In adulthood, ADHD is assessed by a team of professionals with training and expertise in ADHD, with their findings put together to make a diagnosis. In the assessment of ADHD in adults, this team of professionals often includes:
GP or other medical practitioner: to assess and treat any related health issues
Psychologist: a mental health professional with training in the assessment and treatment of developmental, learning, behavioural and mental health disorders
Psychiatrist: a mental health professional with medical training who assesses and treats a range of mental health disorders, and who can prescribe medications to address mental health symptoms.
This team of professionals assess for the following:
- Does the person present with ongoing signs of inattention, hyperactivity or impulsivity?
- Do these symptoms significantly and negatively impact on the person’s day-to-day functioning?
- Were these symptoms present before age 12?
- Do they occur in different settings (e.g., work and home)?
- Could another reason better explain the symptoms?
Answering these questions involves interviews, taking a detailed history of the person’s development, physical health, and mental health, and careful consideration of other information such as previous records, prior school reports, and family accounts.
The psychologist might test the person’s memory, attention, and other skills. The assessor might also observe the person across different settings to see how they behave in different environments with different demands on behaviour.