How Can I Get Diagnosed with ADHD?
If you struggle with focus, organization, forgetfulness, impulsivity, or staying on top of everyday responsibilities, you may be wondering if ADHD could be causing some of these issues. If this sounds familiar, you may start wondering, "How can I get diagnosed with ADHD?"
Getting an ADHD diagnosis starts with talking to a qualified healthcare or mental health provider. There is no single test that can definitively diagnose ADHD. Instead, providers evaluate your symptoms, medical and mental health history, and experiences over time.
ADHD can be diagnosed in both children and adults. While it is often associated with children, some people are not diagnosed until later into adulthood. Understanding what an ADHD evaluation involves can help you feel more prepared to take this next step in your mental health journey.
What is ADHD?
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that can affect attention, organization, activity level, and impulse control.
ADHD symptoms often fall into three main categories:
- Inattention: Difficulty with staying focused, following through or remembering responsibilities
- Hyperactivity: Restlessness or feeling the need to constantly be doing something
- Impulsivity: Interrupting, acting without thinking, or having difficulty waiting
ADHD has a broad range of presentations and everyone's experience with it is unique. Some people primarily experience inattentive symptoms, while others experience hyperactive-impulsive symptoms more often.
How Do I Get Diagnosed With ADHD?
The first step is to make an appointment with a healthcare or mental health provider who performs ADHD evaluations. Do your research ahead of time to make sure you are matched with the right provider based on your age, location, their credentials, and your unique needs.
During an ADHD evaluation, your provider may ask about:
- Your current symptoms
- When your symptoms started
- Your medical and mental health history
- Current medications and supplements
- Your childhood experiences and symptoms
- How your symptoms impact your work, school, relationships and daily life
Is There a Test for ADHD?
Unfortunately, there is no single blood test, brain scan or other medical test that can confirm ADHD. Instead, providers perform a comprehensive evaluation to determine if your symptoms meet the criteria for ADHD.
An evaluation may involve interviews, behavior rating scales, and interviews with people who know you well. Psychological testing may sometimes be recommended to better understand cognitive functioning and learning difficulties, but it is not always required.
This is also why online ADHD quizzes cannot offer a formal diagnosis. They might be a helpful starting point, but they cannot replace a professional evaluation.
What Happens After an ADHD Diagnosis?
If you participate in an ADHD evaluation with a qualified mental health professional and you receive an ADHD diagnosis, it can feel overwhelming at first. Thankfully, receiving an official diagnosis can help you better understand the challenges you have been experiencing so you can move forward with more confidence.
Treatment may include medication, therapy, behavioral strategies, or a combination. Your treatment plan should be based on your symptoms and individual needs, which is why matching with a provider who listens and takes the time to get to know you is crucial.
How Do I Find an ADHD Provider?
If you are ready to explore an ADHD diagnosis, search for providers who offer ADHD evaluations or ADHD testing. You can also search for terms like:
- ADHD evaluations near me
- ADHD testing near me
- ADHD diagnosis for adults
- ADHD evaluation for children
When choosing a provider, consider whether they work with your age group, accept your insurance, or offer telehealth or in-person appointments.
Final Thoughts: How Can I Get Diagnosed With ADHD?
If you are wondering how to get diagnosed with ADHD, start by talking with a qualified healthcare or mental health provider who can evaluate your symptoms. During your evaluation, your provider will consider your symptoms, health history, and how your experiences are affecting your daily life.
If you are looking for ADHD evaluation or treatment, Sagent Behavioral Health offers behavioral health services to help children, teens and adults better understand their mental health and find support that fits their needs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Getting an ADHD Diagnosis
How do I know if I should get tested for ADHD?
Consider reaching out to a provider if ongoing difficulties with attention, organization, impulsivity, or focus are interfering with your work, school, or everyday life.
Can you get diagnosed with ADHD as an adult?
Yes. Adults can receive an ADHD diagnosis even if they were not diagnosed as children.
Can anxiety or depression look like ADHD?
Yes, anxiety, depression, sleep problems, learning difficulties, and other conditions can cause symptoms that overlap with ADHD.
