At Your Appointment

ADHD Appointment Guide

Ask the right questions at your next doctor’s appointment. Answer two questions below to personalize your appointment guide.
  • Please describe the symptoms and issues you’re having that led you to schedule this online appointment. Start at the beginning of this current episode and tell me how and when things have changed and progressed.
  • How often do you notice attention or behavior problems? Daily or a few times a week?
  • Are you using medicine every day or only for school or work?
  • What successes have you noticed since starting treatment?
  • What concerns do you have about treatment or symptoms?
  • What accommodations at school or work do you think would help?
  • When did you first notice problems with attention or behavior?
  • Do these issues negatively affect performance in several areas of your life or just in certain situations?
  • Do attention or behavior symptoms interfere with school or work performance?
  • How often do attention or behavior symptoms occur? Occasionally or very often?
  • What have you tried so far to improve attention or behavior problems?
  • What seems to make attention or behavior problems better or worse?
  • How well is your medication controlling your symptoms and lasting through the day?
  • Are you having any side effects, such as loss of appetite or sleep problems?
  • What concerns you most about ADHD?
  • What new symptoms are you experiencing? When did they start?
  • What other possible causes could be responsible for my/my child's symptoms?
  • How common is it to have a learning disability in addition to ADHD?
  • Is it common to have a psychological disorder in addition to ADHD?
  • What kind of testing should I/my child have?
  • What should I expect when starting an ADHD medicine?
  • Are there non-drug options for managing ADHD?
  • What are the treatment options if attention or behavior problems persist?
  • When do you recommend behavior therapy?
  • How can side effects of ADHD medicine be managed?
  • Do you recommend taking a break from medicines, such as on weekends or vacations?
  • What should be included on an IEP or 504 plan? Are any changes necessary to our existing plan?
  • Are there other ADHD medicines that would better control symptoms or have fewer side effects?
  • Could medication cause these new or different symptoms?
  • How does ADHD affect people throughout their lifetime? What additional advice do you have?
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Last Review Date: 2018 Sep 10
THIS TOOL DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. It is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on the site. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911.
  1. Prostate Cancer. American Cancer Society. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/prostate-cancer.html
  2. Prostate Cancer. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/prostate-cancer/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20353093