An ADHD consultation is intended for adults who suspect they may have attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and would like to receive a professional assessment of their symptoms and guidance on possible next steps. People often seek a consultation when sustaining attention, concentrating, organising tasks, or managing everyday responsibilities has become difficult, or when ADHD-related symptoms have started to affect their work, studies, relationships, or overall quality of life.
During the consultation, the specialist carries out a thorough initial assessment. This includes discussing the person’s symptoms, how they presented in childhood and adulthood, their current coping strategies, educational and occupational background, medical history, and other factors that may influence their well-being and day-to-day functioning. Standardised assessment questionnaires are also used to obtain as comprehensive an overview of the symptoms as possible.
An important part of the consultation is assessing the person’s coping resources and strengths. Many people with ADHD develop effective compensatory strategies over the years that help them manage everyday life. For example, a person may be highly skilled at planning, work in an environment that supports their strengths, or invest significantly more time and energy in completing tasks than others. These resources and adaptation strategies may conceal ADHD symptoms from the outside and create the impression that the person experiences fewer difficulties than is actually the case. For this reason, the consultation considers not only whether the person is able to cope, but also how they manage to do so and how much effort it requires.
Attention is also given to whether the symptoms may be related to other factors or co-occurring conditions, such as anxiety, depression, burnout, sleep disorders, or other neurodevelopmental differences. ADHD assessment always requires a comprehensive view of the person’s life and functioning, as well as consideration of the different factors that may be influencing their symptoms.
Following the consultation, the specialist compiles the relevant information gathered during the initial assessment. This supports the further diagnostic process and provides the physician with important background information. Where necessary, the person is referred for additional assessments or to a physician to complete the ADHD diagnostic process.
In addition to assessment, the consultation also includes guidance and counselling. ADHD symptoms, their impact on everyday life, and possible intervention and treatment options are discussed. The aim is to help the person better understand their difficulties, gain clarity about the next steps, and reach the appropriate specialist when needed.
An ADHD consultation does not replace a diagnostic assessment carried out by a physician and does not result in a final diagnosis. However, it is an important first step towards an informed, thorough, and evidence-based assessment process.
