ADHD in adults is often misunderstood or misdiagnosed. In fact, many adults unknowingly struggle with ADHD symptoms for years, never finding answers or lasting relief. There are multiple reasons for this, such as the fact that ADHD can present differently in adults than it does in children.
However, we’re here to share the right resources to guide you on how to get an accurate ADHD diagnosis as an adult. Undiagnosed ADHD in adults can severely interfere with work, interpersonal relationships, self-esteem, and many other aspects of life.
A proper diagnosis can be an essential turning point, helping to ensure you get the tailored support needed to thrive in everyday life. Keep reading to get started!
Key Points:
- ADHD is often missed or goes undiagnosed in adults.
- A full diagnostic evaluation is essential for accurate detection and treatment.
- People might go through a range of emotions, like relief and grief, after getting an ADHD diagnosis; this is normal.
- Treatment for adult ADHD can differ from person to person. A trusted healthcare provider can help you find the right approach(es) for you.
Why ADHD is Often Missed in Adults
Why is ADHD so often missed in adults? When people think of ADHD, many picture the “hyperactive child” stereotype–a young boy who seems as though he is “driven by a motor,” who runs about and struggles to sit still in class. Adult ADHD, on the other hand, is frequently overlooked due to factors such as:
- Masking: Adults with undiagnosed ADHD may feel shame regarding their ADHD symptoms. This can lead people to “mask” (hide) symptoms to cope, making them harder for professionals to detect.
- Changes in Symptom Presentation: How ADHD symptoms manifest can change with age. For example, hyperactivity may lessen over time.[1] However, challenges in adult life related to ADHD can be highly disruptive.
- Misdiagnosis: Some adults with ADHD are misdiagnosed with another condition. For example, anxiety, bipolar disorder, or depression. This is often due to overlapping symptoms and a lack of awareness.
- Comorbidities: While some are misdiagnosed with conditions they don’t have at all, others may have multiple conditions, such as co-occurring ADHD and bipolar disorder. This can make ADHD harder to diagnose.
- Stigma and Diagnostic Bias: Providers who are not versed in the adult population may overlook ADHD symptoms due to stereotypes. Similarly, girls and women often go undiagnosed as children, typically getting diagnosed later than their male counterparts.[2]
Additionally, many adults confuse stress or anxiety with ADHD. That’s why ruling out other possible causes is crucial during the diagnostic process.
Common Signs of ADHD in Adults
What might ADHD look like in adults? There are three types of ADHD: predominantly inattentive, predominantly hyperactive-impulsive, and combined type. Depending on the type of ADHD someone has, they may display symptoms differently.
In adults, inattention symptoms may look like:
- Difficulty with activities that require sustained focus - you might start projects, but struggle to finish them, or avoid tasks that require ongoing concentration (like paperwork or reading a long list of instructions).
- Forgetfulness - forgetting to eat, pay bills, or complete other daily life tasks, losing train of thought during conversations, or having trouble remembering important steps when completing a task.
- Careless mistakes - making errors that appear careless to others (e.g., when completing written forms, projects at work, errands, or household tasks).
- Poor time management - turning in work after its due date, arriving late to appointments or social gatherings.
- Misplaced objects - losing essential items, like your wallet, car keys, phone, or work materials, frequently.
- Trouble with organization - messy workspace or home, difficulty planning or organizing activities.
- “Not listening” - unintentionally, your mind wanders during conversations, meetings, or seminars.
- Distractibility - getting sidetracked more easily than others.
Hyperactivity/impulsivity symptoms tend to manifest very differently in adulthood compared to childhood. In adults, these may include:
- Being “on the go” - your brain is fast-paced; you might jump from one activity to another, have trouble staying still for long periods of time, or have an onslaught of ideas, which you act on quickly.
- Excessive talking - you may have been told that you are more chatty than other people, go on about certain topics you are interested in, or over-explain.
- Leaving your seat - if you are expected to remain seated–during a work meeting, for example–you might get up or struggle to stay seated.
- Restlessness - difficulty being still, or internal feelings of restlessness (e.g., a constant need for stimulation).
- Struggling to take part in leisure activities quietly - you often talk to yourself, sing, or make noises.
- Impatience - trouble waiting for your turn (e.g., difficulty waiting in lines or for your turn to speak).
- Interrupting others - interrupting other people’s conversations or activities.
