Schedule an appointment with a primary care clinician or a mental health professional experienced in adult/child ADHD evaluation
Gather records that support symptoms (school reports, work feedback, prior evaluations, report cards, disciplinary records)
Track current symptoms and examples (missed deadlines, forgetfulness, losing items, restlessness, interruptions, emotional dysregulation)
Bring a list of concerns, when symptoms started, and how they affect daily life at home, school, or work
Prepare a childhood history (symptoms before age 12, family observations, early school behavior)
Complete rating scales/questionnaires (e.g., Vanderbilt, Conners) as requested
Provide medical and mental health history (sleep problems, anxiety, depression, substance use, trauma, learning disorders)
Review physical causes and contributors (sleep disorders, thyroid issues, medication side effects) with the clinician
Ensure hearing and vision screening if relevant and requested
Bring information from multiple settings (parent/teacher forms for children; partner/family/coworker input for adults)
Ask about ruling out ADHD mimics (e.g., anxiety, depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder, autism, substance-related issues, learning disorders)
Undergo a structured clinical interview covering symptom domains and impairment
Request discussion of diagnosis criteria and whether the pattern fits ADHD
Ask for documentation of the diagnosis and recommended next steps (treatment plan, accommodations, referrals)
If available, consider an ADHD specialist or psychologist for comprehensive testing if the initial evaluation is inconclusive
If you’re seeking accommodations, ask for letters or documentation for school/work based on the diagnosis
If you have immediate safety concerns (self-harm, severe crisis), seek urgent care or emergency services