How to get diagnosed with ADHD

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Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common mental health disorders in children. It causes a disruption in the ability to manage emotions and actions, which can lead to further issues.
If you suspect that you or your family member has ADHD, it’s worth seeing a medical professional to get a proper diagnosis. While navigating an ADHD diagnosis can be overwhelming, there are many resources out there to help you move toward a more focused mental state. If you have ADHD, getting a proper diagnosis can bring clarity into your life by putting a name to your symptoms and ultimately setting you on a path toward a solution.
Initial self-assessments for ADHD can indicate whether symptoms align with ADHD, but a follow-up with a health care professional is necessary for a formal diagnosis.
Jump to insightADHD evaluation costs vary widely depending on factors like insurance, location and clinic options, with sliding-scale fees available in some cases.
Jump to insightLifestyle changes, self-assessments and consultations with trained professionals are critical steps toward effective ADHD diagnosis and management.
Jump to insightADHD self-assessment
An ADHD online assessment is a multiple-choice questionnaire that can take anywhere from five to 15 minutes to complete. Depending on where you get your self-assessment, you will receive your results either instantly or later through email.
While the results of self-assessments aren’t an official diagnosis, they can be useful in determining if the symptoms you’re experiencing are ADHD-related. (If they aren’t, they may be related to other factors, such as lack of sleep or stress.)
Many online ADHD assessments are similar, so you’ll likely get similar results regardless of the test you take. However, be aware of websites or social media platforms advertising that they can actually diagnose you with ADHD without you consulting a health care provider.
The following companies offer free ADHD assessments with quick results:
- ADHDadvisor.org
- Northern Colorado Assessment Center
- Attention Deficit Disorder Association
- Child Mind Institute
- Clinical Partners
- Mental Health America
If your results lean toward an ADHD diagnosis, a health care professional affiliated with the company may request a follow-up meeting with you to further discuss your results. However, if you feel more comfortable talking to your own doctor instead, go ahead and book an appointment — be sure to bring the results of your self-assessment with you.
You might consider making an appointment with your doctor even if your assessment comes back negative for ADHD. If you’re symptomatic but don’t have ADHD, there could be other issues at play you’ll want to talk about.
» COMPARE: Best online ADHD treatment
Consulting a health care professional
Only trained health care professionals, including psychologists, psychiatrists, neurologists and family doctors, can diagnose and offer treatment options for ADHD. After taking a self-assessment and printing off your results, set up either an online or in-person appointment to meet with a professional. Diagnosing ADHD can take anywhere from one to three hours.
Before attending your appointment, gather any documents detailing your medical and behavioral history for your doctor to view. The physician will want to know your personal and family medical information — the more details you can provide, the easier it will be for your doctor to evaluate you successfully.
During the patient interview portion of the appointment, it’s important to be honest with your doctor about your symptoms and tell them about any medications you have taken in the past or are taking currently.
The ADHD assessment process
To diagnose ADHD, doctors use the guidelines from the American Psychiatric Association's “Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders” (DSM). According to the Attention Deficit Disorder Association (ADDA), assessment times vary for each individual, but they typically take one to three hours, with a possibility for a second appointment. ADDA notes you should expect the following to occur during the evaluation with your doctor:
- Screening for preexisting conditions: This is an interview with your physician discussing your medical and behavioral history. It may also include questions about your day-to-day life (e.g., work, school schedule and marital status).
- Behavioral rating scale: This questionnaire is tailored to gain objective information about your symptoms.
- Diagnostic interview: This interview helps your physician better understand your struggles with your symptoms and how they affect your everyday life.
- Outside input: During this interview, your doctor speaks with someone who knows you well, such as a teacher or parent. This is designed to provide an overall sense of how the people around you observe your symptoms.
- Physical examination: This is a physical examination to rule out any other possible conditions that may be causing your symptoms.
Criteria for ADHD diagnosis
All health care professionals must follow the DSM when diagnosing a mental condition or disorder. The DSM criteria for ADHD varies based on the type of ADHD the patient has:
- Predominantly inattentive presentation: Formerly known as attention-deficit disorder (ADD), people with this type don’t usually struggle with hyperactivity or impulsivity, but they experience trouble focusing on tasks and staying organized.
- Predominantly hyperactive-impulsive presentation: This type is marked by symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity. It may present with symptoms like fidgeting, interrupting others and difficulty sitting still.
- Combined presentation: This type presents symptoms from both of the above groups.
