Schedule an appointment with a licensed clinician (primary care, psychiatrist, or specialist)
Bring any prior medical records, school/work documentation, and past evaluations
Be prepared to discuss current symptoms (attention, impulsivity, hyperactivity, impairment) and when they started
Bring information about symptom impact in multiple settings (home, school, work)
Complete required screening questionnaires and mental health assessments if requested
Undergo a focused evaluation for ADHD and rule out other causes (sleep problems, anxiety, depression, substance use, thyroid issues, etc.) if the clinician recommends
Follow the clinician’s instructions for any recommended lab tests or referrals
Discuss treatment history, including any previous stimulant or non-stimulant trials, side effects, and response
Provide a complete medication and substance use history (including caffeine, nicotine, alcohol, cannabis, and any other drugs)
Disclose relevant medical history (heart conditions, high blood pressure, fainting, family history of sudden cardiac events)
Undergo baseline vitals and, if required, an ECG before starting stimulants
Review risks, benefits, and monitoring plan with the clinician
Ask about the appropriate formulation (immediate-release vs extended-release) and dosing schedule
Follow the prescribed monitoring plan (follow-up visits, symptom tracking, blood pressure/heart rate checks)
Use only prescriptions from the clinician you’re seeing and follow pharmacy instructions
If denied, ask what alternative diagnosis or treatment options are recommended and request follow-up evaluation if symptoms persist