- Blurting - you might blurt things out or speak without thinking.
When seeking ADHD testing for adults, it can be helpful to ask the provider whether they have experience working with adults before you make an appointment. That way, you can feel more confident in their ability to detect adult ADHD.
What an Accurate ADHD Diagnosis Really Involves
To get an accurate ADHD diagnosis, you must get a full diagnostic evaluation. Typically, this process will involve:
- Written Questionnaire: You can expect to complete written questionnaires, checklists, or rating scales, which will screen you for symptoms based on the most up-to-date diagnostic criteria for ADHD.[3]
- A Detailed Clinical Interview: A healthcare provider will ask questions about your symptoms, when they started, and how they affect your life. You might discuss work, interpersonal relationships, what school was like for you as a child, and your internal thought processes.
- History-Taking: For adults, history-taking is often an imperative part of the diagnostic process. Providers may want to speak with someone who has known you for a long time, such as a parent or spouse, or they may gather information from old school records (e.g., your report cards).
- Medical and Mental Health Evaluations: Sleep disorders, mental health conditions, thyroid problems, and learning disabilities can all cause symptoms similar to those seen in ADHD. Medical and mental health evaluations help providers rule out other possible symptom causes and distinguish co-occurring conditions.
As you look into adult ADHD, you might complete an online screening or questionnaire. While these are helpful, they aren’t the same as a diagnostic evaluation.
ADHD Screening vs. a Full Diagnostic Evaluation
What’s the difference between an ADHD screening vs. a full diagnostic evaluation?
An ADHD screening usually involves a checklist of symptoms or a questionnaire. While a screening can’t tell you if you have ADHD for sure, the score you get during the screening can tell you that you might have ADHD and could benefit from a full diagnostic evaluation from a medical professional.
A full diagnostic evaluation involves a qualified medical professional looking at your complete personal and medical history. They’ll make sure that you meet the full criteria for ADHD and will guide you through a multi-step process, conducted carefully to ensure that anything relevant to your case is not overlooked.
Who Can Diagnose ADHD in Adults?
The first step toward getting an ADHD diagnosis as an adult is to talk with a medical provider. They might be able to diagnose you themselves, or they might refer you to a specialized professional who can.
Not every medical doctor is an ADHD specialist. Only a qualified medical provider can diagnose ADHD. For example, psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, psychiatric physician assistants, and psychologists who specialize in ADHD.
What to Expect During an ADHD Evaluation
Some aspects of what to expect during an ADHD evaluation depend on the provider you see, the clinic you go to, and your unique situation. Thorough ADHD evaluations take at least a few hours to complete.
In some cases, it can take days or weeks to get a diagnosis. This is especially true when a provider must rule out other medical conditions or obtain records from other healthcare professionals or schools you attended as a child.
In some cases, an evaluation might take several appointments. Having as much information ready as possible (e.g., personal and family history, names of schools you attended, names of past therapists and psychiatrists) can help the process along.
How ADHD is Diagnosed Using the DSM-5-TR Criteria
It’s important that you know the criteria for ADHD so that you can be better informed. This does not mean that you should self-diagnose. However, it can give you insight as to whether you should pursue a diagnosis or get a second opinion if you’ve already seen one provider about potentially having ADHD. DSM-5-TR criteria for ADHD assert that:
- Persons aged 17+ must have at least five symptoms of either inattention, hyperactivity/impulsivity, or both (six or more symptoms for those under age 17).
- There is clear evidence that symptoms impair functioning in two or more areas (e.g., work, school, home, social situations).
- Several inattentive or hyperactive-impulsive symptoms started before age 12.
- Symptoms are not better explained by another diagnosis.
- Symptoms have endured for at least six months.
The DSM-5-TR is the most up-to-date version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders at this time (2025). In future variations, we may see changes to ADHD criteria.
When to Seek a Second Opinion
Adult ADHD is largely underdiagnosed.[4] Many people with the disorder do not get a proper diagnosis or treatment. If you want to know whether you should seek a second opinion, you’re not alone. For example, you could be in a situation where:
- The provider you saw did not complete a full evaluation. Maybe, your symptoms were brushed off, or it felt hurried and inaccurate.
- The provider you saw did not have a sufficient understanding of adult ADHD. Perhaps, they primarily worked with kids, showed potential bias (e.g., gender bias), or did not specialize in ADHD.
