How Can I Find An Assessment For An ADHD Diagnosis?

Medically reviewed by Paige Henry
Updated March 18, 2024by BetterHelp Editorial Team

Untreated attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can impact self-esteem and mental and physical health. Additionally, individuals may face outside judgment for behaviors or impulses they might struggle to control. Whether someone has difficulty meeting deadlines for work, remembering information in relationships, or struggling to focus and pay attention, the impact of ADHD can be experienced by adults. ADHD is not a children-only issue, and adults may wonder how they can get tested for ADHD and find treatment for their symptoms, including exploring options like 504 accommodations for ADHD in the workplace or other settings. Below, we’re discussing how to get tested for ADHD and covering the condition’s symptoms, complications, and treatments.

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What is an evaluation you can get for ADHD? 

Instead of self-diagnosing yourself with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder by taking a "do I have ADHD quiz" online, seek an ADHD Assessment with the help of a professional. An ADHD assessment is a series of psychological, intellectual, and potentially physical tests performed by a medical professional like a neuropsychologist can aid in diagnosing attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. For many, a diagnosis of ADHD may feel relieving, as it can affirm any struggles they have experienced throughout their life and determine the need for treatment.

Previously called attention deficit disorder (ADD), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that can cause significant impairment to an individual’s mental health, physical well-being, and ability to function. Difficulties maintaining attention, filtering out distractions, making careless mistakes, and controlling impulsive behavior can be challenging, but an ADHD evaluation may be the first step toward diagnosing ADHD in adults and treating the symptoms you have. If you're an adult considering assessments to diagnose ADHD, you're not alone. Over 360 million adults worldwide experienced symptoms of this mental health disorder in 2020. 

For parents of adolescents or children with difficulty staying interested in tasks, low ability to focus, learning disabilities, or struggles with hyperactivity and impulsivity, doctors also offer child ADHD testing. Some tests and services might be offered through your child's school to avoid labeling children with ADHD without a diagnosis.

ADHD is considered one of many mental health conditions mentioned by the American Psychiatric Association in the DSM-5 (The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders), and an accurate diagnosis may help you find treatment, recommendations for support groups, services, benefits, and controlled trials. Note that this article focuses more on ADHD in adults than understanding an ADHD diagnosis in teens.

Understanding adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: Symptoms and causes

A common mental health myth about attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is that only children can experience it, which is not the case. Although individuals might have their first mental health symptoms as a child, adults can also struggle with hyperactivity, impulsivity, and difficulty with focus. Many cases of ADHD persist into adulthood, and not all children get diagnosed early. Undiagnosed ADHD symptoms can interfere with an individual's ability to keep a job, make and manage interpersonal relationships, spend money wisely, and take care of physical health, among other activities. Being diagnosed may help you understand which support tools will be useful in your life.

Causes 

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder is thought to be partially caused by low levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in critical areas of the brain responsible for controlling behavior and attention. It is a mental health and cognitive condition that may require treatment to be managed. Family history can also play a part in the condition, as it is receiving a diagnosis is 74% hereditary. Individuals with family members who live with ADHD are at an increased risk of developing the condition themselves. Many people may not receive a diagnosis of ADHD until they are teens or adults due to stigma or misunderstandings about how the condition functions. 

Symptoms in adults & children 

Symptoms of ADHD may fluctuate throughout the day, depending on demands and stimulation from a person's environment or relationships. Often, adults and children diagnosed with ADHD have trouble paying attention, organizing their time and space, controlling their emotions, and finishing projects they’ve started. They may feel restless, have difficulty unwinding, and experience hyperactivity, which can cause them to feel like they’re being driven by a motor. Children may have difficulty waiting their turn and frequently interrupt conversations. Although many people experiencing ADHD might have difficulty concentrating on certain projects, they can exhibit a strong, sustained focus when they’re engaging in an activity that interests them. For example, they may abandon a school-related task to hyper-focus on stimulating activities, such as video games, or other activities they feel passionate about. 

The process of diagnosing ADHD

To receive a proper diagnosis of ADHD, an individual typically must consult with a licensed mental health professional who can provide a comprehensive ADHD evaluation. The healthcare professional will likely administer screenings, a physical exam, and other assessments to ensure there is not a medical condition or another mental health condition causing symptoms to arise. The effects of certain health concerns (e.g., a physical health condition that causes hearing impairment) can mimic ADHD symptoms. Additionally, common symptoms of depression and anxiety can resemble ADHD symptoms.

In addition to providing a full assessment of the individual, a provider might have a spouse, parent, or other family members answer questions about behaviors they’ve observed. 

