ADHD Diagnostics

ADHD in Adulthood – Diagnostics and Treatment at Our Berlin Practice

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in adulthood shows similar symptoms to those in children and adolescents. However, the nature of the symptoms often changes during the transition into adolescence and adulthood. The disorder “grows with the person,” meaning that certain behavioral patterns and symptoms adapt to adult life.

Main Symptoms of ADHD in Adults

Hyperactivity: Inner Restlessness

While children – especially boys – often show a strong need to move, hyperactivity in adults frequently manifests as inner restlessness. Situations such as sitting for long periods (for example in meetings, during flights, or while waiting) often trigger restlessness or negative feelings. Many affected individuals try to relieve this restlessness by tapping their foot or drumming their fingers.

Attention Deficit: Difficulty Concentrating

Attention problems are usually the most prominent symptom in adults with ADHD. Typical signs include:

• Being easily distracted by environmental stimuli
• Difficulty directing concentration intentionally
• Problems distinguishing important from unimportant matters
• Needing to read texts multiple times to grasp their content
• Mind wandering and rumination

Impulsivity: Impulse Control Issues

Impulsivity often persists into adulthood. It may manifest as spontaneous decisions, sudden outbursts of anger, or impulsive behavior that others often perceive as poor impulse control.

ADHD Diagnostics in Adulthood

To diagnose ADHD in adults, symptoms must have been present in childhood and currently cause impairment in at least two areas of life (for example work and family). The DSM-5 distinguishes the following ADHD presentations:

• Predominantly inattentive presentation
• Predominantly hyperactive-impulsive presentation
• Combined presentation (inattention plus hyperactivity-impulsivity)

Because symptom patterns can change over the life course, clinicians today often refer to a “current presentation.”

Diagnostic Procedure and Costs at Our Berlin Practice

We offer comprehensive ADHD diagnostics for adults in Berlin according to the current S3 guideline:

• Duration: 3 sessions of 50 minutes each
• Cost: €120 per session

Upon request, we provide a psychotherapeutic report after completion of the assessment, including:

• Detailed results of the diagnostic assessment
• Recommendations for psychotherapeutic or pharmacological treatment
• Cost of the report: €120

For privately insured patients and those eligible for Beihilfe, we additionally bill the diagnostic testing according to the Fee Schedule for Psychotherapists (GOP).

Please note: We cannot prescribe medication. Pharmacological treatment can be initiated through your GP or specialist if needed.

Why an ADHD Diagnosis in Adulthood Makes Sense

Untreated ADHD can lead to a wide range of challenges, including:

• Professional difficulties due to concentration problems
• Conflicts in social environments due to impulsivity
• Emotional burdens such as stress, exhaustion, or self-doubt

Book Your ADHD Diagnostic Appointment in Berlin Now

• If you recognize symptoms of ADHD in adulthood and would like a thorough diagnostic assessment, we are here to help.