Schedule an appointment with a licensed clinician (psychiatrist, psychologist, or primary care clinician experienced in ADHD).
Collect school/work records (report cards, teacher notes, performance evaluations, disciplinary records).
Gather childhood history (symptoms before age 12, early developmental milestones, report of longstanding attention/behavior issues).
Document current symptoms using examples (missed deadlines, forgetfulness, losing items, difficulty sustaining attention, impulsivity, restlessness).
Use symptom checklists or rating scales (e.g., ASRS, DSM-5-based checklists) from the clinician’s office.
Request collateral information (parent/guardian, partner, close adult) who can describe long-term symptoms.
If applicable, bring evidence of functional impairment (academic accommodations, work accommodations, missed responsibilities, safety issues).
Prepare a list of medical and mental health history (anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, trauma, learning disorders).
Review medications and substances (prescription meds, caffeine, nicotine, alcohol, cannabis, other substances).
Screen for conditions that can mimic ADHD (sleep apnea, thyroid issues, seizure disorders, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, learning disorders).
Bring a family history summary (ADHD, learning disorders, substance use, mood disorders).
Bring a list of questions for the clinician (diagnostic criteria, assessment process, treatment options).
Complete any recommended assessments (psychological testing, cognitive testing, questionnaires, interviews).
If the clinician uses multi-informant evaluation, complete all required forms promptly.
Ask whether the evaluation will include ruling out alternatives (and request the rationale if asked).
Obtain the diagnosis in writing (DSM-5/ICD-10/ICD-11 criteria used, symptom domains, severity, impairment).
Discuss next steps (treatment plan, therapy options, medication considerations, follow-up schedule).
If the first evaluation doesn’t feel right, request a second opinion or a more comprehensive assessment.