If you're looking for a doctor who'll believe you
The medical pathway, without bullshit.
Adult ADHD diagnosis takes 6 to 18 months in France — when it arrives. Many clinicians aren't trained. Many say "it's just stress". This page maps the path, the shortcuts, and the dead ends — so you don't have to navigate blind.
Where we can truly help
Before the appointment.
You don't need a diagnosis to start informing yourself, nor an available specialist to start. Here's the prerequisite (French-oriented, principles transfer).
- 1
I think I have ADHD — where do I start?
Concrete guide to posing the adult ADHD hypothesis. France used as a worked example — principles transfer.
- 2
Preparing your first ADHD consultation
What to list, how to speak, what to note afterwards. Templates (ASRS, DIVA-5).
- 3
If you can't access a specialist
Telehealth, patient associations, validated self-assessment (ASRS), what your GP can initiate.
For readers outside France
The detailed pages describe French delays, reimbursements and drug availability. Principles (anamnesis, differential diagnosis, treatment tiers) transfer to other systems — but refer to your local authorities for specifics:
- UK: NICE NG87 — ADHD guidelines, ADHD UK
- US: CHADD, ADDA
- Canada: CADDAC, CADDRA (clinicians)
- Australia: ADHD Australia
Medications & therapies — overview
Stimulants (methylphenidate, lisdexamfetamine), non-stimulants (atomoxetine), and therapies (CBT adapted for ADHD, DBT, coaching). Detailed pages by molecule and approach are available in French. Ask your clinician to tailor to your country's availability.
See all medical-pathway pages (FR) →