Prepare for Your ADHD Appointment
A comprehensive guide to getting ready for your ADHD diagnostic appointment. Learn what to bring, what to expect, and how to make the most of your clinical assessment.
6 Steps to Prepare
Follow these steps to ensure you're fully prepared for your diagnostic appointment
1. Complete Screening Tools
Take validated ADHD screeners before your appointment
- Complete the ASRS v1.1 or ASRS v5 screener
- Take additional screeners (BAARS-IV, DIVA-5, CAARS-S)
- Complete comorbidity screens (GAD-7, PHQ-9, AQ-10)
- Print your results to bring to the appointment
2. Document Your Symptom History
Create a comprehensive timeline of your symptoms
- Note when symptoms first appeared (childhood examples)
- Document how symptoms affect work, relationships, and daily life
- Track patterns: when symptoms are better or worse
- Record any coping strategies you use
- Use the Symptom Journal to track over time
3. Practice with Mock Interview
Prepare for the clinical interview process
- Practice answering common diagnostic questions
- Identify gaps in your symptom history
- Get comfortable discussing your experiences
- Receive a comprehensive report to share
4. Gather Supporting Documentation
Collect evidence to support your assessment
- School report cards (especially comments about behavior/attention)
- Previous medical or psychiatric records
- Performance reviews from work mentioning focus/organization
- Any previous ADHD test results
- List of current medications and supplements
5. Prepare Your Questions
Make a list of questions for your clinician
- What are the next steps if I'm diagnosed?
- What treatment options are available to me?
- How do we monitor progress and adjust treatment?
- What about potential comorbidities?
- How long will the assessment take?
6. Consider Collateral Information
Involve someone who knows you well
- Ask a parent about childhood symptoms
- Have a partner/spouse share their observations
- Some clinicians may want to speak with someone directly
- Written statements can be helpful if in-person isn't possible
What to Bring
Having the right documentation can make your assessment more efficient and comprehensive
Documents
- Photo ID and insurance card
- Completed screening test results
- School report cards (especially elementary/middle school)
- Previous psychological or psychiatric evaluations
- List of current medications and dosages
- Medical history summary
Symptom Documentation
- Written timeline of symptoms
- Examples of how ADHD affects your daily life
- Work performance reviews or feedback
- Academic transcripts or records
- Symptom journal entries
Preparation Materials
- List of questions for the clinician
- Names of family members who can provide collateral information
- Your goals for treatment
- Any concerns or fears about the process
Pro Tip
Contact your clinic ahead of time to ask what specific documents they want you to bring. Some clinics have specific intake forms or requirements.
What to Expect During Your Appointment
Understanding the assessment process can help reduce anxiety and ensure you're prepared
Before the Appointment
You may receive intake forms, questionnaires, or screening tools to complete before your appointment. Some clinics send these electronically.
Clinical Interview
The clinician will ask detailed questions about your current symptoms, childhood history, academic/work performance, relationships, and daily functioning. Be honest and specific.
Symptom Assessment
Discussion of DSM-5 or ICD-11 criteria, frequency and severity of symptoms, and how they impact different areas of your life. May include standardized rating scales.
Differential Diagnosis
The clinician will explore other potential explanations for your symptoms (anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, etc.) to ensure an accurate diagnosis.
Collateral Information
May include speaking with family members, reviewing school records, or discussing observations from others who know you well.
Results & Next Steps
The clinician will explain their findings, provide a diagnosis (if applicable), discuss treatment options, and outline next steps. Some clinics provide results immediately, others within 1-2 weeks.
Total Time
A comprehensive ADHD assessment typically takes 2-4 hours total, though this can vary significantly depending on the clinic, assessment method, and individual circumstances. Some clinics break this into multiple appointments.
8 Tips for a Successful Assessment
Expert advice to help you make the most of your diagnostic appointment
Be Honest and Specific
Don't downplay or exaggerate symptoms. Give concrete examples rather than generalizations. 'I lose my keys 3-4 times per week' is better than 'I'm forgetful.'
Focus on Impact, Not Just Symptoms
Explain how symptoms affect your work, relationships, and daily life. The functional impairment is key for diagnosis.
Bring Childhood Examples
ADHD symptoms must have been present before age 12. Even if you weren't diagnosed as a child, you need evidence of childhood symptoms.
Don't Self-Diagnose
Present your symptoms and experiences, but let the clinician make the diagnostic determination. Avoid saying 'I have ADHD' before the assessment.
Mention Coping Strategies
If you've developed workarounds or coping mechanisms, mention them. This shows functional impairment even if you're 'managing.'
Address Comorbidities
Be open about anxiety, depression, or other conditions. ADHD often co-occurs with other disorders, and treating both is important.
Take Notes
During the appointment, write down key points, next steps, and any recommendations. You may not remember everything later.
Ask for Clarification
If you don't understand something, ask. It's important that you understand the diagnosis process and any recommendations.
After Your Appointment
If You Receive a Diagnosis
- Discuss treatment options (medication, therapy, coaching)
- Ask about potential side effects and monitoring
- Understand the timeline for follow-up appointments
- Request a written copy of your diagnosis and assessment
- Learn about accommodations at work or school
- Ask about lifestyle modifications and coping strategies
If You Don't Receive a Diagnosis
- Ask for a clear explanation of why ADHD was ruled out
- Discuss alternative explanations for your symptoms
- Request recommendations for addressing your concerns
- Consider getting a second opinion if you disagree
- Ask about other conditions that might explain symptoms
- Request a written summary of the assessment findings
Important Reminder
Regardless of the outcome, make sure you understand the next steps and have a clear plan moving forward. If anything is unclear, don't hesitate to ask for clarification or schedule a follow-up appointment to discuss the results in more detail.
Ready to Prepare for Your Appointment?
Start by completing our screening tools and practicing with our mock interview
Important Disclaimer
This guide is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Every clinic and clinician has their own assessment process, so the specifics may vary. Always follow your healthcare provider's specific instructions for preparing for your appointment.