ADHD Diagnosis Test for Adults in India

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is often associated with children, but it frequently continues into adulthood. Many children with undiagnosed ADHD grow up to be adults who remain unaware of their condition. A cross-sectional study in 2024 found that about 14% of adults in Delhi-NCR suffer from ADHD. As a result, they may internalise their struggles, blame themselves for their perceived shortcomings, and never get the support they truly need.

Fortunately, India is currently experiencing a powerful wave of mental health awareness. As more open conversations emerge around psychological well-being, understanding of conditions like ADHD is steadily growing, and with that comes greater recognition, diagnosis, and support for those who’ve been silently coping for years.

What Is ADHD?

ADHD stands for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. It’s a neurodevelopmental condition that affects your ability to focus, manage time, stay organised, and control impulses.

There are three main types of ADHD in adults:

• Inattentive Type – If you suffer from this type, you have trouble focusing, are easily distracted, and have a short attention span.
• Hyperactive-Impulsive Type – If you suffer from this type, you are often restless, talk excessively, act impulsively, and have difficulty standing still.
• Combined Type – It is the most common type of ADHD in adults, a mix of both, inattentive type and the hyperactive type. If you suffer from this type, you are often restless, lose focus easily or cannot maintain focus, have a short attention span, are disorganised, and are prone to bouts of impulsiveness.

Knowing your ADHD type can help a mental health professional personalise your ADHD diagnosis test and the treatment plan specifically to your unique needs.

Symptoms of ADHD

Some people may display fewer symptoms of ADHD as they age. It may be due to circumstances or environmental factors, but some adults continue to experience major symptoms that interfere with their daily lives.

If you or someone you know may be suffering from the following symptoms, it may be time to consider an ADHD diagnosis test.

• Impulsivity
• Disorganised thinking or living conditions
• Problems prioritising
• Poor planning
• Trouble multitasking
• Problems with following through and completing tasks

If you relate to any of these symptoms, visit a psychiatrist for an official ADHD diagnosis.

How Is ADHD Diagnosed?

A proper ADHD diagnosis can transform your life by helping mental health professionals create a personalised treatment plan that can target your specific challenges and work from the ground up. A regular ADHD diagnosis test includes standardised screening tests and diagnostic interviews. Some commonly used tools are:

• Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS)
• Conners’ Adult ADHD Rating Scales (CAARS)
• Clinical diagnostic interviews based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) criteria

Where to Get an ADHD Test for Adults in India?

If you’re ready to take a test for ADHD, there are a few reliable options in India:

Mental Health Clinics and Centres

Many mental health clinics and centres like NIMHANS, CIMBS, and other local mental health clinics provide access to clinical psychologists and psychiatrists who can conduct ADHD diagnosis tests.

BetterPlace Health

BetterPlace offers thorough screening and reliable diagnosis for all mental health conditions, including ADHD. Our tests are 100% accurate, and we create personalised treatment plans that suit your unique needs. You will meet both our clinical psychologists and psychiatrists, who will conduct your assessments and give you an official ADHD diagnosis.

Psychiatrists and Clinical Psychologists

You can consider a solo mental health practitioner who lives near your location, just make sure they have the required licences, qualifications, and certifications. Make sure you read reviews to get an idea of what to expect from them.

Online Mental Health Platforms

Many online mental health platforms provide ADHD screening tests. These online platforms provide a convenient service, letting you consult professionals from the comfort of your own home.

What Happens During an ADHD Test?

During an ADHD diagnosis test, the clinician will take a multi-step approach to fully understand your symptoms and rule out other conditions. Here’s what you can expect:

Clinical Evaluation

You begin with a detailed clinical evaluation by a qualified mental health professional, usually a psychiatrist or a clinical psychologist. They will review your medical and psychological history, chief complaints, current symptoms, and how they impact your daily life.

Self-Assessment Tools and Interviews

You may be asked to complete self-assessment tools like the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS-v1.1). Interviews help mental health practitioners to understand your condition in depth and create a personalised treatment plan.

Psychological Testing

If needed, you may be asked to take psychometric tests, which are assessments used to measure your attention, memory, and other cognitive functions. The tests do not have a right or wrong answer, and they help rule out other causes of your symptoms to help with an accurate diagnosis. This step is usually conducted by a clinical psychologist registered by the Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI).Rule Out Other Conditions
A differential diagnosis helps clinicians distinguish your condition from others, like anxiety and depression can sometimes mimic ADHD. Your clinician will carefully evaluate and rule out these possibilities.

Duration and Severity Assessment

To meet the diagnostic criteria in DSM-5-TR (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision) or ICD-11 (International Classification of Diseases, 11th Revision), your symptoms must have been present for a certain duration and significantly interfere with functioning. Your clinician will assess when the symptoms began, how persistent they are, and the degree to which they impact your life.

Treatment Options for Adult ADHD

Once you’ve taken a proper ADHD diagnosis test, treatment becomes much more effective when it’s personalised and structured around your needs.

Here are a few treatment options available for adults with ADHD:

Medication

Medication is often used in cases where therapy alone is not able to manage the symptoms of ADHD. It helps alleviate short-term symptoms by balancing chemicals in the brain. There are little to no side effects of medication, but in case you’re experiencing one, you can let your psychiatrist know, and they will adjust your medication accordingly. Many adults who go through an ADHD screening test and start treatment find medication to be a supportive and helpful tool.

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy is an excellent tool for treating ADHD. Therapy teaches you tools and techniques to help you cope with and manage your symptoms, helping you gain long-term results. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is a therapeutic approach commonly used to treat ADHD. It helps you work through patterns of avoidance, procrastination, and frustration.

Lifestyle Adjustments

Changes in your lifestyle can make a huge difference. Regular exercise can give you mental clarity, and prioritising sleep can help you stabilise your mood and focus. Eating well ensures your body and brain are both being nourished. These habits become even more effective after a clear ADHD diagnosis.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been unable to focus, control your impulses, or aren’t able to keep yourself organised, don’t ignore it. It could be a sign of undiagnosed ADHD.

Start with a professional ADHD diagnosis test and follow it up with a personalised treatment plan from a mental health provider who understands adult ADHD.
Take that step. Get tested. Understand your brain. And take back control of your life.