- Your current treatment protocol isn’t working. While you may simply need to adjust treatment approaches (e.g., medication types, therapeutic modalities), some individuals may get treated for the wrong condition prior to an adult ADHD diagnosis.
In short, if you feel strongly that ADHD could be the cause of your symptoms, it may be worth it to get a second opinion. The same is true for those who feel that they might’ve been misdiagnosed with ADHD.
What Happens After an Adult ADHD Diagnosis?
Everyone responds to their ADHD diagnosis differently. Having a medical professional who can help you through the variety of emotions and next steps you might go through matters.
- Relief: People often experience a great sense of relief following an adult ADHD diagnosis. Your life will likely start to make sense: challenges with focus, forgetfulness, work, school, or interpersonal relationships are now rightfully attributed to a neurodevelopmental condition.
- Education: Learning more about ADHD from your healthcare professionals and reputable resources, like this blog, can help you understand yourself better and find strategies that work. This can take trial and error, so be gentle with yourself!
- Treatment: ADHD treatment looks different for everyone. Medication is effective in most people with the disorder. Ultimately, it’s a personal choice for adults with ADHD. Counseling, lifestyle changes, and ADHD-specific strategies (e.g., time management strategies) are some examples of what can help.
- Grief: Some people go through a period of grief after their ADHD diagnosis. Like relief, this is normal. With support and time, you can shift toward acceptance.
Clarity Clinic offers comprehensive care for adult ADHD. We can help you get set up with a specialized psychiatrist for ADHD diagnosis and treatment.
Online and In-Person ADHD Testing in Chicago
Our experienced ADHD psychiatrists and therapists are here to help you find answers. Our integrated approach ensures that you get coordinated, compassionate care, every step of the way. Our mental health clinics proudly offer the best ADHD assessments for adults and ADHD treatment for adults.
Explore our convenient clinic locations in IL:
Book now or call our admissions line (312) 815-9660 for online and in-person ADHD testing and treatment in Chicago and surrounding areas today.
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Adult ADHD Diagnosis FAQs
Psychiatrists, psychiatric physician assistants, psychiatric nurse practitioners, and clinical psychologists can diagnose ADHD in adults. Make sure to ask your provider if they have experience in testing and treating adult ADHD. Some providers will even list the conditions they specialize in on their bio/profile.
- Psychiatrists: Medical doctors who specialize in mental health and can provide a diagnosis and manage medication.
- Clinical Psychologists: Experts in psychological testing and behavioral therapy.
It can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks to get a diagnosis. The timeline depends on multiple factors such as: how complex the symptoms are, if there is a complex medical history, provider availability, and how easy it is to access necessary information.
- Complex Symptoms: If symptoms are complex, it may take more time for the provider to rule out other conditions.
- Complex History: If the patient has a long complex medical history, it might take a little longer to review everything thoroughly.
- Provider Availability: If the provider does not have many open appointments, it can take longer to be seen if multiple visits are needed.
- Access to Information: The time it takes the provider to access all the necessary information. This can include: medical history, symptoms that were present in childhood, access to someone who knows you and can attest to certain behaviors in childhood and adulthood.
To test for ADHD in adults, a thorough evaluation is conducted to collect the necessary information. This includes questionnaires, checklists, clinical interviews, history taking, and mental health evaluations. Doctors may also conduct a physical exam to rule out other medical issues.
Adult ADHD testing will typically take a few hours to complete. Anywhere between 2-8 hours (spread across multiple sessions if needed).
References
[1] U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (n.d.). ADHD in adults: 4 things to know. National Institute of Mental Health. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/adhd-what-you-need-to-know
[2] Martin, J. (2024). Why are females less likely to be diagnosed with ADHD in childhood than males? The Lancet Psychiatry, 11(4), 303–310. https://doi.org/10.1016/s2215-0366(24)00010-5
[3] Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (n.d.-a). Table 7, DSM-IV to DSM-5 attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder comparison - DSM-5 changes - NCBI bookshelf. DSM-5 Changes: Implications for Child Serious Emotional Disturbance [Internet]. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK519712/table/ch3.t3/
[4] Rivas-Vazquez, R. A., Diaz, S. G., Visser, M. M., & Rivas-Vazquez, A. A. (2023). Adult ADHD: Underdiagnosis of a treatable condition. Journal of health service psychology. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9884156/
