How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis

Many adults don't realize they suffer from ADHD until later in their lives. The first step in getting a diagnosis is a medical interview. The typical scenario involves the patient, their family members and friends, and other caregivers.

Find an expert by asking your primary care doctor or mental health therapist for suggestions. Research their professional and academic degrees.

1. Visit a Psychiatrist

If you've been experiencing symptoms of ADHD seeking an assessment is the first step towards taking control over your condition. If you're a daydreamer, often lose your keys, or you don't complete tasks at home, then it is important to consult an expert in mental health who knows how to treat adult ADHD.

A psychiatrist, psychologist or clinical social worker can conduct an ADHD assessment and diagnosis. Your family doctor might be able to carry out an assessment as well however, many of them are not knowledgeable about ADHD in adults. A specialist with experience treating adult ADHD may be the most important factor in your treatment's success.

Your healthcare provider will review your medical and mental health histories during the assessment process. They will use standard questions to evaluate your behavior and determine if you exhibit symptoms of ADHD. If your childhood behavior is relevant to the diagnosis, they'll also look into it. They might request interviews with your significant others or friends and colleagues, too.


The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) released by the American Psychiatric Association, has updated its criteria for diagnosing ADHD among adults. Adults only require five symptoms to be diagnosed, whereas children and adolescents require six. Based on your particular situation, your doctor may suggest cognitive, neuropsychological or learning disabilities testing to better understand how ADHD affects you.

It's important to keep in mind, too, that medication isn't your only treatment option for adults with ADHD. Psychotherapy and lifestyle modifications can also help manage symptoms. A therapist can help you learn stress management techniques, assist with time management and organization skills, and offer emotional support while you learn to live with your ADHD.

2. Schedule an Evaluation

ADHD can persist throughout adulthood. A diagnosis is crucial for adults. You'll need undergo an examination to receive a diagnosis. The process may differ however, you should anticipate an extended interview with a health professional along with a physical exam and a series of questions or rating scales.

Adults will be assessed on how their symptoms affect different areas of their lives, such as work and family. They'll also look into whether there are any medical conditions that may be causing your ADHD-like symptoms. This could include thyroid issues, mood disorders or seizures.

You may be asked to provide an in-depth account of your symptoms. Because ADHD develops during childhood, the evaluator will want to know if you had a few months of symptoms prior to age 12. This may require confirmation from your teachers or parents.

Getting the right evaluation is important because without treatment, unmanaged ADHD can lead to serious problems. It can impact your job and relationships. It can also create financial problems and difficulty paying bills or keeping on top of them.

To find the best assessor for your needs Ask your doctor for a referral or call a mental health professional specializing in adult ADHD. Most professionals are willing to share information about their level of education and experience working with adults suffering from ADHD. If they are hesitant or do not provide this information is a warning sign. You can also find an ADHD professional by asking other people with ADHD for recommendations or searching for professionals on the internet.

3. Contact us to schedule a consultation

It's crucial that you choose the right mental health professional to determine if you have adhd. You will want to look for someone who has expertise in ADHD in adults and will spend the time to thoroughly examine you for the disorder. If adhd diagnosis in adult don't have any experts who specialize in ADHD you can check with your insurance company to determine whether they have specialists who are certified in ADHD evaluation and treatment.

Once you find an expert, the first step is to arrange an initial consultation. The psychologist or psychiatrist will meet with you to determine whether ADHD is a valid diagnosis for your symptoms. They will also perform an extensive physical examination including hearing and vision tests, to confirm that there's no other health issue that is causing your issues.

Your symptoms must have been evident for at least 6 months ago and interfere with your ability perform in two different situations to be considered ADHD. This is the case at school, home or at work, as well as in social situations. You may be asked to complete a behavior rating scale to help you identify your particular symptoms.

The evaluator will also likely ask you about your family history of ADHD and may use a checklist to assess your symptoms against DSM-5 criteria. They will also ask you questions about your family, school, and work life to see if there are any patterns in your conduct that could suggest the presence of ADHD.

Additionally, your doctor might decide to conduct brain scans and blood tests as part of the evaluation process. They will also look for other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, like depression, sleep disorders, anxiety and learning disabilities.

4. Perform a Psychiatric Examination

Finding an ADHD diagnosis is the first step to finding treatment and reducing symptoms that could be causing chaos in your life. If you are constantly losing your keys, experience it difficult to concentrate at work, or your relationships are strained, an accurate diagnosis is crucial to rectifying these issues and finding the best coping strategies.

Your doctor will require you to be questioned and inquire about your history of ADHD symptoms. They'll want to know your family history, how and where you experienced the symptoms, as well as how they've affected your work and social life. It's important to be honest and not hide any information.

The psychologist or psychiatrist conducting your psychiatric examination will examine your medical background. They will also utilize an extensive checklist to determine if your symptoms meet the criteria for ADHD. These criteria are outlined by the American Psychiatric Association in its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), Fifth Edition.

In addition to examining your ADHD symptoms and symptoms, your evaluator might require additional tests. This could include cognitive tests to determine if you have learning or mental disabilities that could be causing issues. They'll also need to perform an examination to rule out other conditions such as seizures and thyroid disorders which can cause similar symptoms as ADHD.

Psychologists who conduct psychological tests have been trained in specialized areas that enable them to conduct thorough assessments for a variety of disorders. They are qualified to identify symptoms of a variety of disorders, including anxiety and depression, bipolar disorder, Schizophrenia, and other mental health issues.

5. Complete a Medical Assessment

You will be questioned by psychiatrists or mental health professional regarding your symptoms. The duration of the interview will differ depending on the doctor, but it usually lasts up to an hour. During this time, you'll discuss your issues in detail and complete questionnaires about your symptoms. You may be asked to complete similar forms by your caregivers or educators.

These questionnaires are composed of questions that are standardized to improve accuracy and reduce the likelihood that different interviewers could come up with different results. They will inquire about your symptoms now and since childhood. They will also go over the diagnostic criteria to determine how many ADHD traits you have.

Certain evaluators may be inclined to run other tests too. For example, some will conduct cognitive tests to check for learning or intellectual disabilities that could be the cause of your ADHD symptoms. They also look for other ailments that could be causing your symptoms, for example, depression or anxiety. They can also conduct medical tests to rule out any other causes for your symptoms, including thyroid disorders and seizure disorders.

Answering these questions honestly and completely is crucial. It can be embarrassing to discuss your issues but it will help the person evaluating you learn as much as possible. This information will be used to determine if your ADHD symptoms can be attributed to another disorder or if they are ADHD.

It is not uncommon for a psychiatric examiner to ask other people about your symptoms. They may ask you to speak to your spouse or partner particularly if they are adults. They may also want to talk with your children's teachers, parents, or daycare providers.