American Psychological Association

You’re doing the right thing by asking — adult ADHD is common and treatable. Here’s a practical, step‑by‑step guide to getting a diagnosis plus some places and services that can help. 1) Do a quick self‑screen Try the Adult ADHD Self‑Report Scale (ASRS‑v1.1) screening questions (available online). It’s not a diagnosis but a useful first screen. Note examples of problems you’ve had (work, relationships, paying bills, time management) and whether they go back to childhood. 2) Prepare what to bring to an appointment Short written timeline of symptoms from childhood to now (school report cards, old IEP/504 plans, teacher comments if you have them). Specific examples of how symptoms affect daily life and work. List of current medications, mental health history (depression, anxiety, sleep problems), substance use, and medical conditions. Contact info for someone who can describe your behavior across settings (partner, parent, close friend). 3) Who can diagnose and treat adult ADHD Primary care provider (PCP) — can screen, order basic tests (thyroid, etc.), and often refer or start treatment. Psychiatrist — medical specialist who can diagnose and prescribe medication. Best if you think medication will be needed. Clinical psychologist or neuropsychologist — can perform formal diagnostic testing and cognitive testing (useful if learning disorders or complex presentations are suspected). Psychologists commonly do assessment but cannot prescribe in most places. ADHD specialty clinics — for more complex or treatment‑resistant cases. 4) What the evaluation usually involves Clinical interview about symptoms, history, and impairment across settings. Standardized rating scales (e.g., ASRS) and collateral information when possible. Rule out other causes (mood disorders, anxiety, sleep apnea, thyroid problems, substance effects). Sometimes neuropsychological testing (3–8 hours) if diagnosis is unclear or if cognitive strengths/weaknesses must be defined. 5) Practical considerations about medication and telehealth Stimulant medications are commonly used but are controlled substances; prescribing rules vary by jurisdiction and provider. Many telepsychiatry services can evaluate and prescribe, but policies differ. If you prefer telehealth, many reputable platforms connect you with psychiatrists or psychologists. 6) Places and services to find clinicians (with brief why) CHADD (chadd.org) — national nonprofit with education, adult ADHD resources, local chapter/support group listings, and a clinician directory. ADDA (add.org) — focused on adults with ADHD; good for peer support and resources. Zocdoc (zocdoc.com) — lets you search psychiatrists/psychologists by specialty, availability, and insurance; useful for quickly booking in‑person or telehealth appointments. Psychology Today therapist directory (psychologytoday.com) — extensive directory to find psychologists and therapists; includes filters for ADHD specialty and insurance. Headway (headway.co) — telehealth platform that helps you find clinicians who accept insurance and provide telepsychiatry or therapy. Talkiatry (talkiatry.com) — telepsychiatry service that includes ADHD medication management and ongoing psychiatric care. Amwell or Teledoc (amwell.com, teledoc.com) — established telemedicine platforms that include psychiatry options. APA Psychologist Locator (locator.apa.org) — find licensed psychologists and neuropsychologists for formal testing. 7) Cost and timeline expectations Initial psychiatric evaluation: often 45–90 minutes. With insurance it’s often partly covered; out‑of‑pocket varies widely ($150–$400+). Neuropsychological testing: longer and more expensive ($1,000–$4,000+), often used for complex cases. Some telehealth platforms and community clinics offer lower‑cost options or sliding scale. 8) Safety and urgent concerns If you’re in crisis or having thoughts of harming yourself, contact local emergency services or a crisis hotline immediately. If you want, I can: Walk you through the ASRS screening questions now. Help find clinicians near you (tell me your city/state or whether you prefer telehealth). Explain what ADHD medications are commonly used and what to expect from them.

