Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, is a mental disorder that is characterized by inattention and impulsivity actions that cause problems at home, work or school and with relationships. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, an ADHD diagnosis can only be made if the symptoms began in childhood and continued into adulthood. There are no medical tests available to diagnose ADHD, so ADHD can only be diagnosed by a doctor or a licensed mental health professional like a doctor, clinical social worker or clinical psychologist who evaluates the patient.
Evaluation of Symptoms
A mental health professional will compare the symptoms described to a checklist of symptoms that occur with ADHD, according to the National Resource Center on ADHD. The checklist includes items about attention, memory, organization, project completion, hyperactivity and impulsivity.
Behavior Tests
A mental health professional may administer tests to learn more about a patient's behavior to in determining if he has ADHD. The professional may ask questions or have the patient fill out rating scales about different behaviors.
Personal History
A mental health professional will be interested in learning about the patient's past and present to determine if she is experiencing any problems in her life and how long those have been going on related to symptoms of ADHD.
Family and Friend Interview
A mental health professional may ask to talk with someone close to the patient to get a better picture of the patient's behavior and how it affects his life.
Medical Exam
A doctor will want to do a medical exam to determine whether the symptoms of ADHD could be caused by other medical conditions, thereby avoiding an ADHD misdiagnosis.
