First Steps?
1. Information
If you suspect ADHD might be involved in your issues it is very important to learn as much as you can about the condition. Here are some links to basic information about ADHD.
You can also look at all the services and strategies we offer to help you.
You may also want to consult professionals who specialize in ADHD (physicians, psychologists, psychoeducators, etc.), as well as books, documentaries, and websites on this subject. Be careful, however! There are many myths about ADHD, so make sure you get your information from a reputable source. Click here to see our directory of resources.
2. IMPLEMENT STRATEGIES
Even without a diagnosis, many strategies are available to mitigate the issues faced by individuals who present ADHD symptoms. Here are some of them:
You can also look at our list of services to help you implement strategies that will fit your particular needs.
3. Requesting a Diagnosis?
You should contact a family physician if you are considering getting a professional diagnosis related to ADHD, because other conditions can cause similar symptoms. For instance, insomnia or some other medical conditions can result in symptoms of inattention.
While some general practitioners have the specialized knowledge required to diagnose ADHD, others prefer to send their patients to psychologists or neuropsychologists for a proper ADHD evaluation. Family physicians might also refer a patient to a specialist, such as a psychiatrist, when the patient’s situation is complex.
Once ADHD has been diagnosed and if medication has been recommended, you will require a physician (general practitioner or specialist) to get a prescription and to provide a follow-up. This is essential if a course of treatment includes medication because psychologists and neuropsychologists cannot prescribe medication. Furthermore, not all ADHD cases will require medication.
It is important to note that you do not need a medical referral to consult a psychologist, neuropsychologist, psychoeducator, or any other professional to supervise ADHD supporting strategies that does not include medication. Here is a chart that summarizes the options available:
4. Looking for a Family Physician?
You can join a waitlist to get assigned one:
Link to the phone number for your region
Be aware that wait times may be long. If you prefer, you could ask clinics or family medicine groups in your region to see if they accept new patients.
You may also call 811 at any time to talk to a nurse and obtain a referral to an appropriate professional to suit your needs.
5. Looking for a psychologist or a neuropsychologist?
Your best solution to find a qualified professional with experience in ADHD is to consult the Order of Quebec Psychologists (site in French only):
You can use the “Get help” function on their site to filter results based on the reason for your consultation (i.e., ADHD), the client category (e.g., teenager) and your location. If you require assistance in using this function please contact us.
Information
