You have been wondering for months. Maybe years. Something about the way your brain works feels different. You lose track of conversations. You start projects and never finish them. You forget appointments you just made.
And then someone says something -- a friend, a coworker, a random post online -- and it clicks. "That sounds like ADHD."
Now what?
Getting diagnosed is not as complicated as most people think. But it does require the right provider, the right process, and the right information going in. This guide covers all of it.
Who Can Diagnose ADHD?
Not every doctor can diagnose ADHD. Your primary care physician might suspect it, but a formal diagnosis usually comes from one of these providers:
Psychiatrists -- Medical doctors who specialize in mental health. They can diagnose ADHD and prescribe medication in the same visit. This is the fastest path from "I think I have it" to "I am being treated for it."
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners (PMHNPs) -- Advanced practice nurses with specialized training in mental health. They can diagnose and prescribe just like psychiatrists. Most ADHD One providers are PMHNPs.
Psychologists -- They can diagnose ADHD through testing and clinical interviews. But they cannot prescribe medication. You would need a separate provider for that.
Primary Care Doctors -- Some will diagnose and treat ADHD. Many will not. And even the ones who do often have long waitlists and limited experience with ADHD specifically.
The bottom line: if you want diagnosis and treatment in one place, you need a prescribing provider who specializes in ADHD.
What Happens During an ADHD Evaluation?
An ADHD evaluation is a conversation. Not a blood test. Not a brain scan. A structured, clinical conversation between you and a licensed provider.
Here is what to expect:
Symptom review. Your provider will ask about specific ADHD symptoms -- inattention, hyperactivity, impulsivity. They will ask how often these happen, how severe they are, and how long they have been going on. ADHD symptoms must have been present before age 12 to meet diagnostic criteria.
Functional impact. ADHD is not just about having symptoms. It is about those symptoms interfering with your life. Your provider will ask about work performance, relationships, daily tasks, and anything else that feels harder than it should.
Medical and mental health history. Some conditions look like ADHD but are not. Anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, and thyroid problems can all cause focus issues. Your provider needs to rule these out or identify them as co-occurring conditions.
Screening tools. Most providers use validated screening instruments like the ASRS (Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale). You can take our free ADHD screening before your appointment to get a head start.
DSM-5 criteria. Your provider applies the official diagnostic criteria from the DSM-5. For adults, you need at least 5 of 9 inattentive symptoms OR 5 of 9 hyperactive-impulsive symptoms, present for at least 6 months, causing impairment in two or more settings.
The whole evaluation typically takes 45 to 60 minutes. At ADHD One, most patients complete their evaluation in a single appointment.
Do I Need Neuropsychological Testing?
Short answer: probably not.
Neuropsychological testing involves hours of computerized tests, memory exercises, and cognitive assessments. It can cost ,000 to ,000. And for most adults, it is not necessary.
A clinical evaluation with a qualified provider is sufficient for an ADHD diagnosis in the vast majority of cases. The American Psychiatric Association does not require neuropsych testing for diagnosis.
When might testing be helpful? If your symptoms are unusual, if multiple conditions overlap, or if previous treatment has not worked. But that applies to a small percentage of patients.
How Long Does Diagnosis Take?
This depends entirely on where you go.
Traditional psychiatry clinics: 2 to 4 months just to get an appointment. Then another 1 to 2 visits before a diagnosis is confirmed.
ADHD One: most patients get an appointment within the same week. Your provider can diagnose and begin treatment in that first visit if appropriate. See our same-week appointment availability.
The evaluation itself takes under an hour. The wait to get into a provider's office is what takes months -- unless you choose a provider designed for speed.
What Happens After Diagnosis?
Once your provider confirms ADHD, the next step is a treatment plan. This usually includes one or more of the following:
Medication. Stimulant medications (like Adderall, Vyvanse, and Ritalin) are the most effective treatment for ADHD. Non-stimulant options (like Strattera and Qelbree) are available if stimulants are not a good fit. Read our complete medication guide for details on every option.
Behavioral strategies. Medication handles the neurological side. But you also need systems -- calendars, reminders, routines, and organizational tools that work with your brain instead of against it.
Follow-up care. ADHD treatment is not "one appointment and done." Your provider will schedule regular check-ins to monitor how medication is working, adjust dosages, and address side effects. This ongoing relationship is what separates real treatment from a one-time prescription.
How Much Does an ADHD Diagnosis Cost?
Costs vary depending on where you go and whether you have insurance.
With insurance: You will typically pay a copay for the evaluation visit -- usually 0 to 5 depending on your plan. Most major insurance plans cover ADHD evaluations as a standard mental health benefit.
Without insurance: A clinical evaluation usually runs 00 to 00. Neuropsychological testing (which most people do not need) can cost ,000 to ,000.
For a detailed breakdown, see our guide on ADHD evaluation costs and what to expect.
Common Myths That Stop People from Getting Diagnosed
"I did well in school, so I can't have ADHD." Intelligence and ADHD are separate things. Many people with ADHD compensate with intelligence, extra effort, or anxiety-driven perfectionism. Doing well in school does not rule out ADHD.
"ADHD is just for kids." ADHD does not go away when you turn 18. About 60% of children with ADHD continue to have significant symptoms as adults. And many adults are diagnosed for the first time in their 30s, 40s, or later. Learn more about adult ADHD.
"I am not hyperactive, so it is probably not ADHD." There are three types of ADHD: predominantly inattentive, predominantly hyperactive-impulsive, and combined. The inattentive type -- marked by disorganization, forgetfulness, and difficulty sustaining attention -- is the most commonly missed in adults.
"Getting diagnosed means I have to take medication." Diagnosis gives you information. What you do with it is your choice. Medication is the most effective treatment, but it is not mandatory. Some people use behavioral strategies alone. Others combine both. The point of diagnosis is to understand what you are dealing with.
Not sure if you have ADHD?
Take our free 2-minute screening. It is based on the same clinical tool providers use.
Take the Free ScreeningADHD Diagnosis FAQs
Can I get diagnosed through a video appointment?
Yes. Licensed providers can diagnose ADHD and prescribe medication through secure video check-ups, following current DEA and state guidelines. This is how most ADHD One appointments work -- you connect with a provider from home and complete your check-up in one visit.
What should I bring to my check-up?
Your insurance card, a list of current medications, and any previous medical records related to ADHD or mental health. If you have taken our free screening, bring those results too. It also helps to write down specific examples of how symptoms affect your daily life.
Can my primary care doctor diagnose ADHD?
Some primary care doctors will diagnose and treat ADHD, but many prefer to refer you to a specialist. Even those who do treat it may have less experience with ADHD than a mental health provider. For the most thorough check-up, see someone who specializes in ADHD.
How is ADHD diagnosed differently in women?
Women with ADHD are more likely to present with inattentive symptoms -- disorganization, forgetfulness, mental fog -- rather than hyperactivity. They are also more likely to have developed coping strategies that mask symptoms. Standard screening tools still work, but women who score near the threshold should strongly consider a full check-up.
Is there a blood test or brain scan for ADHD?
No. ADHD is diagnosed through clinical check-up -- a structured conversation with a licensed provider who applies DSM-5 criteria. There is no blood test, brain scan, or single definitive test for ADHD. The clinical interview remains the gold standard.