Coaching

AD(H)D Diagnostics for Adults at Mind Gap in Wuppertal

AD(H)D is by no means an issue that only affects children—rather, the disorder accompanies many individuals throughout their entire lives. In our practice, we carry out structured, scientifically grounded diagnostics to provide clarity: Is it truly AD(H)D, or is something else underlying your symptoms? On this page, we explain what our procedure entails.

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What is AD(H)D?

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurobiologically based disorder of self-regulation. It begins in childhood but frequently persists into adulthood. Core features include attention difficulties, impulsivity, and physical or internal restlessness. If motor hyperactivity is absent, it is often referred to as ADD—Attention Deficit Disorder without hyperactivity.

The Core Symptoms of AD(H)D

Inattention

Those affected often struggle to sustain attention on an activity over an extended period. They are easily distracted, make careless mistakes, misplace items, or miss appointments. Finishing tasks once started is also frequently difficult. These symptoms are particularly noticeable during prolonged, repetitive, or unengaging activities—sometimes leading to significant repercussions for school, university, or professional life.

Hyperactivity

In children, hyperactivity usually manifests as pronounced physical restlessness: fidgeting, climbing, or excessive talking. In adulthood, however, it frequently presents as inner restlessness, a feeling of being “driven”, or a persistent need for activity—even when the person appears calm on the outside.

Impulsivity

Individuals affected often react spontaneously and without prior thought: they interrupt others, make hasty decisions, or take risks. This can lead to tension in social environments, financial difficulties, or emotional strain.

Affective Lability

Many people with ADHD experience emotions with particular intensity and undergo rapid, marked mood shifts. Typical signs include intense emotional reactions, irritability, or difficulty settling down after stressful moments. This symptom is frequently underestimated, even though it significantly impacts quality of life and personal relationships.

Clinical Distress

Not all restlessness or difficulty concentrating is pathological. For an ADHD diagnosis, the symptoms must:

  • persist for at least six months,
  • be present to a disproportionate degree,
  • and cause noticeable impairments in at least two areas of life—such as work, studies, family, or social interactions.

Only when there is clinically significant distress and the symptoms substantially restrict day-to-day functioning does it constitute ADHD requiring treatment.

How is AD(H)D diagnosed?

Diagnosing ADHD is complex—especially in adults. To prevent misdiagnoses while ensuring a reliable assessment, the diagnostic process in our practice follows the current S3 guideline “ADHD in Adulthood” issued by the AWMF (2023). This guideline recommends a multi-stage, structured approach that integrates biological, psychological, and social factors.

ADHD is a Clinical Diagnosis

ADHD cannot be “proven” by a single test or a laboratory value—it is determined based on an expert clinical evaluation. The cornerstones are the clinical interview, developmental history, and standardized assessment procedures.

Core Components of ADHD Diagnostics

01

Case History: Life Trajectory and Symptom Development

  • ADHD fundamentally originates in childhood or adolescence (prior to age 12)—even if it is only identified in adulthood.
  • For this reason, the diagnostic evaluation systematically retraces how concentration, impulsivity, activity levels, and emotional reactions have evolved across the lifespan.
  • In addition, compensatory strategies (such as intense structuring or perfectionism) and periods of acute stress are explored, i
02

Symptom Assessment According to ICD-10/ICD-11 or DSM-5

  • A minimum of 6 symptoms of inattention or 6 symptoms of hyperactivity/impulsivity, persisting for at least six months, is required.
  • The symptoms must be present to a disproportionate degree and lead to functional impairments across several areas of life (e.g., career, education, relationships).
03

Standardized Questionnaires and Self-Report Instruments

  • These include instruments such as the ADHD Self-Report Scale (ADHS-SB), the Wender Utah Rating Scale (WURS-k), or WRI (a structured interview guide).
  • These tools complement and objectify the clinical impression; however, on their own, they are not sufficient for a diagnosis.
04

Informant Reports and Supplementary Information

  • Information from close contacts, as well as documents such as past school reports, developmental records, or feedback from personal circles, is particularly valuable.
  • Workplace evaluations, résumés, or interrupted training pathways can also provide crucial insights.
05

Differential Diagnosis: What Else Could Be Behind the Symptoms?

