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 plan for getting an adult ADHD evaluation and what to expect.

1. Decide what kind of provider you want

• Psychiatrist: can diagnose and prescribe medication (stimulants/non-stimulants). Good if you want medication management.
• Psychologist or neuropsychologist: can diagnose and do detailed testing (useful if symptoms are complex or you need documentation for accommodations).
• Primary care doctor (PCP): can do initial screening and refer you to specialists if they’re comfortable.
• ADHD coach or therapist: helpful for skills and support but cannot diagnose (except therapists with diagnostic training may give assessments).

1. Where to find a qualified clinician (names to try)

• Psychology Today (website): large directory filterable by “ADHD” and insurance.
• CHADD (chadd.org): reputable nonprofit with a “Find a Professional” directory and education resources.
• ADDitude (additudemag.com): practical articles and a provider list.
• Telehealth clinics that offer psychiatric assessments (check current availability in your area): Brightside Health, ADHD Online, and telepsychiatry via platforms like Zencare or local health systems. (Note: policies for prescribing controlled stimulants vary by state and platform.)
• Local university medical centers or psychology/neuropsychology clinics often offer thorough evaluations at lower cost.

If you want, tell me your country/state or whether you prefer in-person vs telehealth and I can suggest nearby options.

1. What an evaluation usually includes

• Clinical interview about current symptoms, how they affect work/home, and symptom history going back to childhood (DSM-5 looks for several symptoms present before age 12).
• Collateral information when possible (reports from a partner, parent, employer, childhood report cards).
• Standard symptom scales such as the ASRS (Adult ADHD Self‑Report Scale).
• Screening for other causes: mood/anxiety disorders, sleep problems, thyroid issues, substance use, medication side effects—your clinician may order basic labs (TSH, CBC) or recommend a sleep study if indicated.
• Cognitive/neuropsych testing if the picture is unclear or you need documentation for disability/academic accommodations.

1. How to prepare for the appointment

• Complete an ASRS self-test (search “ASRS v1.1” or ask the clinic to send it).
• Make a list of specific symptoms and examples (inattention, disorganization, procrastination, hyperactivity/impulsivity).
• Note how long you’ve had symptoms and examples from childhood (report cards, teacher comments, or family recollections can help).
• List current medications, substances (caffeine, alcohol), medical history, and any prior mental health diagnoses/treatment.

1. What diagnosis might lead to and treatment options

• Medication: stimulants (methylphenidate, amphetamines) are commonly used; non-stimulants (atomoxetine, guanfacine) are alternatives.
• Psychotherapy: CBT for ADHD, skills training, and coaching for organization/time management.
• Lifestyle changes: sleep hygiene, exercise, structured routines.
• If you need workplace or educational accommodations, documentation from a qualified clinician (usually a psychiatrist, psychologist, or neuropsychologist) will be required.

1. Insurance, cost, and telehealth notes

• Check your insurer’s mental health/psychiatry network and whether telepsychiatry is covered.
• Telehealth can be convenient, but some platforms limit or require in-person visits for controlled substances (stimulants) depending on laws and platform policies.
• Beware of services that offer “instant diagnoses” or push stimulants quickly; thorough evaluations take time and should screen for other causes.

1. Red flags to avoid

• Any provider who diagnoses only from an online quiz without a clinical interview or who pressures you to start stimulant medication immediately.
• Clinics that won’t ask about childhood history or rule out mood/anxiety/sleep disorders.

1. Immediate steps you can take right now

• Take the ASRS self-test online to get a preliminary sense of symptoms.
• If you have a PCP you trust, request an ADHD screening and ask for a referral to a psychiatrist or psychologist experienced in adult ADHD.
• If you want, I can: (a) provide the ASRS questions here, (b) help draft a message to your PCP asking for an assessment, or (c) look up providers in your area if you share your city/state and whether you prefer telehealth or in-person and whether you have insurance.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed or having thoughts of self-harm, tell me and I’ll help you find immediate support resources.