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

You’re doing the right thing by asking — adult ADHD is common and treatable. Here’s a clear, practical plan for getting evaluated and diagnosed, what to expect, and some services and resources that can help.

1. Check your symptoms (quick self-screen)

• Try the Adult ADHD Self‑Report Scale (ASRS‑v1.1) screening checklist (look up “ASRS v1.1” online). It’s a validated short screener that can help you decide whether to seek a full evaluation. Note: a screener is not a diagnosis.

1. Decide who to see

• Primary care provider (PCP): good first step — they can screen, rule out medical causes (thyroid, anemia, sleep problems), prescribe or refer.
• Psychiatrist: best if you suspect medication may help or have complex mental‑health history.
• Clinical psychologist or neuropsychologist: good for detailed testing, diagnosis, and to sort out learning issues, cognitive strengths/weaknesses, or overlapping conditions.
• ADHD specialty clinics / telepsychiatry: these can be convenient if local access is limited.

Recommended services and tools (names so you can look them up)

• Psychology Today or Zocdoc — find local psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists with user reviews and specialties.
• Teladoc / Doctor On Demand — national telemedicine platforms with psychiatrists and primary care clinicians (good for access/telehealth).
• ADHD Online — telehealth service focused on adult ADHD evaluations and treatment in many states (convenient if you can’t access local specialists).
• CHADD (Children and Adults with ADHD) and ADDA (Attention Deficit Disorder Association) — nonprofit organizations with trustworthy information, provider directories, and support groups.
• GoodRx — helpful to compare prescription prices if medication is prescribed. Note: Different states and providers have varying rules about prescribing stimulant medications, so confirm a provider’s process before signing up.

1. What happens in an evaluation

• Clinical interview about current symptoms and how they affect work/home/social life.
• History of symptoms going back to childhood (DSM-5 requires some symptoms present before age 12). Bring school reports, report cards, or childhood family observations if you can.
• Symptom rating scales (ASRS and others).
• Rule-out medical causes (sleep apnea, thyroid problems, substance use, medication side effects).
• Check for co-occurring conditions (anxiety, depression, learning disabilities).
• Sometimes cognitive/neuropsych testing if the diagnosis is unclear or you’re seeking accommodations at work/school.

1. Tips for your appointment — what to bring

• Completed ASRS or list of symptoms and examples.
• Timeline of symptoms (childhood to now) and how they affect daily life.
• Any past psychological/educational testing, school records, or previous diagnoses.
• Current medications and medical history.
• Contact info for a family member who can describe your behavior across settings (useful but not required).

1. If you’re diagnosed — typical next steps

• Psychoeducation (what ADHD means for you).
• Treatment options: behavioral strategies, coaching/therapy (CBT for adult ADHD), and medication (stimulants like methylphenidate or amphetamines, or non‑stimulants such as atomoxetine or guanfacine). A clinician will tailor recommendations and monitor response.
• Workplace/school accommodations if needed (documentation may require a formal evaluation report).

1. Red flags / things to avoid

• Avoid services that promise a quick diagnosis and immediate stimulant prescriptions with minimal evaluation. Proper diagnosis requires a careful clinical assessment.
• If you have substance use concerns, be open about that — it affects diagnosis and treatment choices.

1. Quick action plan you can use now

• Do the ASRS screener.
• Make an appointment with your PCP or search for a psychiatrist/psychologist on Psychology Today or Zocdoc.
• If access is limited, consider telehealth platforms like Teladoc, Doctor On Demand, or ADHD Online (check reviews and state availability).
• Look up CHADD and ADDA for reading materials and local support groups.

If you want, tell me:

• A few examples of symptoms you’re experiencing, and whether you’ve had similar issues in childhood — I can help you decide which provider to contact first and suggest specific questions to ask them.