What does an adult ADHD assessment look like? DIVA-5 step by step

At Oddech, an adult ADHD assessment is divided into three appointments: two parts of the DIVA-5 clinical interview and a session devoted to conclusions and recommendations. This is not the only possible model — the DIVA-5 interview itself usually takes one to one and a half hours and can be carried out in a single longer appointment. Spreading it out leaves room to gather childhood information without rushing and to analyse the material before the conclusions are discussed.

The process establishes whether the information gathered indicates that the DSM-5 criteria for ADHD are met. If the criteria are not met, we discuss possible alternative explanations and any need for further assessment. This article walks through each stage so you know what to expect.

What is DIVA-5?

DIVA-5 (Diagnostic Interview for ADHD in Adults) is a semi-structured diagnostic interview developed by the Dutch DIVA Foundation and based on the DSM-5 criteria for ADHD. The assessor works through each of the 18 symptom criteria in turn: 9 relating to inattention and 9 relating to hyperactivity and impulsivity.

Every symptom is checked twice: in adult life and in childhood. Under DSM-5, several ADHD symptoms must have been present before the age of 12. That does not mean every current difficulty has to be recalled or documented from childhood — the DIVA Foundation reads "several" as at least three symptoms within one of the two domains. Difficulties that only appeared in adulthood do not meet the age-of-onset criterion and call for other explanations to be considered.

DIVA-5 is not a test that adds up points and returns a positive or negative result. It gives the clinical conversation a structure: the psychologist uses it as part of a psychological assessment, taking into account the course of the symptoms, their impact on daily functioning and other possible explanations.

Step 1: the first part of the interview

The first appointment is a detailed review of your symptoms. The assessor asks about concrete situations from your daily life: how you finish tasks, keep track of deadlines, listen in conversation, lose things, sit through meetings, or interrupt others. For every criterion, DIVA-5 provides examples of typical behaviours in adults and in children, which makes it easier to judge whether an experience actually corresponds to a symptom.

The same set of questions covers childhood, usually the period between the ages of 5 and 12. If you cannot recall much detail, that is common — school reports with teachers' comments, earlier psychological reports or a parent's account can help.

Step 2: impact on daily life and the additional interview

The presence of symptoms alone is not enough for a diagnosis. DSM-5 requires several symptoms to be present in at least two important settings, for example at home and at work, and clear evidence that they interfere with or reduce the quality of functioning. DIVA-5 structures this by assessing impact across five areas: work and education; relationships and family life; social contacts; free time and hobbies; and self-confidence and self-image.

DIVA-5 itself asks only about the core symptoms of ADHD. It is not designed to identify depression, anxiety disorders or other possible causes of your difficulties. The second appointment therefore also covers an additional interview: mood, anxiety, sleep, substance use, physical health and developmental history. Problems with concentration, memory and organisation also occur in depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, chronic stress, sleep disorders and in connection with substance use. Co-occurring conditions are common — the DIVA Foundation puts this at around 75% of people with ADHD.

This is why the process is spread across more than one appointment. An online screening questionnaire cannot replace a full clinical assessment.

Step 3: the results session

The third appointment is dedicated to conclusions. You will learn whether the information gathered indicates that the criteria for ADHD are met, and which presentation emerges from the assessment: predominantly inattentive, predominantly hyperactive-impulsive, or combined. If the criteria are not met, we discuss possible alternative explanations and any need for further assessment.

You also receive recommendations for next steps: these may include psychotherapy, work on practical strategies for organising daily life, or a psychiatric consultation.

Who makes the ADHD diagnosis?

ADHD is a medical diagnosis, and in Poland it is formally made by a psychiatrist, who also decides whether medication is appropriate. In practice the diagnostic pathway usually combines two steps: a psychologist carries out the structured diagnostic interview and psychological assessment, and a psychiatrist confirms the diagnosis on that basis and agrees the treatment plan.

The assessment at Oddech is that first step. It ends with diagnostic conclusions and a psychological report that you can take to a psychiatric consultation. A psychologist does not prescribe medication.

Do I need to bring someone close to me?

An informant is not a precondition for starting the assessment, but the DIVA Foundation recommends supplementing your own account — whenever possible — with information from someone who knew you as a child, usually a parent or close relative. A parent often remembers more of your childhood than you do.

If that is not possible, school records, previous psychological reports or medical documentation can provide useful information. Their absence does not rule out an assessment, although it may affect how confidently childhood symptoms can be reconstructed.

How long does it take and what does it cost?

At Oddech, the adult ADHD assessment covers three appointments and costs 900 PLN. The price includes both parts of the DIVA-5 interview and the results session with diagnostic conclusions and recommendations. The assessment can be carried out in English. Appointments are scheduled so there is time between the interview and the results session for a careful analysis of everything gathered; the whole process usually spans a few weeks.

You can find the details on the adult ADHD assessment page.

This article is educational and does not replace an assessment. It cannot be used to confirm or rule out ADHD.

Sources:

• Kooij, J.J.S., Francken, M.H., Bron, T.I. (2019). Diagnostic Interview for ADHD in adults, 3rd ed. (DIVA-5). DIVA Foundation. divacenter.eu
• American Psychiatric Association (2022). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th ed., Text Revision (DSM-5-TR)
• Gondek, T.M., Stramecki, F., Cieśla, M. et al. (2025). Diagnostics and therapeutic management in adults with ADHD: recommendations of the Polish Psychiatric Association — update. Psychiatria Spersonalizowana, 4(1), 80–115
• National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (2018, updated 2019). Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: diagnosis and management (NG87)