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Talking to Your Doctor About Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Authors:
  • Cynthia M. Johnson, MA
Publication Type:

Condition InDepth

Talking to Your Doctor About Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

You have your own health history. Talk with your doctor about your risk factors and background with ADHD. By talking openly and often with your doctor, you can take an active role in your care.

Tips for Getting Information

Here are some tips that will make it easier to talk to your doctor:

  • Bring someone with you. It helps to have another person hear what is said and think of questions to ask. They may also be able to provide more details to the doctor.
  • Write down your questions so do you do not forget them.
  • Write down the answers you get and make sure you understand what you are hearing. Ask for help if you need it.
  • Do not be afraid to ask your questions or ask where you can find more information. You have a right to know.

Questions to Ask Your doctor

About Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

  • Do I have ADHD?
  • Do I have any other health problems related to ADHD?

About Treatment Options

  • Which providers should be on my ADHD care team?
  • Do I need medicine? If so:
    • Which medicine and dose is right for me?
    • How long will I need to take this medicine?
    • What are the benefits and risks of taking it?
  • Are there any other treatments that can help me?
  • Would any alternative or complementary therapies help me?

About Lifestyle Changes

  • What can I do to lower stress levels?
  • What changes can I make at school and at home to manage my ADHD?

About Outlook

  • What can I expect in the future?
  • How can I arrange my life to get the most out of it?
    • Education goals
    • Work goals
    • Family and social plans

References

  • About ADHD—overview. Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder website. Available at: https://chadd.org/about-adhd/overview. Accessed May 11, 2022.
  • ADHD. Kids Health—Nemours Foundation website. Available at: https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/adhd.html. Accessed May 11, 2022.
  • Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Family Doctor—American Academy of Family Physicians website. Available at: https://familydoctor.org/condition/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-adhd. Accessed May 11, 2022.
  • Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). National Institute of Mental Health website. Available at: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-adhd. Accessed May 11, 2022.
  • Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children and adolescents. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-adhd-in-children-and-adolescents. Accessed May 11, 2022.
  • Getting the most out of your doctor appointment. Family Doctor—American Academy of Family Physicians website. Available at: https://familydoctor.org/tips-for-talking-to-your-doctor. Accessed May 16, 2022.
  • Understanding ADHD: information for parents. Healthy Children—American Academy of Pediatrics website. Available at: https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/adhd/Pages/Understanding-ADHD.aspx. Accessed May 11, 2022.

Contributors

  • Kari Kuenn, MD
Last Updated:
2021-11-01

(C) Copyright 2022 EBSCO Information Services

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.