Adult ADHD assessment
A valid clinical assessment is the first step in managing ADHD. Use of DIVA-5, differential diagnosis and design of an individualized treatment plan.
The clinical assessment process
Assessment of ADHD in adults is a complex clinical process that goes beyond completing a simple questionnaire. At Smart CNS Center, we follow international standards to ensure diagnostic accuracy, focusing both on the presence of symptoms and, most importantly, on the functional impairment they cause.
The goal is not simply to apply a diagnostic label, but to map the way your brain processes information, time and emotions.
What the assessment includes
The process is usually completed in 1 to 2 sessions and includes:
- Detailed developmental history: ADHD is neurodevelopmental, therefore symptoms must have been present before the age of 12. We explore your trajectory from school years to adult life.
- DIVA-5 semi-structured interview: A modern, validated tool — Diagnostic Interview for ADHD in Adults — which examines DSM-5 criteria through specific examples from everyday life.
- Differential diagnosis: It is essential to exclude or identify conditions such as:
- Anxiety disorders and depression
- Sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea
- Burnout or chronic stress
- Personality disorders
Why an online test is not enough
Online “tests” can only provide an indication. Clinical assessment is necessary because:
- Masking: Many adults have developed skills that hide ADHD, making simple questionnaires inaccurate.
- Overlap: Symptoms such as inattention or impulsivity may be caused by other psychiatric or medical conditions.
- Treatment plan: A diagnosis without a management plan has limited clinical value.
After diagnosis: the next step
After the assessment, you receive detailed feedback and we design your treatment plan together. This may include:
- Psychoeducation
- Organizational strategies
- Pharmacotherapy, when clinically indicated, with continuous medical follow-up
- Precision psychiatry, including possible PGx assessment for safer medication selection
FAQ
Do I need to bring old school records?
If school reports or previous assessments are available, they are very useful. However, the assessment can still be completed without them through retrospective clinical history-taking.
What if my symptoms are caused by anxiety?
That is precisely the role of differential diagnosis. If anxiety is the primary cause, treatment is adapted accordingly. If anxiety is secondary to ADHD, treating ADHD may also improve anxiety symptoms.
Is an official certificate issued?
Yes. A medical report can be provided for any lawful use, such as work or studies.
