Free worksheet: ADHD observations: notes for your doctor or therapist

If you’re wondering about ADHD, it can be hard to explain what you’re noticing in a short appointment. This worksheet helps you gather your observations in one place, including the stress, overwhelm and past experiences that can look similar, so you can have a clearer conversation with your doctor or therapist.

START THE WORKSHEET

HOW IT WORKS

  1. 01Tick what often fits, and add real-life examples
  2. 02Note when it started, where it shows up, and what else is going on
  3. 03Bring it to your doctor or therapist to start the conversation

There’s no score. This is not a test, and it can’t tell you whether you have ADHD.

Please read first. This worksheet is an informal way to organize your observations. It is not a screening or diagnostic tool, and ticking many items does not mean you have ADHD. Many common experiences, including stress, anxiety, low mood, poor sleep, trauma, hormonal changes and some health conditions, can affect attention and focus. Only a comprehensive assessment by a qualified professional, such as a physician, psychiatrist or psychologist, can diagnose ADHD.

01 · Attention & focus

What you notice day to day.

Tick anything that has often been true for you over the past six months or longer.

02 · Restlessness & impulsivity

Energy, pace and acting quickly.

Again, tick what has often been true for you.

Emotions & daily life

These aren’t part of the formal criteria for ADHD, but many people find them worth mentioning.

03 · The bigger picture

When, where and how much.

Clinicians look at whether patterns began in childhood, show up across different parts of life, and get in the way. Your best memory is enough.

04 · Other things that can look similar

What else might be part of the picture?

Stress, overwhelm and some experiences can affect focus, memory and restlessness in ways that look a lot like ADHD. They can also happen alongside it. Tick anything that applies. You don’t need to write any details unless you want to. A tick is enough to start the conversation.

Going on now, or recently

Past experiences that may matter

05 · For my appointment

Making the most of the conversation.

QUESTIONS YOU MIGHT ASK

Could something else explain what I’m noticing? What would a full assessment involve, and who can do it? What could help in the meantime, whether or not this turns out to be ADHD?

The items in sections 01 and 02 are written in plain language and loosely reflect the areas of attention, hyperactivity and impulsivity described in the DSM-5-TR (American Psychiatric Association, 2022). They are not the diagnostic criteria and should not be scored. The attention to childhood onset, multiple settings, impact, and conditions that can look similar reflects the Canadian ADHD Practice Guidelines (CADDRA, 4.1 edition, 2020).

Please note: This resource is for education and self-reflection only. It is not a screening or diagnostic tool and can’t tell you whether you have ADHD or any other condition. It is not a substitute for assessment, therapy or medical care from a qualified professional, and using it does not create a therapeutic relationship with Core Psychology. If you’re in crisis, call or text 988 any time, or call 911.

Looking for answers about ADHD?

Our psychologists offer psychological assessments, including for ADHD, for children, teens and adults, as well as counselling for ADHD. A free 15-minute consultation can help you decide on the right next step. You’re welcome to bring this worksheet.

BOOK A FREE CONSULTATIONPsychological assessment ADHD support

Call or text 403.488.8912 · info@corepsychology.com
Monday to Friday, 9am to 7pm · Saturday, 9am to 3pm

If you’re in crisis, call or text 988, or call 911.