  • Numerous ADHD symptoms overlap with those of other mental health conditions—such as depression, anxiety disorders, trauma-related disorders, or personality disorders.
  • A thorough differential diagnosis is therefore essential, involving other medical specialties whenever necessary.

Further Important Diagnostic Aspects

06

Psychiatric Comorbidities

  • According to the S3 guideline, approximately 75% of adults with ADHD exhibit at least one other psychiatric condition, such as depression, an anxiety disorder, substance use disorder, or a personality disorder.
  • Such comorbidities can mask or intensify ADHD and must be separately evaluated and treated.
07

Physical and Medical Evaluation

  • Organic causes with ADHD-like symptoms—such as thyroid dysfunction, sleep apnea, or organic brain diseases—should be ruled out medically.
  • This can be carried out in cooperation with a primary care physician or medical specialist.

Process for adult AD(H)D diagnosis at Mind Gap in Wuppertal

Careful diagnostics form the basis for a reliable assessment and—if necessary—for treatment tailored to you. In our practice, AD(H)D diagnostics are carried out exclusively by licensed psychological psychotherapists who have completed targeted continuing education in adult AD(H)D.

1. Getting in touch and scheduling an appointment

The easiest way to reach us is by email or via the contact form to arrange an initial appointment for ADHD diagnostics.

2. Preparation

Before the first appointment, you will receive various specific ADHD questionnaires as well as a screening form for differential diagnosis. We also ask you to bring copies of school reports from grades 1–6 and, if available, any previous findings.

3. Initial consultation (50 minutes)

For the first appointment, please bring the completed documents with you. Together, we review the results and clarify whether further diagnostics are advisable.
If so, you will also receive questionnaires for close reference persons (e.g., partner or parents) to enable an external assessment.

4. Diagnostic interview (100 minutes)

At the second appointment, we conduct a structured, scientifically grounded interview for ADHD diagnostics. In doing so, we also consider possible other causes (differential diagnosis).

5. Findings report

Based on all the information collected, we prepare a detailed written findings report. If a diagnosis is present, this can also be forwarded to your treating specialist physician—for example, to assess medication treatment.

6. Discussion of results (25 minutes)

In a final appointment, we explain the results in a clear and comprehensible way. If an ADHD diagnosis is confirmed, you will receive a psychoeducational introduction as well as recommendations for treatment in line with the guidelines.
If you wish, we can extend the discussion to 50 minutes to allow time for more in-depth information and individual questions.

Costs of AD(H)D diagnostics

If you are in psychotherapeutic treatment with us or are planning to start (statutory health insurance, private health insurance, or self-pay), we offer AD(H)D diagnostics as part of the diagnostics included in psychotherapy. If you have statutory health insurance, only the preparation of the findings report is billed privately, as this service is not covered by statutory health insurance funds.

If you would like to have only AD(H)D diagnostics carried out in our practice, this is of course also possible. Private health insurers and civil-service aid offices generally reimburse the costs according to your insurance plan within the scope of the probatory sessions. Please check with your insurer in advance whether and to what extent the services are covered. Those with statutory health insurance can use the diagnostics as a self-pay service.

In our practice, diagnostics for attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD/ADD) are carried out in a structured way, in line with the guidelines, and based on the Fee Schedule for Psychotherapists (GOP). It consists of several components: initial consultation, standardised test procedures, a structured interview, and a detailed written findings report. We will be happy to inform you in advance about the costs in detail.

Important note:
In the case of complex questions or additional diagnostic needs, further services may be required. We will of course inform you transparently in advance about any possible additional costs.