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How Do I Track Symptoms Before Meeting with My Doctor? 

PostedOctober 15, 2025
UpdatedOctober 16, 2025
ByMy Patient Advice
Author: Harriet Winslow, BSc | Reviewed by: Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

Before speaking to your doctor about ADHD, it’s helpful to begin some basic ADHD symptom tracking. Keeping a record of what you’re experiencing can make your appointment more focused and informative. It allows your doctor to see patterns in your behaviour and understand how symptoms affect your daily life. 

Start by monitoring ADHD signs across different areas, such as work, home, or social settings. Use a notebook, notes app, or a spreadsheet to record specific examples. Note the time, situation, what happened, and how it made you feel. Over a few weeks, you’ll gather a clearer picture of your challenges and how often they occur. 

Get a personalised assessment for ADHD

How It Helps with the Appointment 

Consistent ADHD symptom tracking makes it easier to explain your experiences and supports a more accurate assessment. 

Daily Logs 

Record moments where you struggled to focus, felt restless, or acted impulsively. These daily notes are useful when recording behaviours ADHD that might be forgotten later. 

Patterns and Triggers 

Look for repeated issues or certain situations where symptoms worsen. Identifying patterns gives your doctor important insight. 

Impact on Life 

Make notes on how your symptoms affect work, relationships, or routines. This context helps your doctor assess severity and next steps. 

By actively monitoring ADHD signs, you’re giving your doctor valuable information and showing that you’re serious about understanding and managing your symptoms. 

Visit providers like ADHD Certify for personal consultations and expert advice tailored to your needs.    

For a deeper dive into the science, diagnosis, and full treatment landscape, read our complete guide to How to talk to doctors or get assessed. 

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Harriet Winslow, BSc - My patient advice author - mypatientadvice.co.uk
Harriet Winslow, BSc
Author

Harriet Winslow is a clinical psychologist with a Bachelor’s in Clinical Psychology and extensive experience in behaviour therapy and developmental disorders. She has worked with children and adolescents with ADHD, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), learning disabilities, and behavioural challenges, providing individual and group therapy using evidence-based approaches such as CBT and DBT. Dr. Winslow has developed and implemented personalised treatment plans, conducted formal and informal assessments, and delivered crisis intervention for clients in need of urgent mental health care. Her expertise spans assessment, treatment planning, and behavioural intervention for both neurodevelopmental and mental health conditions.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the author's privacy.

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS, author and a reviewer for my patient advice - mypatientadvice.co.uk
Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS
Reviewer

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez is a UK-trained physician with an MBBS and experience in general surgery, cardiology, internal medicine, gynecology, intensive care, and emergency medicine. She has managed critically ill patients, stabilised acute trauma cases, and provided comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care. In psychiatry, Dr. Fernandez has worked with psychotic, mood, anxiety, and substance use disorders, applying evidence-based approaches such as CBT, ACT, and mindfulness-based therapies. Her skills span patient assessment, treatment planning, and the integration of digital health solutions to support mental well-being.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the reviewer's privacy.