How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD in Adults

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Many adults don't receive the diagnosis of ADHD until adulthood, when it can cause issues at school and at work. Consult your family doctor to refer you to a mental healthcare professional.

Book an appointment with an expert in mental health

The first step toward an ADHD diagnosis is an evaluation with a mental health professional who has experience working with people who suffer from the disorder. This could be a psychologist, psychiatrist, or an advanced practice registered nurses (APRN) with specialized training in ADHD testing. The professional will assess your symptoms, your history and the impact on your life. They will also look over your personal, family and psychiatric history to be sure that the symptoms of ADHD aren't caused by a medical condition or another mental illness.

This will include a thorough discussion of your symptoms and how they impact your daily life, whether at work, school or in relationships. It is important that you are honest with the person evaluating you regardless of whether your symptoms are difficult or embarrassing to discuss. ADHD is treatable and the correct treatment can help you to live a fulfilling life, despite the challenges.

A scale for assessing behavior will be used by an evaluation specialist to determine your symptoms. They may also ask you to fill out questionnaires on your own or with the assistance of a friend or family member. These questionnaires must be filled out with honesty since the examiner is looking for specific ADHD symptoms. It is possible that you will be asked to take a cognitive test or take a physical exam, as underlying conditions like thyroid disorders or seizure disorders can cause symptoms similar to those of ADHD.

You could be referred to an ADHD specialist by your physician of choice or you may choose to consult an individual psychiatrist or psychologist who specializes in adult ADHD. Priority hospitals and wellbeing centers, for example, offer private assessments and can arrange appointments with a psychologist who is skilled in diagnosing adult ADHD.

A diagnosis of ADHD can alter your life, especially if you were not diagnosed as a child or believed that other factors could be responsible for your symptoms. Many people say that their lives took off in a positive direction following receiving their diagnosis whether it was securing an employment opportunity or improving their relationship, because they understand why they struggled and faced difficulties in the past.

Talk to Your Family

For those who suffer from ADHD, a diagnosis can be life-changing. It can assist them in getting the treatment they need to manage their symptoms and lead a more productive and satisfying life. A diagnosis can be difficult to accept by family members. It can be difficult to see family members struggle. This is especially true for parents whose children are diagnosed with ADHD.

You can better recognize the challenges faced by those living with this disorder if you learn more about it. This will help you to talk to your loved ones. Talking with your family during an uninvolved time can help them listen to your concerns.

You might want to ask someone you suspect has ADHD to speak to an expert in mental health care who is trained in treating this disorder. This can be easier than you might imagine, as the therapists are trained to evaluate ADHD symptoms in adults. Additionally, you can use an online platform such as Talkspace to connect with a therapist who will provide support and guidance through the process of getting diagnosed.

Once you've made an appointment, your doctor will inquire about your symptoms as well as those of your parents, siblings and other family members. They'll then conduct an extensive examination, which will typically consist of a structured interview as well as a questionnaire. It is common to bring an adult family member or partner with you because they may be able to provide more information about your symptoms.

While everyone can have trouble staying organized or following through on commitments from time to time, if you're having issues that are persistent and impact your daily life and have been present since childhood, you could have ADHD. You'll need to prove the symptoms have been present for at least seven consecutive years in order to receive a diagnosis.

Matlen was relieved to receive her ADHD diagnosis, as it gave her a tangible reason for some of her issues. However, it was also a bit of a shock to realize that she could have received help and guidance in the past.

Schedule a Screening Exam


A professional can help determine if you suffer from ADHD. If you're a teenager you may be directed to an ADHD specialist by your guidance counselor or school counselor. If you're an adult your first choice could be a psychologist or clinical social worker or psychiatrist. Find a mental health expert who is familiar with ADHD and is willing to accept insurance. Ask your family, friends, and other trusted professionals for suggestions. Online research can help you learn more about the qualifications and expertise of professionals.

The first interview is the most important step in an evaluation for ADHD. The examiner will ask you questions about your symptoms and how they impact you and your relationships. They will also ask what caused the problems. They will also look at your family history to determine if there's any history of ADHD within your family. They will also follow the clinical guidelines offered by the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5).

Certain evaluators might use questionnaires to evaluate your symptoms and determine if there are other conditions that might be causing your problems. This includes learning disabilities, other mental disorders, and medical conditions such as thyroid diseases and seizures.

A doctor will likely interview you and someone who knows you well, such as a spouse or parent, sibling, coworker for adults or a teacher, coach or nanny for children. These interviews can provide crucial insights into your behaviors that you may not be able to detect on your own or you may be embarrassed to share with others like difficulty keeping appointments and forgetfulness.

Based on the symptoms you are experiencing the evaluator could recommend a cognitive test to examine how your brain functions and how it processes information. They might also conduct physical exams to rule out any other medical reasons for your symptoms, such as seizures or thyroid issues. In the end, your evaluation will determine if you have ADHD and will suggest a treatment program. You may be given medication or directed to a different therapy for your specific needs.

Get a diagnosis

ADHD is more than occasional difficulties. Everyone has difficulty paying attention and regulating their impulsive behaviors. If symptoms are affecting a person's everyday life, it's essential to be diagnosed. If not addressed, ADHD can cause difficulties in work, school and in relationships. adhd uk diagnosis of the disorder are frequently not noticed in children, and many people who have it never receive a diagnosis until adulthood.

A mental health professional may use questionnaires or ratings scales to help diagnose ADHD. They'll also want to know about a person's medical history and any family history of the disorder. If there are other disorders that be similar to the effects of ADHD like thyroid problems or depression they must be ruled out.

The best way to get an accurate diagnosis is for a psychologist or psychiatrist to speak with patients as well as their parents and teachers regarding their past and present issues. They will ask what the cause was and how often it is recurring. They may also request to speak to the person's friends and coworkers about how their behavior affects them.

Doctors will use the information they have to decide if a person has the inattentive or hyperactive/impulsive type of ADHD. Someone with the inattentive type of ADHD tends to be in a state of confusion and lacks organization, has trouble finishing tasks and often loses things. Someone with the hyperactive/impulsive type is restless and fidgety, can't wait their turn in conversations or games, interrupts others and takes over other people's things. People with both kinds of ADHD are diagnosed with combined ADHD.

If a doctor determines that the patient is suffering from ADHD they will develop an treatment plan that could include medication. Psychotherapy and other behavioral therapies can be used as treatment options. Certain people suffering from the disorder may have to change their sleeping or diet habits to manage their symptoms.

A few people may be irritated when they are diagnosed with ADHD as an adult. They may feel as if they've wasted their lives struggling at school or work and having their symptoms ignored. But, getting a correct diagnosis can open up an array of treatments and support options that can assist them in living a happy and fulfilling life.