my patient advice logo - used for header - mypatientadvice.co.uk
All Topics
Contact Us
Free Health Updates
Table of Contents
< All Topics
Print

What If I’m Afraid My Doctor Won’t Take ADHD Seriously? 

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

Worrying that your doctor might not take your concerns seriously is a common experience for many dealing with ADHD stigma in healthcare. You might fear judgement or doctor dismissal ADHD symptoms, especially if they’ve been dismissed before. But your concerns are valid, and you deserve to be heard and supported. 

To help your doctor understand your experience, focus on being specific. Share real examples of how your symptoms affect your daily life, work, or relationships. Write down key points ahead of your appointment to help you stay focused. It’s also okay to express your concerns openly by saying, “I’ve struggled with these symptoms for a long time and I’m worried they’re being overlooked.” 

Get a personalised assessment for ADHD

How It Helps to Speak Up 

Being proactive and honest can help reduce ADHD stigma in healthcare and improve your consultation experience. 

Validate Your Experience 

Remind yourself that your struggles are real. Patient concerns ADHD should be taken seriously and handled with care, just like any other health issue. 

Be Prepared 

Bring notes or symptom trackers. These can provide structure to the conversation and reduce the chance of being dismissed. 

Bring Support 

If you’re anxious about not being believed, having a trusted friend or family member with you can help reinforce your concerns. 

Even if ADHD is misunderstood by some, your voice matters. The more prepared and clear you are, the more likely your doctor will take your symptoms seriously. 

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.