How an ADHD assessment works

To receive a neuropsychiatric diagnosis you need an assessment. At Rikta Psychiatry the process is a collaboration between you and our assessment team — typically a psychologist and a psychiatrist (a medical doctor specialising in psychiatry). In some cases other professionals such as a nurse or occupational therapist may be involved.

The goal is not only to confirm a specific diagnosis like ADHD or autism. We want to understand your strengths and challenges and find the explanation that best fits your difficulties. Ready to proceed? Here is what to expect at each step.

Preparing for your assessment

When you book an assessment you receive:

• appointment times for every meeting
• questionnaires to complete
• information on what you need to prepare

We plan the timeline with you. You choose whether to spread visits out or keep them close together.

Step by step during the assessment

The process begins with a conversation with a psychologist or doctor. We discuss different parts of your life — what works well and what feels hard. You complete psychological tests that help us understand your profile.

The doctor reviews your physical and mental health, past and present. To build a broader picture we often talk to someone who knows you well — a parent, sibling, adult child, partner, or close friend — always with your consent.

Together with you (and, if involved, your relatives) we review your life to map both physical health and mental wellbeing. To get the clearest view we use:

• interviews
• rating scales
• medical examinations
• psychological tests
• previous records
• information from school and/or other healthcare

When the assessment is complete

We finish with a feedback session where we go through the results together. You also receive a written report that:

• explains our reasoning
• highlights your strengths and challenges
• describes how the difficulties affect daily life
• gives recommendations for further support or treatment

You receive a report whether or not you get a diagnosis.

Your personal functional map

The report functions as a map of how you work. It helps you see how parts of life connect, for example:

• sleep
• nutrition
• exercise
• hormones
• impulsivity

Seeing patterns makes it easier to make choices that improve health and quality of life.

Next steps after the assessment

Afterward we create a plan based on your needs. If you want to continue with a psychologist at Rikta, submit a self-referral on our website.

Prefer support elsewhere? We help you onward, sometimes via a referral. Contact us if you want help with an ADHD assessment for yourself, your child, or a relative.

When does an assessment lead to a diagnosis?

Most people who see us experience daily difficulties. The aim is always a clear functional map and a way forward. Not every assessment results in a diagnosis. It depends on whether criteria are met and whether difficulties have been present for a long time and affect several areas of life.

Criteria for an ADHD diagnosis

To diagnose ADHD we evaluate your difficulties against the criteria. They cover two main areas:

• inattention
• hyperactivity and impulsivity

The number of symptoms required depends on age:

• Children and teens under 17: at least 6 of 9 symptoms in one or both areas.
• Adults 17 and older: at least 5 of 9 symptoms in one or both areas.

Symptoms must also:

• have been present before age 12
• cause clear difficulties in several parts of life
• not be better explained by something else (another diagnosis or life situation)

What is meant by inattention?

Inattention refers to difficulties focusing, sustaining attention, and remembering what you are doing — even in important situations. It can show up as:

• losing your train of thought
• being easily distracted by what happens around you
• often forgetting what you were doing
• trouble starting or finishing tasks

What is meant by hyperactivity and impulsivity?

This is about difficulty sitting still, waiting, or thinking before acting. It can appear as:

• finding it hard to sit still
• frequently interrupting others
• saying or doing things before you have time to think
• constant inner restlessness
• often ending up in risky situations

Hyperactivity and impulsivity do not always show outwardly — they can feel like inner stress, impatience, or a constant stream of thoughts.

Why our assessments are broad

ADHD and other neurodivergent diagnoses are based on traits everyone has to some degree and that can intensify under stress. Broad assessments are essential to reflect how unique each brain is. The team also needs to check whether your symptoms are better explained by another diagnosis, life situation, or co-occurring condition.

Distinguishing ADHD from other causes: differential diagnosis

We start from your description of the problem, not a pre-set label. The doctor in your team performs a differential diagnostic review to determine which diagnoses or life factors best explain your difficulties.

Research shows around 80% of adults with ADHD have other mental health diagnoses — most commonly anxiety and depression. Autism, tics, and Tourette’s are also common.

Some conditions make ADHD medication inappropriate, while others require support for co-occurring issues. ADHD, autism, and related symptoms can also stem from trauma, stressful life situations, or unrealistic demands. Without careful differential diagnosis there is a risk of over-diagnosing ADHD, which can dilute its meaning and affect those who truly meet criteria.

ADHD at different levels of functioning

ADHD looks different depending on the person and the support available. The diagnosis can therefore mean varying degrees of functional impact. Examples of support range from extra time on exams or workplace adjustments to weighted blankets for sleep or assistance managing finances.

ADHD is often described in three levels:

• Mild: few symptoms beyond diagnostic threshold; limited need for interventions and often manage without extensive support.
• Moderate: symptoms and impairment between mild and severe; need support and adaptations across several areas.
• Severe: many symptoms beyond criteria, often with co-occurring conditions or past consequences; need extensive support.

Can ADHD fade away?

Symptoms can change over time. Hyperactivity and impulsivity often decline during adolescence, but that does not always mean the diagnosis disappears. Some shift from combined type to predominantly inattentive (ADD). Children with mild ADHD who receive early support may find they no longer meet criteria as adults.

How to remove an ADHD diagnosis

If you were diagnosed as a child but feel it no longer fits — and you do not need support or treatment — you can request a re-evaluation. Sometimes a conversation with a known provider is enough; other times a new, broad assessment is needed to show criteria are no longer met.

Need an ADHD assessment or support after a diagnosis? Contact us and we will help you take the next step.