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Short answer: see a clinician experienced in adult ADHD (psychiatrist, psychologist, or neuropsychologist) for a structured evaluation. Below is a practical step-by-step plan, what to expect, who can diagnose, options for low-cost or remote care, and a few reputable organizations and services to use. Step-by-step plan Do a quick self-screen Try the 6‑question Adult ADHD Self‑Report Screener (ASRS v1.1). It’s not a diagnosis, but it helps decide whether to pursue a formal evaluation. If most items are frequently true for you, get evaluated. Gather information before the visit Notes about your current symptoms (examples of how they cause problems at work/home). Childhood history (school reports, report cards, or examples of behavior before age 12). Medical history, list of medications, substance use, sleep patterns, and family psychiatric history. Any past testing or mental-health records. Choose the right clinician Psychiatrist: can diagnose and prescribe medication (often first choice if you want medication). Psychologist or neuropsychologist: can do detailed testing and differential diagnosis (useful when symptoms are complex or you need documentation for accommodations). Primary care doctor: can do an initial evaluation and referral if they have ADHD experience. Book the evaluation Ask when you book: “Do you have experience diagnosing ADHD in adults? What tests or rating scales do you use?” Good evaluations include a clinical interview, rating scales (ASRS, Conners, Barkley, etc.), and collateral history when possible. Evaluation content Clinical interview about current symptoms, onset, course, impairment across settings. Standard rating scales and possibly cognitive testing. Rule out other causes (anxiety, depression, sleep problems, thyroid issues, substance use). Outcome: diagnosis (using DSM‑5 criteria), treatment plan (medication, therapy, coaching, accommodations), or recommendation for further testing. After diagnosis If diagnosed: follow-up appointments, consider evidence‑based treatments — stimulant or non‑stimulant medication (if appropriate and indicated by a prescriber), cognitive behavioral therapy for ADHD, and coaching/skills training. For workplace/school accommodations, contact your HR or disability services and get documentation if needed. Who can diagnose (and when to choose each) Psychiatrist (MD/DO): best if you want medication or have complex psychiatric history. Psychologist (PhD/PsyD) or licensed clinical social worker: good for assessment and therapy; a neuropsychologist does formal testing if needed. Primary care physician: OK for straightforward cases, may refer to a specialist. Telehealth and places to search Done (done.co): telehealth clinic focused on adult ADHD evaluation and treatment — convenient if you want a specialty telehealth option. Zocdoc and Psychology Today provider directory: find local psychiatrists, psychologists, and neuropsychologists and read patient reviews. American Psychological Association (APA) and American Psychiatric Association (APA find-a-provider): for licensed clinicians. University/teaching hospitals: often have neuropsychology or psychiatry clinics that provide thorough assessments, sometimes on a sliding scale. Reputable organizations for information and support CHADD (Children and Adults with ADHD): education, support groups, provider directories. ADDA (Attention Deficit Disorder Association): resources specifically for adults with ADHD. Costs, insurance, and testing A standard diagnostic visit with a psychiatrist or psychologist (45–90 minutes) may be covered by insurance as an evaluation visit — check your policy and provider network. Comprehensive neuropsychological testing is more expensive (often $1,000–$3,500+) and may require pre-approval by insurance. If cost is a concern: ask about sliding-scale clinics, university training clinics, or community mental health centers. Red flags to avoid Services that promise a quick diagnosis and prescription after a single very short online form or chat without a proper interview. Providers who won’t gather childhood history or rule out other medical/psychiatric causes. If you want, I can: Walk you through the 6‑question ASRS screener now. Help find ADHD clinicians near you if you tell me your city or ZIP code. Draft how to explain symptoms to your doctor or what questions to ask a potential evaluator.

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Short answer 1) Start with a clinical evaluation by a clinician (PCP, psychiatrist, or psychologist) who knows adult ADHD. 2) They’ll take a developmental history, use screening scales (like the ASRS), rule out medical/ sleep/ mood/ substance causes, and may do or refer for neuropsychological testing if needed. 3) Get documentation you can use for treatment and accommodations. Step-by-step Self-screen first (optional): try the Adult ADHD Self‑Report Scale (ASRS‑v1.1) to see if symptoms are consistent with ADHD. Make an appointment: Primary care doctor can do an initial assessment and refer. A psychiatrist or clinical psychologist experienced in adult ADHD can do a diagnostic evaluation and prescribe medication if appropriate. What the clinician will want: Current symptoms, when they started, how they affect work/relationships. Childhood functioning (school reports, report cards, parent/sibling observations help). Medical history, sleep, substance use, mood/anxiety symptoms, medications. Standard rating scales (ASRS, Conners, etc.). If the picture is unclear or there are learning/ cognitive concerns, you may be referred for neuropsychological testing (formal cognitive testing) to clarify diagnosis and plan. Diagnosis typically requires: persistent symptoms across settings, impairment, and evidence symptoms began earlier in life (adults give retrospective history). Where to get evaluated (specific services and why) Local options via directories: Psychology Today or Zocdoc — find local psychiatrists, psychologists, or neuropsychologists with patient reviews and availability. American Psychological Association (APA) “Find a Psychologist” — for licensed psychologists, including neuropsych specialists. Telehealth ADHD clinics (can be faster if access is limited): Done (donefirst.com) — specializes in adult ADHD care, offers evaluations, medication management and coaching; useful if you want a focused ADHD clinic. ADHD Online (adhdonline.com) — structured online evaluations geared to diagnostic documentation (useful for access and paperwork). Teladoc / Psychiatry through major telehealth platforms — for psychiatric evaluation if you prefer established telemedicine providers. Therapy/coaching: BetterHelp or local licensed therapists found on Psychology Today — for CBT, skills training, or coaching for executive-functioning. ADDA (add.org) directory — find ADHD coaches and support groups. Testing: University neuropsychology clinics or private neuropsychologists (search through APA or local medical school clinics) — if your case is complex, you need an objective cognitive profile, or you need documentation for accommodations. Safety, costs, and pitfalls Stimulant medications are controlled substances: reputable clinicians will take a careful history, set follow‑up, and monitor for side effects or misuse. Be cautious of services that give quick prescriptions without a thorough developmental history or collateral information. Check insurance coverage and out‑of‑pocket costs (evaluations and neuropsych testing can be expensive). If you need workplace or school accommodations, make sure the clinician gives written documentation describing how ADHD impairs functioning. What you can do now (practical next steps) If you want, I can give the ASRS screener questions now. If you’d like provider recommendations, tell me your city or ZIP code and whether you want in‑person or telehealth care, and if insurance matters — I can suggest specific clinicians/services in your area. If symptoms are severe or you’re in crisis (suicidal thoughts, severe functional decline), seek urgent care or call emergency services right away.

