Instead, a health professional uses anevaluation process to diagnose ADHD.
During the evaluation, a professional gathers information to determine if the criteria for ADHD are met.
Such tests can be used to diagnose ADHD in both children and adults.
Verywell / Brianna Gilmartin
Diagnostic Criteria
There are three main types of ADHDinattentive, hyperactive-impulsive, or combined.
After all, what’s the point if you don’t plan to takemedication?
Or, perhaps you’re concerned that being labeled with ADHD might hurt more than it helps.
Get our printable guide for your next doctor’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.
But, there are many advantages to getting an ADHD diagnosis.
Getting a diagnosis can help you or your child get the appropriate treatment and help rule out other conditions.
There is also an emotional benefit.
Thesymptomsassociated with ADHD can lead to feelings of guilt, shame, or embarrassment about underachieving.
A diagnosis may help reduce those emotions.
Accommodations at school or in theworkplacecan be granted when you show written evidence of a diagnosis.
Apsychiatrist, psychologist,psychotherapist, neurologist, and some physicians can diagnose ADHD.
Before booking an appointment, ask if the care provider has experience diagnosing ADHD.
If you’re interested in being assessed for ADHD, you might start by talking to your doctor.
Some pediatricians and general practitioners do diagnose ADHD.
ADHD cannot be diagnosed online.
However, there are many ADHD quizzes and questionnaires available online that act as a helpful self-screening process.
Taking a quiz can give you the confidence to reach out to a health professional for a formal diagnosis.
Be prepared to give a detailed social and family history.
Many healthcare providers will send you a questionnaire to complete the appointment.
Be sure to bring the completed forms with you to the appointment.
Get our printable guide for your next doctor’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.
The clinician may request to interview other people.
For adults, they might want to talk to their partners or other family members.
You may also be screened for learning disabilities.
Find out which option is the best for you.
A Word From Verywell
An ADHD diagnosis can cause you to feel a flood of emotions.
You might feel relieved to have an explanation for your symptoms.
Or, you may feel overwhelmed by what to do next.
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Symptoms and Diagnosis of ADHD.
2017;114(9):149159. doi:10.3238/arztebl.2017.0149
