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How Do Doctors Diagnose ADHD in Adults? 

PostedOctober 15, 2025
UpdatedOctober 16, 2025
ByMy Patient Advice
Author: Harriet Winslow, BSc | Reviewed by: Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

Getting an adult ADHD diagnosis involves more than just filling in a form. It’s a structured process where doctors gather information about your current symptoms, medical history, and how these issues have affected your life over time. Unlike childhood diagnoses, adult assessments often rely more on self-reporting and reflection. 

The diagnostic process ADHD focused usually includes an in-depth conversation with your doctor, covering your developmental background, work history, and everyday challenges. They may also use questionnaires or screening tools and, in some cases, ask for input from a partner or family member. The goal is to build a clear picture of how your symptoms align with the clinical criteria ADHD requires for diagnosis. 

Get a personalised assessment for ADHD

How It Helps to Understand the Process 

Knowing what to expect from an adult ADHD diagnosis can help you prepare and feel more confident during your appointment. 

Review of Life History 

Doctors look at patterns of attention, impulsivity, or restlessness that began in childhood and have continued into adulthood. 

Current Symptoms Assessment 

You’ll be asked about how symptoms affect your daily life now, such as work, relationships, or general functioning. 

Use of Clinical Tools 

To support the diagnosis, your doctor may use standardised tools that match symptoms with the clinical criteria ADHD requires. 

Understanding the diagnostic process ADHD related helps ensure you’re ready to have an open and informed conversation with your doctor. 

Visit providers like ADHD Certify for personal consultations and expert advice tailored to your needs.    

For a deeper dive into the science, diagnosis, and full treatment landscape, read our complete guide to How to talk to doctors or get assessed. 

Get a personalised assessment for ADHD
Harriet Winslow, BSc - My patient advice author - mypatientadvice.co.uk
Harriet Winslow, BSc
Author

Harriet Winslow is a clinical psychologist with a Bachelor’s in Clinical Psychology and extensive experience in behaviour therapy and developmental disorders. She has worked with children and adolescents with ADHD, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), learning disabilities, and behavioural challenges, providing individual and group therapy using evidence-based approaches such as CBT and DBT. Dr. Winslow has developed and implemented personalised treatment plans, conducted formal and informal assessments, and delivered crisis intervention for clients in need of urgent mental health care. Her expertise spans assessment, treatment planning, and behavioural intervention for both neurodevelopmental and mental health conditions.

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.