How to prepare for an adult ADHD assessment
A simple checklist for the weeks before an adult ADHD assessment: what to write down, who to ask, what to have ready, and what to expect afterwards.
A little preparation makes an ADHD assessment easier for you and more useful for the clinician. Here is a simple checklist.
In the weeks before
- Make notes of real examples. For work, home, money and relationships. "I missed three bill payments this year because the letters sat unopened" is more useful than "I'm disorganised".
- Think about childhood. ADHD starts in childhood, so you'll be asked about it. What were you like at school? What did teachers say?
- Look for school reports. Comments like "easily distracted" or "could do better if they concentrated" are worth bringing.
- Ask someone who knew you as a child. Many services send them a short questionnaire. If there's nobody, say so. It does not stop the assessment.
- Fill in the forms properly. Take your time. Rushed or half-finished forms can mean a second appointment.
Your health history
You'll usually be asked about:
- other conditions, such as anxiety, depression or sleep problems
- any heart problems, fainting or palpitations, and heart problems in the family
- medicines and supplements you take, and alcohol or drug use
- your blood pressure, pulse and weight, which a pharmacy can check if you have no monitor
This matters if medication is considered later.
On the day
- A quiet, private space where you will not be interrupted
- A phone, tablet or laptop with video, charged
- Your GP's details
- Photo ID
- Your notes, so you do not have to rely on memory
- Time afterwards to rest. It can be tiring to talk about yourself for an hour or more
During the assessment
Be honest, including about things that feel embarrassing. There are no right answers, and the clinician is not judging you. It's fine to say "I do not know" or to ask for a question to be repeated.
Afterwards
You'll get a written report explaining the outcome and the reasoning, whatever the result. If you're assessed somewhere else, ask for one. Our guide to what happens in an adult ADHD assessment walks through each stage, and shared care explained covers what happens next if you want treatment.
This article is general information about preparing for an ADHD assessment. It is not medical advice.