How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD

If you suspect that you or your child has ADHD, it's important to seek medical attention. You can start by asking your physician for an appointment with an ADHD specialist or contacting specialists recommended by friends and family.

Adults suffering from ADHD are harder to diagnose than children. A thorough assessment will include interviews of the patient, their teachers, parents, as well as completed rating scales. It will also include information about their history.

1. Speak to Your Doctor

Your family doctor is the best place to start if you suspect you or your child may have ADHD. They can evaluate your symptoms and recommend you to an expert in mental health for a more detailed evaluation. Before you visit your doctor, note your concerns and prepare for your appointment by reading the information available online about ADHD and keeping a symptom diary. This will help you stay focused during the discussion and ensure that all your concerns are addressed.

Your doctor will conduct a thorough interview, taking into account the entirety of your child's symptoms. They might ask you to fill out questionnaires or checklists, and they may also gather feedback from adults who spend a lot of time with your child, or with yourself. The process can last up to an hour or more.

To be considered to have ADHD, the behavior must be evident in at least two different settings such as at home, school or at work, and it has an adverse effect on your life, such as for example, having trouble staying focused in class or not paying attention to important details at work. The symptoms must be present for a long period of time prior to the age of 12, and cannot be caused by any other mental or medical condition.

Children are usually diagnosed with ADHD in kindergarten or elementary school, when their parents notice that they're unable to remain still for long periods of time or follow directions, or wait their turn. However, it's not uncommon for adults to go for years without a diagnosis even after suffering from the symptoms for the majority of their lives.

A diagnosis can be revealing and reassuring but it can be stressful. After all, you have to deal with this new information in the middle of life, and it's not always easy to find a practitioner who understands your concerns.

Find a professional with expertise in evaluating and treating adult ADHD patients. They can determine your symptoms and give treatment recommendations. It is essential to adhere to your treatment plan and schedule regular appointments.

2. Take the test

If you suspect that you or your child might have ADHD the first step is to conduct a diagnostic test. The majority of health professionals can perform this test as well, and some insurance companies even include specialists who conduct assessments for adults suffering from ADHD.

Mental health professionals will start by examining your symptoms, or those of your child, and when they began and for how long. They will also want to know the effects your symptoms have affected your professional and personal life. They'll likely interview you and your family members, as well. In some instances your spouse or significant others may be required to fill out questionnaires about how your health issues affect their lives.

Some of the most common signs of ADHD in adults are difficulty paying attention, frequent forgetfulness and failing to follow through on tasks. Other signs include impulsive behaviors like interrupting others during conversations or activities or activities, not waiting for their turn and doing things quickly without planning.

Finding out if you have ADHD is trickier for adults than children, as the symptom guide most doctors use--the DSM-5--is geared toward diagnosing children. Certain doctors also have preconceived notions about what people with ADHD appear like, so it's important to find an evaluation provider who is patient and is thorough in their job of evaluating you or your child.

Certain mental health professionals employ broad spectrum scales to test for mental or emotional issues, as well as tests of motor and memory skills. They can also perform a brain-scan or refer you to a specialist to learn more about your symptoms and how they impact your physical health.

In most cases, you'll get an analysis of the evaluation's findings. They'll explain the results and recommend ways to assist. It is hoped that the process will be a positive experience for you. Many have said that the entire process is therapeutic, and they feel deeply heard and recognized for the first time ever. This is especially applicable to adults who have not previously had a diagnosis of ADHD, and it's an essential part of getting the treatment you require.

3. Visit a Psychiatrist

Adults typically seek treatment for ADHD when they realize that the disorder has an impact on their relationships or work. During the visit, doctors will examine patients and inquire about their symptoms. They also may review documents like old school reports and evaluations of performance. Adults must be in a lower threshold than children to receive a diagnose with five or more symptoms within the last six month.

For adults, the doctor may ask about relationships and other work issues, their sleeping habits and if they have problems with substance use. They will also ask the patient if they had ADHD symptoms when they were in their childhood. If so then the doctor will employ an additional checklist to determine current symptoms.

Some psychiatrists are specialists in treating adults suffering from ADHD. This could help you get a prescription and a diagnosis. You can look up specialists in your area who treat adults with ADHD by calling your insurance company or checking online for resources. For example, Talkspace connects people with mental health professionals who have had experience treating ADHD. Some psychiatrists will allow televisits which lets you take your appointments at home or another location.

You might be able to find a psychiatrist who is specialized in ADHD through your local medical society or insurance company. You can also look online or ask your friends for suggestions. Often it is the most reliable indicator of the abilities of a professional. Consider factors like the gender, culture and Kink-allied or LGBTQIAand the status of psychiatrists.

The psychiatric doctor may suggest other solutions for your ADHD symptoms, in addition medication. Counseling, for instance can help you manage emotional issues that could cause ADHD. They may also suggest marriage and family therapy. This type of therapy focuses primarily on improving communication and addressing problems that arise when someone suffering from ADHD struggles with relationships and at work.


It is important to keep in mind that the most effective treatment for ADHD is a combination of medication and lifestyle and behavioral changes. The goal is to reduce the symptoms to allow you to function more effectively at work, remain healthy, and live a great life.

4. Schedule and an Evaluation

Psychiatrists and other mental health professionals can evaluate whether ADHD symptoms have reached a point at which they can significantly hinder daily functioning. They will conduct an in-depth interview to discuss your or your child's development along with personal and family history and social life. They might also interview other people like teachers or coaches, or even nannies. Parents are often enticed to diagnose their children as having ADHD. However it can be detrimental. Consult your doctor and request the referral to a specialist in mental health who will conduct a thorough evaluation.

Bring all relevant medical and psychiatric records, as well as school or work records to your appointment. Your child or you must also be prepared to describe how the symptoms have affected you or your child's relationship with others, work, or play. Your doctor will inquire about what frequency, length of time and how severe your symptoms are. They may also use different questionnaires to assess the symptoms.

Some doctors employ a set of guidelines called the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), to determine if a person is ADHD. They will examine the number of symptoms your child or you has:

To be diagnosed with ADHD the symptoms must have been present since childhood and have affected you or your child at home, at school and in social situations. They must also cause significant impairment and not the result of a separate issue such as anxiety or depression.

A pediatrician or psychiatrist will compare the behavior of children to those of children in their age group and at the same grade. They will also evaluate their IQ as well as their emotional and social abilities, as well as their family and lifestyle histories.

Adults who have difficulty keeping up with expectations in the workplace or in marriage or are having trouble managing their finances or keeping their schedules may be screened for ADHD. They will be asked to evaluate how often they forget things, interrupt others, fail to remember important dates and deadlines or make rash decisions. They may be given an assessment scale to judge their behavior and asked to ask for feedback from people who spend a lot of time with them, like a sibling or spouse for adults, and a teacher or daycare worker for children.