Questions to Ask Your Doctor Before an ADHD Evaluation and Diagnosis

Bringing Up ADHD with Your Doctor: What You Need to Know

Do you suspect you may have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)? Getting properly diagnosed is an important first step in managing ADHD symptoms. However, bringing up the subject with your doctor can feel daunting.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about getting diagnosed with ADHD, including:

• Recognizing symptoms of ADHD in adults and children
• Preparing for your doctor’s appointment
• Questions to ask your doctor about an ADHD evaluation
• What to expect during the diagnostic process
• Seeking a second opinion if needed

Read on to learn strategies and tips to help you start a productive conversation with your doctor about an ADHD assessment.

Symptoms of ADHD in Adults

ADHD often continues from childhood into adulthood. However, ADHD symptoms may change over time and look different in adults compared to kids. Adults with ADHD tend to have problems with:

• Paying attention and staying focused
• Being organized and managing time
• Completing tasks
• Controlling impulses
• Regulating emotions

Specifically, typical adult ADHD symptoms include:

• Difficulty staying focused during long conversations
• Zoning out during meetings or when reading
• Struggling to complete work or household responsibilities
• Chronic disorganization and forgetfulness
• Frequently losing things
• Poor time management skills and difficulty meeting deadlines
• Impatience and impulsive decision making
• Problems controlling anger, frustration, worry, etc.
• Struggling to start or follow through with tasks
• Excessive restlessness

Symptoms of ADHD in Children

ADHD symptoms in children tend to be more hyperactive and impulsive compared to adults. Common symptoms of ADHD in kids include:

• Fidgeting and squirming frequently
• Talking excessively
• Difficulty playing quietly or calmly
• Acting like they’re “driven by a motor”
• Extreme restlessness and energy
• Impatience, difficulty waiting their turn
• Frequently interrupting others
• Trouble focusing on one task or activity
• Forgetfulness about daily activities
• Difficulty following instructions
• Losing school supplies, toys, etc.
• Easily distracted by surroundings

However, kids with ADHD may also struggle with:

• Paying attention during class
• Completing homework
• Turning in assignments on time
• Taking tests
• Difficulty making friends and relating to peers

Preparing for Your Doctor's Appointment

Making an appointment with your doctor is the first step toward getting assessed and diagnosed with ADHD. Here are some tips to help you get ready:

Make a List of Symptoms

Create a detailed list of all the ADHD symptoms you've noticed, both current and from childhood. Be specific with examples from work, school, and home. Bring this list to your appointment.

Note Any Family History

ADHD often runs in families. Let your doctor know if any family members have been diagnosed with ADHD or have similar symptoms.

Consider Screening Tools

Fill out a validated ADHD screening questionnaire such as the ASRS-v1.1 to share with your doctor. This can help confirm your symptoms.

Gather Past Records

Pull together any records from your school years, like report cards, teacher comments, behavioral issues, or special services received. This info can help show evidence of ADHD symptoms early in life.

Enlist Loved Ones

Ask your partner, family members, or close friends to write letters describing how they've observed your symptoms affecting your life. Their perspectives can help in your evaluation.

Know Your Medical History

Your doctor will want to rule out other potential causes for your symptoms. Be prepared to share any medical conditions, current medications, family medical history, and past treatments.

Bring Someone Along

Consider asking your spouse, parent, or a close friend to join you for your appointment. They can provide moral support and help fill in any details you miss.

Questions to Ask Your Doctor About an ADHD Evaluation

To have a productive conversation with your doctor, it helps to go in with specific questions. Here are some important things to ask about getting assessed for ADHD:

1. What does the evaluation process involve?

There is no single medical test for ADHD. Be sure to understand the different components of a comprehensive evaluation, such as interviews, rating scales, memory/attention tests, etc.

2. How long will the evaluation take?

The assessment process may require multiple appointments over several weeks or months. Ask your doctor for an estimate so you can prepare.

3. Do you need any information from my loved ones?

Your doctor may want input from your parents, spouse, etc. to get insights into long-term symptoms. Find out if they need to provide any ratings, history, or letters.

