Healthcare providers may use a variety of approaches to determine whether an adult has ADHD. This typically includes interviews, questionnaires completed by you and sometimes family members, and other standardized assessments.
There is no single laboratory test that confirms attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Instead, clinicians rely on a thorough assessment that combines a structured interview with collateral information from loved ones and other assessments to rule out alternative psychiatric or medical causes.
How is ADHD in adults diagnosed?
Diagnosing this condition can be complicated because no single test establishes an ADHD diagnosis. When clinicians make the determination, they gather information from multiple sources, which may include:
- a checklist of ADHD symptoms
- a comprehensive history of past and present functioning
- reports from family members or other close contacts
- standardized behavior rating instruments
- assessments to exclude other conditions or learning disorders
- a physical health exam
To make an ADHD diagnosis, clinicians follow criteria from the latest edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). This manual provides a common framework professionals use to classify mental health disorders.
The DSM-5 criteria offer standardized guidance so that different practitioners are more likely to reach consistent conclusions.
What tests are used for diagnosing ADHD in adults?
Your care team will use DSM-5 criteria when evaluating for ADHD. Although specific tools can vary among clinicians, the following components are commonly part of the evaluation.
Diagnostic interview
The central element of an ADHD assessment is the diagnostic interview.
It may be structured or semi-structured and typically lasts at least one to two hours.
Regardless of format, the clinician will ask standardized questions about your current and historical behavior across a range of domains. They will pose follow-up questions to obtain as much detail as possible.
The provider may request to conduct the interview with a family member or partner present.
Each question is tied to key features of either the inattentive or hyperactive-impulsive presentation of ADHD.
What are the main ADHD symptoms?
The diagnostic interview will explore specific symptoms you’ve experienced and how they line up with the diagnostic criteria. Read more about those symptoms if you’re awaiting an ADHD evaluation.
Interview of family or close friends
Gathering information from relatives or close friends helps clinicians confirm your self-report and obtain additional context.
For example, parents can often provide childhood details you may have forgotten, and a partner may notice patterns in your relationships or daily life you don’t recognize.
Standardized behavior rating scale
An evaluation frequently includes standardized questionnaires that compare behaviors of individuals with ADHD to those without the disorder.
These scales are not used alone to make a diagnosis but serve to support the diagnostic interview. Clinicians may also ask partners or family members to complete these surveys.
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Additional tests
Your team might perform extra testing to screen for other issues. These may assess academic achievement, intellectual functioning, or look for co-occurring disorders.
Many adults with ADHD also live with one or more coexisting conditions, such as:
- depression
- anxiety
- bipolar disorder
- substance use disorders
- personality disorders
Medical exam
If you haven’t had a recent physical, you may be offered a medical exam.
This helps rule out medical problems that can mimic ADHD symptoms, for example thyroid disease or seizure disorders.
Who’s qualified to diagnose ADHD in adults?
Primary care doctors may not diagnose ADHD unless they’ve received specialized training, but they can refer you to clinicians experienced in adult ADHD.
Professionals who commonly make the diagnosis include:
- psychiatrists
- neurologists
- developmental pediatricians
- psychologists
- clinical social workers
- nurse practitioners
- licensed counselors or therapists
Your family physician might have the expertise to diagnose ADHD, yet many will refer to a specialist for confirmation.
You can search for a qualified provider experienced in adult ADHD on platforms like Healthgrades.
The takeaway
To diagnose ADHD, clinicians perform a detailed assessment that integrates multiple sources of information.
The diagnostic interview is the cornerstone, using standardized questions. Clinicians also commonly interview family members, ask you to complete behavior rating scales, and run tests to exclude similar conditions.
ADHD manifests differently across individuals. If you suspect you have ADHD, consult a trained professional for an accurate evaluation.
While ADHD can interfere with daily life, appropriate treatment can help you manage symptoms effectively.
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