DSM-5 criteria
Below are the criteria for diagnosing each type of ADHD. The number of symptoms needed for diagnosis varies by age. Patients 16 and younger must present at least six symptoms of either inattentive and/or hyperactive-impulsive ADHD, while patients 17 and older must present at least five symptoms of either ADHD type.
Inattentive diagnosis criteria
- Poor listening skills
- Loses or misplaces items necessary to complete tasks
- Easily sidetracked by unimportant stimuli
- Forgets daily activities
- Short attention span
- Inability to complete homework, finish assignments or follow instructions
- Avoids tasks that require concentration
- Fails to focus on detail
Hyperactive-impulsive diagnosis criteria
- Squirms or fidgets with hands/feet
- Difficulty controlling restlessness
- Appears to always be “on the go”
- Lacks ability to engage in leisure activities quietly
- Inability to stay seated in class
- Overly talkative
- Difficulty waiting for turn
- Interrupts conversations/blurts answer
Combined diagnosis criteria
For a diagnosis of combined ADHD, patients must experience at least one symptom of both hyperactive-impulsive and inattentive ADHD. Patients 16 and younger must have a total combination of at least six symptoms of either type present for six months or longer, while patients 17 and older need a combination of at least five symptoms.
If your symptoms don’t align with the DSM-5 ADHD criteria, your doctor may suggest another possible explanation for your symptoms, such as sleep deprivation, stress or anxiety.
ADHD diagnosis cost
The cost of a full ADHD diagnosis without insurance can range from about $200 to $1,000 or more. Factors that can influence the cost of ADHD diagnosis include the type of insurance coverage you have, where you live, which health care professional you visit, your age and your income level.
The best way to find out how much it costs to get a complete ADHD assessment from a doctor is to talk to your insurance provider and a mental health professional’s office. Some clinics may offer sliding-scale fees based on income.
If you don’t have insurance and are looking for a reduced price, some websites offer lower-cost ADHD diagnosis and treatment plans. Depending on where you live, free clinics may also offer an ADHD diagnosis at little to no cost.
FAQ
Can I get an ADHD diagnosis online?
Yes, you can get an ADHD diagnosis online; some online companies connect you with a mental health professional for a consultation.
After taking an online self-assessment for ADHD, if you get a positive result, you’ll need to schedule an appointment with a trusted physician to get a full evaluation and to get properly diagnosed with ADHD. Beware of websites or social media platforms advertising that they can diagnose you with ADHD without the involvement of a medical professional.
What are the side effects of ADHD medication?
Side effects of stimulant ADHD medications such as Ritalin or Adderall may include decreased appetite, weight loss, difficulty sleeping, anxiety, minor growth delay and an upset stomach. These medications can also lead to increased heart rate and blood pressure and may make you feel jittery.
How can lifestyle changes help manage ADHD?
You can help manage your ADHD symptoms by creating a bedtime routine and staying consistent with it. Other potentially helpful lifestyle changes include incorporating a balanced diet, limiting screen time and doing regular exercise.
Bottom line
If you or a loved one is diagnosed with ADHD, it’s important to remember that your diagnosis does not define who you are; it defines the symptoms you are experiencing. A diagnosis helps you and those around you better understand how to effectively manage your symptoms for a more comfortable life.
An ADHD self-assessment is a good start to learning more about your condition. While a self-assessment isn’t a diagnosis, it can help you decide whether to schedule an official ADHD evaluation with a health care professional. When you’re ready to schedule an appointment with a health care professional, you can get an official diagnosis from a physician or online through a telehealth company.
Once you receive an official diagnosis, the best way to manage your ADHD symptoms is by sticking to a prescribed treatment plan.
Article sources
ConsumerAffairs writers primarily rely on government data, industry experts and original research from other reputable publications to inform their work. Specific sources for this article include:
- American Academy of Family Physicians, “DSM-5 Diagnostic Criteria for ADHD.” Accessed Jan. 14, 2025.
- American Psychiatric Association, “What is ADHD?” Accessed Jan. 14, 2025.
- Cleveland Clinic, “ADHD Medication.” Accessed Jan. 14, 2025.
- Cleveland Clinic, “Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)” Accessed Jan. 14, 2025.
- CHADD, “19 Tips for Finding Low-Cost ADHD Treatment” Accessed Jan. 14, 2025.
- Kaiser Permanente, “Lifestyle Strategies for Adult ADHD.” Accessed Jan. 14, 2025.
- Attention Deficit Disorder Association, “How To Get Diagnosed With ADHD: 7 Steps for Adults To Get an Accurate Evaluation.” Accessed Jan. 14, 2025.