Skip to content
Home
Open ADHD

Talking to Your Doctor

A practical guide to help you prepare for your ADHD evaluation appointment. You've got this.

Illustration of a supportive doctor-patient conversation

It's Okay to Feel Nervous

Many people feel anxious about discussing ADHD with a healthcare provider. You might worry about being dismissed, not taken seriously, or judged. These feelings are completely normal. Remember: seeking help is a sign of strength, and you deserve to be heard.

1

Before Your Appointment

Gather Your Evidence

  • • Your self-assessment results from this site (download or print them)
  • • Specific examples of how symptoms affect your daily life, work, and relationships
  • • Childhood history if possible (report cards, parent observations) — ADHD symptoms typically begin in childhood
  • • List of current medications and any mental health history

Write Down Your Experiences

Consider journaling examples for a week or two before your appointment:

  • "I regularly lose track of time and miss deadlines, even for things I care about."
  • "I can't sit through meetings without fidgeting or feeling restless."
  • "I start many projects but struggle to finish them."
  • "Simple tasks feel overwhelming and I procrastinate for hours."
  • "My emotions can shift quickly and intensely."

Choose the Right Provider

Not all providers are experienced with adult ADHD. Consider:

  • • Psychiatrists can diagnose and prescribe medication
  • • Psychologists can diagnose and provide therapy/testing
  • • ADHD specialists have specific expertise in adult ADHD
  • • Primary care doctors can sometimes help or refer you

Tip: When booking, ask if the provider has experience with adult ADHD evaluations.

2

During Your Appointment

What to Say

You don't need a perfect script. Here are some ways to start:

"I've been struggling with attention and focus for as long as I can remember, and I've been reading about ADHD. I'd like to explore whether that might be what's going on."

"I took an ADHD self-assessment and scored higher than I expected. I brought my results and want to discuss whether a formal evaluation makes sense."

"I've been having trouble with [specific symptom] that's affecting my work/relationships. I want to understand what might be causing this."

Questions to Ask Your Doctor

  • "What does your ADHD evaluation process look like?"
  • "Should we rule out other conditions that might look like ADHD?"
  • "What treatment options do you typically recommend?"
  • "Are there non-medication strategies we can try?"
  • "What should I expect in terms of follow-up appointments?"

Advocating for Yourself

  • Be specific: Instead of "I can't focus," say "Last week, I missed a deadline because I couldn't start a report even though I had two days."
  • Describe impact: Explain how symptoms affect your work, relationships, and wellbeing.
  • Don't minimize: Resist the urge to say "it's not that bad." Be honest about your struggles.
  • Bring notes: It's okay to read from your list. ADHD itself can make it hard to remember everything!
3

What to Expect

The Evaluation Process

A thorough ADHD evaluation typically includes:

Clinical Interview

Detailed questions about your symptoms, history, and how they affect your life.

Standardized Questionnaires

Rating scales similar to self-assessments, but administered clinically.

Medical History Review

To rule out other conditions and understand your overall health.

Sometimes: Cognitive Testing

Some providers use computer-based attention tests or psychological assessments.

Possible Outcomes

ADHD Diagnosis

You'll discuss treatment options: medication, therapy, coaching, or a combination.

Need More Evaluation

Sometimes additional testing or sessions are needed for a complete picture.

Different Diagnosis

Your symptoms might point to anxiety, depression, or another condition — which is still valuable information for getting help.

If You Feel Dismissed

Unfortunately, not all providers are well-informed about adult ADHD, especially in women or people who "seem to function well." If you feel dismissed:

It's okay to seek a second opinion

One provider's assessment isn't the final word. ADHD specialists or psychiatrists with ADHD expertise may have a different perspective.

Ask why they don't think it's ADHD

Understanding their reasoning can help — and might reveal outdated beliefs (like "you can't have ADHD if you did well in school").

Your experiences are valid

Even if you don't get an ADHD diagnosis, your struggles are real and deserve attention. Ask what else might explain your symptoms.

Appointment Checklist

Print or screenshot this checklist to bring with you:

Take the Self-Assessment Explore Resources