What to bring to your appointment

✅ Print your self-tests

You've already filled out the Women & ADHD checklist, so you can print that one out and bring it, but feel free to use whichever test you've found helpful.

Other self-tests I've found useful:

✅ Get specific

Give examples of experiences, rather than how you've been feeling or how convinced you are.

Doctors are looking for symptoms that you've noticed are lifelong. It could be that you noticed them recently, but experienced them your whole life. It's ok if you only see that while looking back, and didn't suspect at the time that this was ADHD.

For example: "I have trouble paying attention in class" is better discussed as "I found myself in detention 3-5 days per week in high school because I was constantly caught talking in class... but then I forgot to go to detention, and got extra detention!"

Your doctor will want to evaluate specific behaviors to help determine if they fit the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis.

Do you still have your school report cards?

A good source for examples of traits/behaviors might be your childhood report cards. Here are some phrases that stick out as potential ADHD markers:

  • "Needs to improve her handwriting skills" (messy handwriting is a common ADHD trait)

  • "Easily distracted by other students" (or other stimuli - or sometimes, the ADHD child IS the distraction)

  • "Misses assignments" or "forgets due dates" (working memory)

  • "Good effort but lacks consistency" (desire does not match performance/grades)

  • "Her workspace is always disorganized" (chronic difficulty with organization and tidiness can be a sign of ADHD)

Keep track of examples of your own ADHD traits/behaviors as they occur to you — you can hold onto this list for your own reference, or print it to bring to your medical provider.

✅ Memes, Reels & TikTok videos

It may sound silly, but it can be very helpful to save any TikTok videos, Instagram reels, or memes to a folder on your phone that have especially resonated with you. These can make great conversation points in the doctor's office.

✅ Note-Taking Supplies

Bring a pen & paper (or whatever device you like to use for notes) to take notes during the conversation. 

Don't be afraid to ask your doctor for your diagnosis and treatment recommendations in writing before you leave (you will probably forget it all if you don't). 

✅ Your confidence!

Last but not least, bring with you the confidence that you know yourself and your brain best — if you feel strongly that it's ADHD, then it's probably ADHD. If your doctor doesn't agree with you, it's time to get a second opinion.