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

Short answer

1. Start with a clinical evaluation by a clinician (PCP, psychiatrist, or psychologist) who knows adult ADHD. 2) They’ll take a developmental history, use screening scales (like the ASRS), rule out medical/ sleep/ mood/ substance causes, and may do or refer for neuropsychological testing if needed. 3) Get documentation you can use for treatment and accommodations.

Step-by-step

• Self-screen first (optional): try the Adult ADHD Self‑Report Scale (ASRS‑v1.1) to see if symptoms are consistent with ADHD.
• Make an appointment:
  • Primary care doctor can do an initial assessment and refer.
  • A psychiatrist or clinical psychologist experienced in adult ADHD can do a diagnostic evaluation and prescribe medication if appropriate.
• What the clinician will want:
  • Current symptoms, when they started, how they affect work/relationships.
  • Childhood functioning (school reports, report cards, parent/sibling observations help).
  • Medical history, sleep, substance use, mood/anxiety symptoms, medications.
  • Standard rating scales (ASRS, Conners, etc.).
• If the picture is unclear or there are learning/ cognitive concerns, you may be referred for neuropsychological testing (formal cognitive testing) to clarify diagnosis and plan.
• Diagnosis typically requires: persistent symptoms across settings, impairment, and evidence symptoms began earlier in life (adults give retrospective history).

Where to get evaluated (specific services and why)

• Local options via directories:
  • Psychology Today or Zocdoc — find local psychiatrists, psychologists, or neuropsychologists with patient reviews and availability.
  • American Psychological Association (APA) “Find a Psychologist” — for licensed psychologists, including neuropsych specialists.
• Telehealth ADHD clinics (can be faster if access is limited):
  • Done (donefirst.com) — specializes in adult ADHD care, offers evaluations, medication management and coaching; useful if you want a focused ADHD clinic.
  • ADHD Online (adhdonline.com) — structured online evaluations geared to diagnostic documentation (useful for access and paperwork).
  • Teladoc / Psychiatry through major telehealth platforms — for psychiatric evaluation if you prefer established telemedicine providers.
• Therapy/coaching:
  • BetterHelp or local licensed therapists found on Psychology Today — for CBT, skills training, or coaching for executive-functioning.
  • ADDA (add.org) directory — find ADHD coaches and support groups.
• Testing:
  • University neuropsychology clinics or private neuropsychologists (search through APA or local medical school clinics) — if your case is complex, you need an objective cognitive profile, or you need documentation for accommodations.

Safety, costs, and pitfalls

• Stimulant medications are controlled substances: reputable clinicians will take a careful history, set follow‑up, and monitor for side effects or misuse.
• Be cautious of services that give quick prescriptions without a thorough developmental history or collateral information.
• Check insurance coverage and out‑of‑pocket costs (evaluations and neuropsych testing can be expensive).
• If you need workplace or school accommodations, make sure the clinician gives written documentation describing how ADHD impairs functioning.

What you can do now (practical next steps)

• If you want, I can give the ASRS screener questions now.
• If you’d like provider recommendations, tell me your city or ZIP code and whether you want in‑person or telehealth care, and if insurance matters — I can suggest specific clinicians/services in your area.

If symptoms are severe or you’re in crisis (suicidal thoughts, severe functional decline), seek urgent care or call emergency services right away.