How to Diagnose Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in Adults

Many people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, do not receive a diagnosis or treatment until adulthood. Adult ADHD affects approximately 4 percent of the adult population and can cause serious problems in work, relationships and daily activities. To receive a diagnosis of adult ADHD, you must meet certain criteria set out in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, or DSM. A family physician, neurologist, psychiatrist or psychologist can officially diagnose adult ADHD, so seek professional help if you think you may have the disorder.

Instructions

• 1

  Examine your personal history for indications that you suffer from adult ADHD. Inconsistent work history, academic underachievement, inability to complete basic daily activities and a history of problems in interpersonal relationships may be due to ADHD.

• 2

  Assess behaviors that indicate inattentiveness, a hallmark of adult ADHD. Identify at least six of the following behaviors: failure to pay close attention to details; difficulty sustaining attention in activities; inability to listen when spoken to; failure to follow instructions or finish work; difficulty organizing tasks; avoidance of tasks that require sustained attention and mental effort; losing items required to complete a task; distraction by external stimuli; forgetfulness.

• 3

  Identify symptoms of impulsivity or hyperactivity. You must display at least six of the following behaviors: fidgeting; leaving your seat when it is inappropriate to do so; feeling restless, difficulty quietly performing leisure activities; the need to be constantly on the go; excessive talkativeness; blurting out information before someone is done speaking; difficulty waiting your turn; frequent interruptions of others' activities.

• 4

  List your symptoms of inattentiveness and impulsivity or hyperactivity. Determine whether you have at least six behaviors either in the inattentiveness or impulsivity/hyperactivity domains.

• 5

  Determine whether your symptoms began before the age of 7. Ask parents, relatives or former teachers if you displayed any qualities of inattentiveness, hyperactivity or impulsivity. Assess school grades and report cards for indications that you struggled to assimilate information.

• 6

  Gauge your impairment in daily activities. Identify significant difficulties in at least two different settings, including work, home or school.

• 7

  Consult a doctor if you meet the above criteria for adult ADHD. Ask the doctor to screen for anxiety disorders, mood disorders, learning deficits, seizures, low blood pressure, lead poisoning or other conditions that mimic symptoms of ADHD.

• 8

  Seek a referral to a licensed psychiatrist or clinical psychologist for follow-up testing and treatment. Ask for a thorough psychological examination to determine your specific attention deficits.