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

You’re doing the right thing by asking — getting a proper evaluation is the best way to know for sure. Here’s a clear, practical guide on how adults get diagnosed with ADHD and what you can do next.

1. Know who can diagnose

• Primary care provider (PCP): a good first step — can screen, rule out medical causes (thyroid, anemia, sleep problems), and refer to specialists.
• Psychiatrist: diagnoses and prescribes medications. Best if ADHD co-occurs with mood/anxiety or if medications are likely.
• Clinical psychologist or neuropsychologist: can do comprehensive testing (useful if history is unclear or for academic/occupational accommodations).
• ADHD specialty clinics or telehealth clinics: some offer adult ADHD evaluations and follow-up.

1. What the evaluation usually includes

• Clinical interview about current symptoms and how they affect work/home life.
• Developmental history (you need evidence symptoms began in childhood — before age 12 per DSM-5). School reports, childhood report cards, or parent/caregiver recollection helps.
• Symptom rating scales (self- and sometimes informant-rated).
• Review of other possible causes (anxiety, depression, sleep apnea, substance use, medication side effects, medical conditions).
• Cognitive testing sometimes (neuropsychological tests) if diagnosis is uncertain or for accommodations.

1. Screens and tools you can use right now

• ASRS v1.1 (Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale) — a validated brief screener you can fill out online or print. It’s a good place to start.
• Barkley Adult ADHD Rating Scale — more detailed if you want a fuller picture.

1. How to prepare for an appointment

• Write down specific examples of difficulties (missed deadlines, forgetfulness, trouble starting tasks, time-blindness) and when they began.
• Gather any school records, report cards, old evaluations, or a parent/caregiver who can confirm childhood behavior.
• List current medications, major medical history, sleep habits, alcohol/drug use, and family history of ADHD or mental health issues.
• Bring the results of any screeners you’ve completed.

1. Practical options / services to find help (names and why)

• Psychology Today directory — find local psychologists/psychiatrists by specialty and read profiles. Good for choosing a licensed local clinician.
• Zocdoc — useful for quickly finding and booking local psychiatrists or PCPs who accept your insurance.
• CHADD (Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) — a national nonprofit with reliable resources, local support groups, and provider lists. Good education and support.
• ADDA (Attention Deficit Disorder Association) — adult-focused nonprofit with webinars, peer support, and resources.
• ADDitude magazine (additudemag.com) — practical articles, checklists, and guides for adults living with ADHD.
• ADHD Online (adhdonline.com) — a telehealth platform that offers evaluations for ADHD. Can be convenient but verify state licensing and what the evaluation includes.
• Cerebral — telehealth mental health service that offers ADHD treatment in some states. Convenient for appointments/med management, but check reviews and whether you want long-term care that way.

(Why these: Psychology Today and Zocdoc help you find licensed clinicians; CHADD/ADDA/ADDitude are reputable education/support organizations; ADHD Online and Cerebral are telehealth options if in-person access is limited — but always confirm credentials and scope of service.)

1. Things to be cautious about

• Avoid services that promise a same-day diagnosis or prescriptions without a thorough history and, ideally, collateral information. ADHD is a clinical diagnosis — questionnaires alone aren’t sufficient.
• If getting medication is your goal, understand that reputable clinicians will take time, ask about childhood symptoms, and may prefer in-person or repeated follow-ups. Regulations on stimulants vary by state/country.

1. Costs and insurance

• Ask your insurance about coverage for psychiatric or psychological evaluations (initial diagnostic visits, psychotherapy, neuropsych testing). Testing can be expensive if not covered. Ask clinicians what an evaluation includes and the cost up front.

1. Next steps you can take right now

• Take the ASRS v1.1 screener (search “ASRS v1.1 adult ADHD screener”), save or print your results.
• Make an appointment with your PCP or search for a psychiatrist/psychologist on Psychology Today or Zocdoc.
• If you want, I can help: (a) walk you through the ASRS here, (b) draft an email message to send to a clinician explaining your concerns, or (c) look up local resources if you tell me your city/state.

If you want, tell me whether you’d prefer in-person or telehealth care and your location (city or zip code), and I can suggest next steps or help draft a message to a provider.