ADHD diagnosis for adults

Seeking out medical help

If you recognize that you may have symptoms of ADHD, a health care provider can help.1,6 At your ADHD assessment appointment, you may be asked some questions to help figure out if you have ADHD.1,6 Here are a few example questions:

Do you often lose your things or get easily distracted, even when you try your best to pay attention? These are signs of inattentiveness. 

Do you find it hard not to interrupt others when they're talking? This is a sign of impulsivity.

Do you also struggle to relax at the end of the day or feel like you have a lot of energy that won't calm down? These are signs of hyperactivity.

These questions come from guidelines in the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, fifth edition (DSM-5).6,14 Some people might find these questions or an ADHD self-assessment test online to see if they are experiencing symptoms of ADHD.

But remember, recognizing that you have some symptoms of ADHD is not the same as an official ADHD diagnosis by a health care provider. To get medical treatments and therapies for managing ADHD, you need to get a diagnosis from a health care provider.15

ADHD online tests and self-screening questions to determine if you might have ADHD should only be seen as a starting point for getting an ADHD diagnosis.15 An official diagnosis for ADHD requires an evaluation by a health care provider.1

Related health conditions

Your health care provider may also test you for other mental health conditions. This is because many adults with ADHD may also have other conditions.18 Below are a few conditions that can be connected to ADHD.19,20 Not all of these conditions are found in all ages of people with ADHD. Some of these conditions may not occur until teen years or adulthood, while others may be present only in children.

  • Anxiety disorders
  • Autism
  • Bipolar disorder
  • Conduct disorders, like aggression
  • Depression
  • Dyslexia
  • Eating disorders, like anorexia

 

  • Impaired motor coordination disorders, like dyspraxia
  • Insomnia
  • Personality disorders, like borderline personality disorder
  • Substance use disorder

It's best to consult a health care provider, instead of self-diagnosis, if you think you have symptoms of ADHD because they are trained to provide a proper diagnosis and guide you toward therapies that are right for you. The resources below are a great place to start.

Explore more

PODCAST What is ADHD?

Podcast by CHADD, “All Things ADHD,” talks about what is true about ADHD and what is a myth.

ARTICLE Adult ADHD

See how ADHD is different for adults.

ARTICLE Coexisting conditions

Learn about statistics on conditions that coexist with ADHD.

ARTICLE Mental health & ADHD comorbidities

Learn about statistics on conditions that coexist with ADHD.

References