Once the provider has completed their evaluation, they may then compare the individual’s symptoms with the diagnostic criteria for ADHD. There typically must be at least five symptoms present (of the nine symptoms outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) for healthcare providers to diagnose ADHD. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), children up to age 16 may need to have six or more symptoms of inattention. 

 The medical community recognizes three types of ADHD that an adult may have: 

  • Primarily inattentive (ADHD-PI
  • Primarily hyperactive-impulsive (ADHD-HI) 
  • Combined type (the most common form of ADHD) 

A healthcare professional may include one of the above specifiers when providing an ADHD diagnosis (e.g., “ADHD-predominantly inattentive presentation”; “ADHD-combined presentation”). They may also screen for comorbid neurological, developmental, or mental health disorders, such as autism spectrum disorder or seizure disorders. 

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How to get tested for ADHD

People may seek an ADHD diagnosis when their symptoms interfere with their lives in one or more areas. You may have tried several techniques for time management, getting organized, impulsive behaviors, or other areas without finding a potential strategy. In these cases, getting a diagnosis could be beneficial. You might be able to find ADHD testing in the following ways: 

  • Through an ADHD, hyperactivity, or neurodivergence clinic
  • Through an ADHD neuropsychologist
  • With a psychiatrist who specializes in ADHD
  • With your therapist 
  • Through your school or university
  • Through a vocational program 

If you think you may have ADHD, seeking a formal diagnosis from a qualified healthcare provider could help you understand your symptoms. Your ADHD testing results may be given as a written report or through an online portal. You might be able to show it to doctors, therapists, and family to get services that benefit you. 

Those that perform testing to diagnose ADHD may be psychiatrists, neuropsychologists, psychologists, or another type of medical professional. In some cases, a family doctor or primary care physician may be able to provide a diagnosis as well. Some doctors might label themselves "ADHD specialists." Depending on their role, they may or may not prescribe medication or additional services after your diagnosis.

Additionally, the services might not be covered under your insurance plan, depending on the type of test you choose. Some doctors may perform other psychoanalysis tests first to rule out other possible causes, such as bipolar disorder, anxiety, autism, dyslexia, sleep disorders, and other mental health conditions. 

Some people worry that an ADHD diagnosis means they'll be labeled or judged. They might think their symptoms are a personal flaw. However, these thoughts could lead to mental burnout and depression. Seeking an assessment doesn't necessarily guarantee a diagnosis, and it may be used to understand your symptoms more profoundly.  

Online ADHD testing 

If you're curious whether you have ADHD, you can take an ADHD test online as a first step. An ADHD online test does not substitute for a doctor's diagnosis or professional services. However, it may help push you toward a formal diagnosis if you're unsure. It could also help you cope with your feelings and validate your experiences. Consider bringing your screening results to your appointment with your provider. There are several different online ADHD tests available, including the Adult ADHD Test from the Attention Deficit Disorder Association. 

Who can perform an ADHD evaluation?

An ADHD evaluation may be performed by a psychiatrist, psychologist, clinical social worker, or another behavioral health professional. A medical doctor (e.g., your primary care provider) may also be able to perform an ADHD evaluation for diagnosis. Some insurance companies may require that you visit a psychiatrist for certain forms of treatment, such as medications. 

Not every doctor is familiar with ADHD in adults, so you may have to search for a professional who understands the symptoms. If you're unsure who to call, you can perform a search online. Typing in "ADHD testing near me" may yield results.

What to expect at an adult ADHD evaluation

While every doctor may have a different evaluation process, there are general steps you might expect when going to your assessment to diagnose ADHD. Prepare for your appointment by writing down your concerns and questions. Your doctor may request your medical records before your appointment. If you see a physician, you may check your blood pressure and heart rate or get blood tests done. 

During an ADHD assessment, your doctor may interview you to gather information about your symptoms and medical history. They might ask how your symptoms affect your daily life, work, and relationships and how long you've been experiencing them. This may help them determine whether you have ADHD. Bring your notes and have an open conversation with your doctor. 

After an interview about your potential symptoms of ADHD, you might also partake in testing involving IQ, memory, inkblots, mental health, sensory sensitivities, and ADHD symptom self-reports.

A frequently utilized assessment for ADHD screening is the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale, which measures the frequency with which an individual experiences 18 different potential ADHD symptoms. The inventory consists of a series of questions—for example, “How often do you have trouble wrapping up the final details of a project, once the challenging parts have been done?”—that require an answer of “Never”, “Rarely”, “Sometimes”, “Often”, or “Very Often”.

