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How to Bring Up ADHD Concerns with Your Doctor 

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

If you’re wondering how to bring up ADHD concerns with your doctor, the key is to approach the conversation openly and confidently. Discussing ADHD symptoms with your doctor is essential to understanding whether ADHD might be affecting your life. Start by sharing specific challenges, like trouble with focus, impulsivity, or organisation, and ask for guidance on what steps to take next. 

When raising ADHD concerns, it’s important to be clear and honest about how these symptoms are impacting your daily routine. Doctors are trained to listen and help without judgement, so don’t hesitate to explain what you’ve been experiencing. Your doctor may ask questions about your work, social life, and general behaviour to get a better sense of your symptoms. 

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Common Symptoms 

Here are some ADHD symptoms to consider mentioning during your conversation with the doctor: 

Inattention 

This could include trouble staying focused on tasks, frequently forgetting appointments or important deadlines, or having difficulty finishing projects. 

Impulsivity 

You might experience impulsive behaviour, such as making decisions without considering the consequences or interrupting others in conversations. 

Hyperactivity 

Restlessness or feeling the constant need to be on the go is a common symptom of ADHD. You may find it difficult to sit still or focus during meetings or social events. 

By being clear and specific about these symptoms, you can help your doctor make an informed diagnosis and suggest the best course of action. 

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.

Get a personalised assessment for ADHD
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.