Diagnosing ADHD

Why it’s important

Many people with ADHD lead happy and successful lives.

An accurate diagnosis is the first step towards managing ADHD and building the life that you want. Although there is no cure for ADHD, it can be well managed when properly diagnosed and treated. ADHD therapy focuses on improving ADHD symptoms, to increase attention and decrease impulsiveness and hyperactivity. This in turn can help with a person’s day-to-day functioning, with the ultimate goal of improving overall quality of life.

How is ADHD diagnosed?

It’s important to know that ADHD cannot be diagnosed based only on a conversation, or brief observations during a doctor’s appointment (when symptoms of ADHD are often not present or very noticeable).

There is no single test for ADHD; however, a qualified doctor can evaluate you or your child by taking a thorough life history. This evaluation process includes gathering information from multiple sources, such as:

  • ADHD symptom checklists
  • Standardized behaviour rating scales
  • A detailed history of how symptoms or behaviours have affected your or your child’s ability to function in daily life (both in the past as well as the present)
  • Information obtained from family members or significant others who know you or your child well
  • Investigating possible co-occurring conditions

You’re never too old to get an ADHD diagnosis.

Being diagnosed as an adult may help give you and your family a new understanding of unexplained behaviours or problems that you have struggled with since childhood—and, most importantly, a plan for making improvements for the future.

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The opinions expressed by speakers are based on their personal experiences and are not necessarily representative of those of the general population nor of the sponsor of this website.

Other Conditions & ADHD

Not only does ADHD share similar symptoms with other conditions, but there are also many conditions that can occur at the same time as ADHD.

Learn more about other conditions and ADHD

Understand Your Treatment Options

Wondering what happens next when you know that it’s ADHD? Find out more about the different treatment options and support available.

Take steps to make a plan

Need Help Talking to Your Doctor about ADHD?

Are you exploring a possible ADHD diagnosis? Or have questions about your current ADHD treatment plan? Our Doctor Discussion Guides can help you get the conversation started.

Doctor Discussion Guides