Some individuals might complete puzzles or timed tasks. Although there may be no "right" way to complete these tests, if you feel nervous, let your testing provider know. 

Several conditions can present with symptoms similar to attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, such as depression and anxiety. There are comorbid conditions associated with ADHD as well, such as autism and dyslexia. Additional medication or therapy may be recommended if a comorbid condition is identified.

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When should I get tested?

If you're unsure if you should get an ADHD assessment, ask yourself about your symptoms. For example, if you're experiencing hyperactivity frequently, you might ask yourself some questions like the following:

  1. Do you struggle with hyperactivity during work, school, or at home?
  2. Do you experience hyperactivity that causes overwhelm or anxiety?
  3. Does this hyperactivity impact your ability to function?

Suppose, however, you feel that you have a handle on disorganization, distractibility, or impulsiveness and don't think you would benefit from a formal diagnosis or treatment. In that case, you do not have to meet with a provider. 

However, if you feel that your symptoms are getting in the way of your ability to be successful and causing you significant stress, a professional ADHD screening may allow to more treatment opportunities and accommodations. You might also feel relief to determine the name of what you have been experiencing. Many research-backed treatments can minimize the impact of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder on your life.

An assessment may also help you rule out any other conditions that might be causing your symptoms, whether physical or neurological. For example, lead poisoning or sleep apnea may cause symptoms that look like ADHD.

You may be able to receive accommodations for work or school under the Americans with Disabilities Act, as ADHD is considered a disability. For example, you may be granted extra time on testing, quiet testing environments, or assistive technology. For more information about accommodations, you may visit the Health and Human services website or the National Institute of Mental Health site.

Treating ADHD in adults

ADHD symptoms may cause difficulty with daily habits and lifestyle. A comprehensive treatment plan can help with the practical, emotional, and cognitive challenges ADHD symptoms often present. a diet focusing on protein, fruits and vegetables, and whole grains, combined with regular exercise, may decrease the severity of symptoms you experience.

However, the most effective treatment known for ADHD combines multiple strategies. ADHD treatment often includes stimulant medication, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and diet and exercise adjustments. Your doctor may give you specific recommendations to help manage your condition.

ADHD medications for improved mental health

Stimulant medication is effective in up to 70% of cases of adult ADHD. Stimulants may work by increasing the amount of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. They are often monitored due to their potential for dependency. You may also take these medications daily. Often, doctors will start these medications at the lowest dose and monitor clients for side effects until the optimum dosage is reached.

Counseling options 

Not everyone decides that medication is right for them, which can be okay. An ADHD coach, lifestyle changes, a support group, and therapy can make a difference in managing several symptoms of adult ADHD. An ADHD coach can provide practical advice and guidance when it comes to organization, time management, and similar facets of life. Common lifestyle changes for ADHD management include eating a balanced diet, getting plenty of sleep, and exercising regularly.

An ADHD support group can also be useful, helping individuals with ADHD connect with people who are experiencing similar challenges. Seeing an in-person or online therapist may help adults understand their minds and find supplemental coping mechanisms in addition to other forms of care. A therapist can help identify the sources of ADHD, provide emotional support, and address comorbid conditions, such as anxiety disorders. 

If you're considering online therapy, evidence has shown that online therapy can be effective in treating ADHD symptoms. A literature review of 11 articles pointed toward improved outcomes for participants who sought treatment online. Participants were also satisfied with the delivery mode for this type of treatment. Online therapy also effectively treats mental health conditions, such as anxiety and depression. If you're interested in internet-based therapy, platforms like BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed, experienced therapist to help reduce any negative impacts on your lifestyle and relationships. 

Counselor reviews

I was skeptical of counseling before I started, Brianna was the first counselor I was paired with. After only 2 months of sessions once a week for an hour, I have already seen improvement with my overall mental health as well as how I handle stressful/anxiety situations. She is friendly and understands my concerns. She keeps a structured session (as requested). She lets me choose the topic and keeps me on track. She helps me on my bad days and makes me better days feel like great days. 

Delores is completely nonjudgemental and really helps you think through your immediate feelings and perspectives. I'm so grateful to work with her and am comfortable either letting her structure our sessions, or structuring our sessions on my own -- she's content to do either. 

Takeaway

Being evaluated for ADD/ADHD (attention-deficit disorder, now referred to as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder) can be a proactive step if you're experiencing symptoms. If you receive a diagnosis from a professional, you might begin to use the tools available to minimize the impact of symptoms on your life, career, and relationships.

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