How to get an ADHD diagnosis as a woman

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, exists in people of all ages. In recent years, social media has played a big role in boosting awareness of ADHD, particularly in adult women. This flood of information has driven a lot of women to wonder if they may have ADHD. 

There are many reasons why you might be seeking a diagnosis as an adult. Perhaps you saw a post on social media that you saw yourself reflected in. Or maybe your child received an ADHD diagnosis — it can be hereditary — and now you’re wondering if you might have it too. 

Looking into an ADHD diagnosis may be a good idea. Getting a diagnosis can help you better manage symptoms or get accommodations at work. ADHD and other conditions can also look alike, or two conditions can occur together. Treatments for those other conditions can be different from treatments for ADHD. For example, anxiety, depression, and trauma all share some symptoms with ADHD, but the treatments aren’t the same. A proper diagnosis is key to finding treatments that work. 

Why ADHD can be difficult to diagnose in women 

Many women with ADHD don’t get a diagnosis until adulthood. The main symptoms of ADHD are the same for men and women, but they often show up differently in women. And health care providers may not pick up on these differences because the official criteria used to diagnose ADHD is based on how ADHD looks in young boys.

In boys, ADHD often looks more hyperactive and impulsive. Symptoms may be more disruptive, which makes them harder to miss. But girls with ADHD often go overlooked because their symptoms are subtler. Additionally, girls with ADHD often put a lot of energy into masking their symptoms. Or they find ways to cope — up to a point.¹

Many women who were able to cope with ADHD symptoms as kids find that they’re no longer able to manage as adults. This is partly because of the challenges of adulthood, like paying bills on time or keeping track of multiple schedules. These types of tasks require executive function skills, which help us learn, work, and manage daily life. And they can overwhelm grown-up ADHD brains.

Who can diagnose ADHD?

There’s no one test to diagnose ADHD. If you think you might have ADHD, ask a health care provider, such as your primary care physician, if your symptoms match an ADHD diagnosis.² If they do, your physician might refer you for further testing with someone qualified to perform ADHD evaluations for adults.³  

Here are some professionals who can diagnose ADHD:

• Primary care physicians can diagnose ADHD and prescribe medication. They can’t provide detailed evaluations. But they can refer you to support services like therapy or coaching.

• Clinical psychologists with ADHD expertise can diagnose ADHD — or another mental health issue. They can’t prescribe medication, but they can offer therapy and strategies to help with life skills.

• Psychiatrists with ADHD expertise can diagnose ADHD (or another mental health issue) and prescribe medication. They do not typically offer counseling.

• Neurologists can diagnose ADHD if you’re seeing them to rule out another neurological problem, such as a seizure disorder. They can prescribe medication, but they don’t provide counseling.

• Neuropsychologists are psychologists who diagnose and treat problems with the way the brain works. They can diagnose ADHD but will likely not offer counseling.

• Nurse practitioners with advanced training in psychiatry (also called psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners or advanced psychiatric nurse practitioners) can diagnose ADHD, prescribe medication, and offer counseling.

• Clinical social workers can diagnose ADHD and offer counseling, but they can’t prescribe medication.

Many people get a diagnosis from a physician and then see a psychologist for counseling and to build skills. 

How is ADHD diagnosed?

Getting an ADHD evaluation begins with a visit to a professional who’s trained to evaluate people for ADHD. They’ll ask you a series of questions to help determine if an ADHD diagnosis is right for you. The evaluation takes one to three hours and has five parts:

1. First, they’ll ask key questions about you. These might include the age you first walked and talked, how you did (and felt) at school, and your medical history.

2. Then they’ll ask you to describe your daily life. This helps determine how ADHD may or may not be affecting you. 

3. You may be asked to fill out a checklist about your ADHD symptoms (how often you have them and how severe they are).

4. They should also ask about other conditions. Be sure to tell them about any pre-existing medical issues or mental health struggles, including anxiety and depression. 

5. At the end, you’ll get a final report that explains your test results and recommends ways to help.

Evaluations are important, but they’re not always easy to get. They can be expensive and aren’t always covered by insurance. There may not be many qualified ADHD professionals in your area. And if there are, they may have a waitlist. Understanding how to advocate for yourself — and learning about your ADHD symptoms — can help. 

How to advocate for yourself during an ADHD evaluation

Follow these tips to get the most out of a meeting with your health care provider.

• Make a list of questions you want to ask before your appointment. For example, you might ask “What kind of treatment options are there?” Or “Can you help me find someone who takes my insurance?” 

• Take your time, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. You should understand everything that’s being said during the appointment. If you aren’t sure you understand, ask for more information. “Can you help me understand what that means?” “Can you explain that a bit more?”

• Ask what the next steps should be. “Should I speak to someone about medication?” “Do you have any resources on ADHD?”

Next steps

Once you’ve been diagnosed, your health care provider should give you a recommendation for treatment. The best treatment for ADHD is often medication and therapy. Be patient. Finding the right medication and dosage can take time. 

But don’t stop there. It’s important to find strategies and tools that actually help you manage your ADHD symptoms. Some ideas:

• Manage your time and tasks with planners, calendars, or apps

• Try tools that help break tasks into small, manageable steps

• Experiment with fidget tools, like a stress ball to help you stay calm

• Use a white-noise machine or noise-canceling headphones to minimize distractions

• Identify stress triggers and find relaxation techniques that work for you

• Ask for accommodations at work⁴ 

With support, time, and some trial and error, you’ll find a routine that’ll help you manage your ADHD symptoms. 

Summary  

ADHD is a common disorder. It can make it hard to learn, work, and manage life. ADHD symptoms can look different in men and women. In girls, symptoms can be harder to spot than they are in boys. This means a lot of women don’t know they have ADHD until adulthood. Getting an expert diagnosis is important, but it has its challenges. Finding a provider who can give a good evaluation for ADHD is key. Mental health professionals such as psychologists, psychiatrists, and social workers can all diagnose ADHD. Primary care physicians and specialized nurse practitioners can also help you get an ADHD diagnosis. Getting the right diagnosis will help you find strategies that’ll work for you.