4. Will you look at records from my childhood?

Since ADHD starts young, past school records can help establish a childhood history of symptoms. Ask if you should supply report cards, teacher comments, etc.

5. What if I was not hyperactive as a child?

Some people with ADHD do not show obvious signs until later in life. If you struggled more with attention vs. hyperactivity as a kid, bring this up.

6. Do you recommend testing for learning disabilities too?

ADHD and learning disabilities often occur together. Discuss whether psychoeducational testing makes sense to identify issues like dyslexia.

7. How will you rule out other possible causes?

Be sure your doctor will consider and evaluate other conditions with overlapping symptoms, like anxiety, depression, OCD, autism spectrum disorder, etc.

8. Do you assess for any co-occurring conditions?

Many adults with ADHD also have additional disorders like depression or substance abuse. Ask how your doctor screens for these common co-existing conditions.

9. How long does it take to receive a diagnosis?

Getting your official diagnosis results can take a few weeks or more. Find out your doctor’s timeline so you know when to follow up.

10. Could my symptoms be caused by something else?

Always ask your doctor to rule out any other possible medical explanations for your symptoms, such as thyroid dysfunction, sleep apnea, etc.

What to Expect During an ADHD Diagnostic Evaluation

Wondering what an ADHD assessment really entails? While procedures vary, you can generally expect:

Physical Exam & Lab Tests

Your doctor will do a medical exam and order lab tests to rule out any other potential causes for your symptoms.

Symptom Interviews

You'll be asked extensive questions about your specific symptoms, including how long you’ve had them and how they impair your life.

Memory & Attention Tests

Standardized tests measuring memory, attention, concentration, and impulse control help objectively evaluate your abilities.

Rating Scales

You and others familiar with your symptoms will complete questionnaires rating the severity of your issues with attention, hyperactivity, etc.

Background Information

Your doctor will review your medical, family, psychiatric, academic, and social history for insights into your symptoms.

Diagnostic Criteria

Your doctor will check if your reported symptoms align with the diagnostic criteria for ADHD listed in the DSM-5 psychiatric manual.

Ruling Out Other Diagnoses

Your evaluation aims to confirm ADHD while eliminating the possibility of other similar conditions that mimic ADHD symptoms.

Assessing Co-existing Disorders

Since other mental health disorders frequently accompany ADHD, your doctor should screen for conditions like depression and anxiety.

Seeking a Second Opinion for an ADHD Diagnosis

What should you do if your doctor doesn't think you have ADHD after your evaluation? Here are some options if you need a second opinion:

Speak with Your Doctor

Have an open discussion with your doctor about why they don't think you meet the criteria for ADHD. See if you still disagree after their explanation.

Get a Specialist's Evaluation

Make an appointment with a psychologist, psychiatrist, neurologist or ADHD specialist for an expert second opinion.

Try a Different Provider

Some healthcare providers are not well-versed in recognizing adult ADHD. See another primary care doctor or mental health practitioner.

Do More Testing

Ask for additional testing like psychoeducational assessments to gather objective data about attention deficits.

Get a Third Evaluation

A third professional evaluation can provide more clarity. If 3 doctors independently assess you and agree you do not have ADHD, accept this.

Consider Your Symptoms

Carefully review lists of ADHD symptoms in adults again to see if you still strongly relate. Make notes about examples of impairments in your life.

Change Your Approach

Retry the evaluation process with another practitioner, but focus more on describing specific life impairments instead of simply listing symptoms.

Take the Next Step in Your ADHD Diagnosis Journey

Wondering if you have ADHD? Speaking with your doctor is the critical first step toward getting a diagnosis – and starting treatment to help manage your symptoms. Use the guidance above to have a productive discussion about getting evaluated for ADHD.

With the right information and preparation, you can make your appointment less stressful and take control of getting the answers you need. Though ADHD can feel overwhelming, getting a proper diagnosis will put you on the path to thriving with the right treatment plan.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.