Adult ADHD Diagnosis Process

In the first session, the focus is on a general mental health evaluation and ADHD assessment triage. This initial meeting explores ADHD symptoms alongside the individual’s broader psychological and emotional wellbeing, as ADHD often coexists with conditions such as anxiety or depression. The clinician will also discuss signs of ADHD in children vs adults, helping to identify how the condition has manifested over time. Understanding the patient’s childhood history, challenges in relationships, difficulties at work, and experiences with ADHD and sleep are crucial for tailoring the assessment. This session lays the groundwork for exploring how ADHD in adults presents differently from other conditions, ensuring a personalised approach to the diagnostic process.

​

The second session involves administering the Adult ADHD test using the DIVA-5, or Diagnostic Interview for ADHD in Adults. This structured tool is a gold standard in assessing ADHD symptoms in adults. It systematically evaluates behaviours related to inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity in both childhood and adulthood, key for determining a consistent pattern. The DIVA-5 delves into how symptoms like forgetfulness, distractibility, and restlessness affect the individual’s daily life, from challenges in managing ADHD at work to struggles in ADHD and relationships. By capturing specific instances of ADHD traits across various contexts, this phase ensures a detailed and reliable diagnosis.

​

The third session focuses on discussing the results and exploring ADHD treatment options. The clinician provides a clear explanation of the findings, addressing any questions about what is ADHD and how it impacts the patient’s life. Treatment planning is collaborative, offering a range of approaches including ADHD medication, therapies, and lifestyle adjustments. For those seeking alternatives, natural remedies for ADHD can also be considered. Patients often find this session empowering, as it helps them understand the role of ADHD management in improving their quality of life. The discussion also highlights the importance of strategies like ADHD coaching, support resources, and structured routines to manage symptoms effectively.

​

At The OAD Clinic, the diagnostic process recognises that ADHD does not exist in isolation. Comorbidities such as ADHD and anxiety, ADHD and autism, and the emotional toll of living with undiagnosed ADHD are carefully addressed. This holistic approach ensures that the diagnosis and subsequent ADHD management are tailored to each individual’s needs, from coping with ADHD and work challenges to enhancing focus and emotional regulation.

​

For adults grappling with ADHD symptoms, understanding their condition is a transformative step. The thorough evaluation process at The OAD Clinic equips patients with the insights and tools necessary for effective ADHD management, empowering them to achieve greater fulfilment in their personal and professional lives.

​

These measurements are then compared to a large age- and gender-matched normative sample, as well as to a sample population of individuals independently diagnosed with ADHD. These comparison results are used to create an immediately available, easy-to-read report.