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It's an excellent and very common question! Understanding what happens when you stop GLP-1 medications is crucial for managing expectations and planning for the future. Here's a breakdown of what typically occurs and why: What Happens When You Stop Taking GLP-1s? GLP-1 (Glucagon-like Peptide-1) receptor agonists, such as Ozempic (semaglutide), Wegovy (semaglutide), Mounjaro (tirzepatide), and Zepbound (tirzepatuide), work by mimicking a natural hormone that helps regulate appetite, slow gastric emptying, and improve insulin sensitivity. When you stop taking them, the therapeutic effects gradually diminish. Return of Appetite and Hunger Signals: The most significant change is often a return of your previous hunger levels and appetite. The medication directly impacts the brain's satiety centers and reduces cravings. Without it, these signals revert to their baseline, which for many people, includes strong urges to eat and difficulty feeling full. Faster Gastric Emptying: GLP-1s slow down how quickly food leaves your stomach, contributing to a feeling of fullness. When you stop, your stomach emptying speed returns to normal, meaning you might feel hungry again sooner after eating. Changes in Blood Sugar Control: If you were taking GLP-1s for type 2 diabetes, your blood sugar control will likely worsen without the medication's effects on insulin release and glucagon suppression. Biological Set Point: Your body has a "set point" for weight, and when you lose a significant amount of weight, your body often tries to fight back by increasing hunger hormones (like ghrelin) and decreasing satiety hormones. The GLP-1s counteract this, but once stopped, these natural biological forces can reassert themselves. Will I Regain the Weight? In most cases, yes, weight regain is highly probable and often significant. This is not a personal failing or lack of willpower; it's a physiological response to discontinuing a medication that was actively managing complex hormonal and metabolic pathways related to weight. Studies, including those on Wegovy (semaglutide), have shown that participants who stop the medication tend to regain a substantial portion of the weight they lost, often within a year. This is because the underlying biological drivers for weight gain (genetics, hormones, environment) are still present, and the medication was actively mitigating them. Strategies to Minimize Weight Regain While regaining weight is common, there are strategies you can implement to help manage it, though they often require significant, sustained effort and support: Intensified Lifestyle Changes: Diet: Focus on a nutrient-dense diet rich in lean protein, fiber, and whole foods. Protein and fiber are particularly good at promoting satiety. Exercise: Engage in regular physical activity, including both cardiovascular exercise and strength training. Building muscle can help boost your metabolism. Hydration: Drink plenty of water. Continued Medical Supervision: Work closely with your doctor or a weight management specialist. They can help you transition off the medication, monitor your health, and discuss other options. Maintenance Dosing: For some individuals, staying on a lower "maintenance dose" of a GLP-1 medication long-term might be an option, if deemed appropriate by their doctor and covered by insurance. This effectively treats obesity as a chronic disease requiring ongoing management. Behavioral Therapy and Support: Counseling can help you address emotional eating, develop coping mechanisms, and build sustainable healthy habits. Addressing Underlying Issues: Ensure you're managing stress, getting adequate sleep, and addressing any other health conditions that can impact weight. Specific Brands/Services for Support: Registered Dietitians (RDN): For personalized nutrition plans. Look for an RDN specializing in weight management through organizations like the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Certified Personal Trainers/Exercise Physiologists: For safe and effective exercise programs. Certifications from organizations like the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) or National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) are good indicators. Weight Management Clinics/Endocrinologists: These specialized clinics often offer a multidisciplinary approach with doctors, dietitians, and behavioral therapists. Examples include academic medical centers or private practices specializing in obesity medicine. Telehealth Weight Management Services: Companies like Found Health, Sequence, Calibrate, or Noom Med often combine GLP-1 prescription (if appropriate) with ongoing coaching and lifestyle support, which can be invaluable even if you stop medication. Behavioral Health Professionals (Therapists/Psychologists): To address the psychological aspects of eating and weight. Look for specialists through the American Psychological Association (APA). The most important takeaway is to have a comprehensive discussion with your healthcare provider before stopping any GLP-1 medication. They can help you develop a personalized plan to manage the transition and support your health goals.

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