I think I have ADHD as an adult. How do I get diagnosed?

You’re doing the right thing by asking. Here’s a clear, practical path to get an adult ADHD diagnosis — what to expect, what to prepare, and some services/resources that can help.

Quick overview of steps

1. Do a quick self‑screen

• Use the WHO Adult ADHD Self‑Report Scale (ASRS-v1.1) — it’s free, short, and will tell you whether an evaluation is likely useful.

1. See a clinician (start with primary care or go straight to a specialist)

• Your PCP can do an initial evaluation and refer you. Many people choose a psychiatrist or psychologist with experience in adult ADHD for a full assessment.

1. Get a comprehensive clinical evaluation

• Expect a structured interview about current symptoms, childhood history (ADHD must have started in childhood), function across settings (work, home, school), medical history, medications, substance use, mood/anxiety, sleep, and any learning difficulties.
• Clinicians typically use rating scales (ASRS and others) and often want collateral information (partner, parent, old school records) if available.

1. Rule out other causes

• Your clinician will check for conditions that can look like ADHD (depression, anxiety, sleep apnea, thyroid problems, substance effects) and may order basic labs or sleep evaluation if indicated.

1. Additional testing if needed

• Neuropsychological testing is recommended when the picture is complex (learning disorder, cognitive complaints, legal/academic accommodations, or unclear diagnosis).

1. Diagnosis and treatment plan

• If diagnosed, treatment options include medication (stimulants and non‑stimulants), ADHD‑focused therapy/CBT, coaching, organizational strategies, and workplace/accommodation support.

What to prepare for your appointment

• A timeline of symptoms (childhood and adulthood), with concrete examples (missed deadlines, trouble organizing, distractibility in specific situations).
• School records, report cards, old evaluations if you have them.
• A list of current and past medications, substance use, sleep habits, and other diagnoses.
• If possible, a short statement from a partner, parent, or close colleague about how your symptoms show up.

Who should evaluate you

• Psychiatrist (can diagnose and prescribe medication)
• Clinical psychologist (can diagnose, provide therapy, and do in‑depth testing)
• Primary care doctor (can do initial screening and start treatment or refer)
• Neuropsychologist (for extensive testing)

Telehealth and finding clinicians

• If you prefer telehealth, reputable options include:
  • Zocdoc or PsychologyToday — use these directories to find local psychiatrists/psychologists with adult ADHD experience and read patient reviews.
  • PlushCare — offers telepsychiatry visits and medication management (check state availability).
  • Done (getdone.com) — an online clinic focused on adult ADHD that offers assessments, prescriptions, and coaching (useful if you want a streamlined, specialty approach).
• Note: Prescribing stimulants has strict regulations; telehealth platforms vary in their ability to prescribe stimulants and may require an in‑person visit or thorough documentation.

Trusted resources and support

• CHADD (chadd.org) — national nonprofit with reliable info and local support groups.
• ADDA (add.org) — adult ADHD support and education.
• ASRS screening tool (WHO) — quick self‑screen you can bring to your appointment.
• Your insurance company’s provider search — check coverage and in‑network providers.

What to expect about timing and cost

• A full diagnostic evaluation may take one or more visits and can range from a single psychiatrist visit to several hours if neuropsych testing is done. Costs vary; check insurance coverage and ask clinicians about session length and fees.

When to get immediate help

• If you’re having thoughts of harming yourself or others, seek emergency care or call your local emergency number or a crisis line right away.

Next practical step

• Take the ASRS screener online, then book an appointment with your PCP or search for an adult ADHD psychiatrist/psychologist on Zocdoc or Psychology Today. If you prefer a specialty teleclinic, look into Done or PlushCare and verify they operate in your state and can meet your needs.

If you want, tell me: 1) whether you prefer in‑person or telehealth, 2) your country/state (so I can suggest local options), and 3) whether you already have a primary care doctor or insurance — I can give more targeted next steps.