How to Talk to Your Doctor About Suspected Adult ADHD

Note: There can be many barriers to pursuing an ADHD assessment as an adult, but talking to your family physician is usually a great first step. If you would like to learn more about the different assessment options for adults in Canada, you can read my blog about that here.

Taking the first step:

If you're an adult wondering whether you might have ADHD, it's likely you've already done quite a bit of research and reflection. Many people in this situation are familiar with the symptoms and how they show up in their lives. However, even when you know a lot about ADHD, it can still be difficult to explain your experiences clearly to a healthcare provider. This is especially true because common ADHD symptoms, like forgetfulness, mental blocks, or difficulty organizing thoughts, can make it hard to communicate during a medical appointment. That’s why having a plan in place before you talk to your doctor can make a big difference. It helps you stay focused, express your concerns clearly, and make the most of the conversation.

This blog offers guidance on how to talk to your doctor about suspected adult ADHD and includes a concrete planning document and the Adult ADHD Self Report Scale (ASRS) to help you prepare for the conversation.

Why It’s Worth Bringing Up

Adult ADHD is often under-diagnosed, especially among women, people who did well in school, or those whose symptoms were misattributed to anxiety, depression, or personality. ADHD doesn’t always look like hyperactivity or impulsiveness, it can also show up as chronic disorganization, forgetfulness, time blindness, or emotional disregulation.

Talking to your family physician is a crucial first step in getting support, but many people hesitate because:
- They worry they won't be taken seriously
- They’re unsure how to describe their symptoms
- They’re unsure their symptoms are “severe enough”
- They fear being dismissed if they appear “too functional”

Preparing in advance can help reduce these concerns.

What to Do Before Your Appointment

1. Reflect on Your Experiences

Think about how ADHD-like symptoms affect different areas of your life, such as:

• Engagement in work or school 

• Daily routines 

• Relationships and communication

• Self-esteem or emotional regulation

• Household tasks 

• Hobbies and socializing 

2. Complete a Validated Screening Tool

Bring a completed screening form with you. 

The ASRS is a recommended screening tool for adult ADHD. It is not a diagnostic tool, but it can help identify whether your symptoms may be consistent with ADHD and whether further assessment is warranted. You can complete the ASRS on your own and bring the results to your family physician or nurse practitioner to support your conversation.

3. Use a Planning Document

Because ADHD can make remembering details and communicating information difficult, it helps to bring a written summary. 

Our downloadable planning sheet includes prompts to consider the purpose of the appointment, record concerns & symptoms, reflect on how ADHD affects daily life, and a space to list personal history and any additional questions you have for your doctor.  

Having this sheet on hand will help you stay on track during your visit, especially if you're nervous or distracted.

4. What to Say During the Appointment

You don’t need a perfect script, but try to be clear and direct. Use the planning sheet to guide the conversation and communicate the desired purpose of your appointment. 

Other helpful tips:

• Focus on functioning, not just symptoms (e.g., “I miss deadlines even when I care about the task”).

• Be honest about coping strategies you’ve used (e.g., overworking, self-criticism, masking).

• Don’t minimize your struggles, even if you’ve “gotten by,” it doesn’t mean you aren’t impacted.

What to Expect from Your Doctor: 

Family physicians can vary in how familiar they are with adult ADHD. Some may feel comfortable doing an assessment or starting medication, while others may refer you to a psychiatrist or psychologist. My previous blog post reviews the different assessment options. 

Your Doctor may:

• Review your screening tool

• Ask follow-up questions about your childhood and daily life

• Rule out other medical causes (e.g., sleep issues, thyroid, anxiety)

• Refer you to a specialist for formal diagnosis

If they don’t seem familiar with ADHD in adults, you can direct them to CADDRA’s guidelines as a resource.  CADDRA (Canadian ADHD Resource Alliance) has developed Canadian ADHD Practice Guidelines to provide comprehensive, evidence-based guidance on the screening, assessment and treatment of ADHD for healthcare professionals.  

Next Steps After the Appointment

Depending on how the appointment goes, your next steps may include:

• Being referred for further evaluation

• Starting a trial of ADHD medication (if a diagnosis is made)
  Getting support through therapy, occupational therapy, coaching, or group programs

• Tracking your symptoms and functioning over time

Sometimes, concerns can be dismissed. If you feel this has occurred, it may be helpful to review with the provider alternative explanations for symptoms and or directions for further evaluation. Another option is to consider a second opinion with a clinician who specialized in ADHD. 

Final Thoughts

Talking to your doctor about suspected ADHD can feel overwhelming. It’s important to remember that you are the expert on your own experience. Preparing in advance can make a big difference in helping you communicate clearly, stay focused during the conversation, and advocate for the care you need.

You deserve to understand your brain, be taken seriously, and access support that helps you thrive.

Download the planning document here and the ASRS (screening tool) to get started with your appointment prep. 

If you have any questions about communicating with healthcare providers and how OT can support you, you are welcome to reach out to our team at info@adhdspace.ca