How to get an ADHD diagnosis as an adult: 5 steps

Getting evaluated for ADHD as an adult can feel intimidating. Knowing the steps — and preparing well — makes the process much easier.

1. Notice and write down your patterns

Take a self-test and note concrete everyday examples: missed deadlines, lost items, unfinished projects, conflicts. Specific examples are far more useful to a clinician than general statements.

2. Talk to your doctor

Your family doctor or GP is usually the first step. They can rule out other causes (such as sleep, thyroid or mood issues) and refer you to a specialist. Requirements and waiting times depend on your country and insurance.

3. See a qualified specialist

Adult ADHD is typically diagnosed by a psychiatrist, clinical psychologist or other specialist trained in adult ADHD.

4. The evaluation

An evaluation usually includes a detailed interview about your current life and your childhood, standardized questionnaires, and sometimes input from a partner, parent or old school reports — because symptoms need to have started before age 12. Screening for other conditions is part of it too.

5. Results and next steps

If ADHD is diagnosed, options can include psychoeducation, coaching, therapy (such as CBT for ADHD) and medication. If it isn't, the evaluation can still point to what's really behind your difficulties.

What to bring

• Your self-test results and notes with examples
• School reports or comments from childhood, if available
• A list of current medications and health conditions
• Questions you want answered

The ADHDly full report includes a summary designed to help you describe your patterns in exactly this kind of appointment.

Important to know

This guide is for general information and is not medical advice. An online self-test cannot diagnose ADHD — only a qualified healthcare professional can. If you are struggling, please talk to your doctor.

More ADHD guides

• Adult ADHD symptoms
• ADHD test for women
• Inattentive ADHD test
• ADHD vs ADD