagnosed, what are the medication options and their typical effects on adults?
- Q6.Are there non-medication interventions you would recommend alongside or instead of medication?
Don't forget to bring
- ✓Old school reports if available — look for comments about "not reaching potential", "easily distracted", "needs to focus"
- ✓A list of situations where ADHD symptoms are most impactful — at least 5 specific examples
- ✓Childhood history from a parent or sibling if possible (many assessments request this)
- ✓List of any medications already tried, including any self-prescribed supplements
- ✓Any previous mental health assessments or diagnoses