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What Should I Do If I Disagree with the Test Results? 

If you find yourself disputing ADHD test results, it is important to approach the situation thoughtfully. Although your ADHD assessment results offer important insights, they are not fixed and can change over time. If you feel that the diagnosis or findings do not reflect your true experience, there are steps you can take to address challenging results and ensure that you get the support you need. 

You might disagree with your ADHD test results for several reasons for example, you may feel the identified symptoms don’t fully reflect your challenges, or you might have noticed inconsistencies in your performance during the tests. Regardless of the cause, seeking a second opinion or exploring an appeal process can provide clarity and help ensure that the diagnosis is accurate. 

Steps to Take If You Disagree with Test Results 

Here are some options for addressing disagreements with ADHD test results: 

Request a Second Opinion: 

If you are not satisfied with the diagnosis, it is completely reasonable to seek a second opinion from another qualified professional. Different clinicians may use different assessment methods or interpret the results in varying ways. Seeking a second opinion can give you a clearer understanding and help determine whether ADHD is actually the underlying cause of your difficulties. 

Discuss the Results with Your Clinician:  

Open communication with the healthcare provider who conducted the test is crucial. Express your concerns and ask for a detailed explanation of the results. This will help you understand how the conclusions were drawn and allow you to voice any doubts or misunderstandings. In some cases, the clinician might offer additional tests or information to address your concerns. 

Consider Further Testing:  

If the initial tests don’t fully capture the scope of your symptoms, further evaluations may be necessary. Additional tests or a more comprehensive assessment could provide a clearer picture and help resolve any discrepancies. 

Appeal Process:  

In rare cases, you may wish to formally appeal the results if you believe there has been a significant oversight or error in the testing process. This process typically involves requesting a review or additional evaluations by a different professional or institution. Depending on the nature of the dispute, an appeal might involve a detailed examination of the testing procedures, scoring, or interpretation. 

Ultimately, disputing ADHD test results requires patience and a proactive approach to ensure that you receive the most accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Providers like ADHD Certify can guide you through the process, whether you’re seeking clarification or considering a second opinion. For personal consultations on the risks of ADHD testing, visit providers like ADHD Certify.

For a deeper dive into the science, diagnosis, and full treatment landscape, read our complete guide to Cognitive and neuropsychological testing.

Victoria Rowe, MSc, author for my patient advice - mypatientadvice.co.uk

Victoria Rowe, MSc

Author

Victoria Rowe is a health psychologist with a Master’s in Health Psychology and a BS in Applied Psychology. She has experience as a school psychologist, conducting behavioural assessments, developing individualized education plans (IEPs), and supporting children’s mental health. Dr. Rowe has contributed to peer-reviewed research on mental health, including studies on anxiety disorders and the impact of COVID-19 on healthcare systems. Skilled in SPSS, Minitab, and academic writing, she is committed to advancing psychological knowledge and promoting well-being through evidence-based practice.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the author's privacy. 

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS, author and a reviewer for my patient advice - mypatientadvice.co.uk

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

Reviewer

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez is a UK-trained physician with an MBBS and experience in general surgery, cardiology, internal medicine, gynecology, intensive care, and emergency medicine. She has managed critically ill patients, stabilised acute trauma cases, and provided comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care. In psychiatry, Dr. Fernandez has worked with psychotic, mood, anxiety, and substance use disorders, applying evidence-based approaches such as CBT, ACT, and mindfulness-based therapies. Her skills span patient assessment, treatment planning, and the integration of digital health solutions to support mental well-being.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the reviewer's privacy.