Written by Khalid Anwar · Last reviewed 20 August 2026
DIVA-5 means Diagnostic Interview for ADHD in Adults, fifth edition. The DIVA Foundation describes it as a semi-structured diagnostic interview for adult ADHD based on DSM-5 criteria. It gives a trained clinician a consistent framework for exploring symptoms, examples and impairment across a person's life.
What does the interview explore?
The interview considers inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms in adulthood and childhood. It also explores whether possible symptoms have affected areas such as education, work, relationships, social life, daily organisation and self-confidence. The clinician asks for real examples rather than relying only on a score.
Information from someone who knew the person in childhood can be helpful where available, as can school reports or other records. A lack of records does not by itself determine the outcome; the clinician considers the quality and consistency of all available evidence.
Is DIVA-5 a standalone ADHD test?
No. NICE says an ADHD diagnosis should be based on a full clinical and psychosocial assessment, developmental and psychiatric history, information about behaviour and symptoms across settings, and an assessment of mental state. Rating scales or interviews can support that process but should not replace clinical judgement.
The clinician must also consider other possible explanations and co-occurring conditions. Sleep problems, anxiety, depression, trauma, substance use, autism, learning difficulties and physical-health factors can overlap with parts of an ADHD presentation.
What should a patient expect?
- Questions about attention, organisation, restlessness and impulsivity.
- Examples from different periods of life and more than one setting.
- Discussion of functional impact rather than symptoms in isolation.
- Clarification where answers appear inconsistent or another explanation may fit.
- Use alongside the rest of the assessment, not as an automated pass-or-fail result.
DIVA-5 is intended to be administered as a clinician-led interview. The official wording is protected, so this page explains its purpose without reproducing the interview questions.
Our adult assessments use a structured diagnostic pathway and usually last 90–120 minutes. The exact tools used are selected by the qualified clinical practitioner specialising in ADHD according to the individual assessment.
Sources
DIVA Foundation: DIVA-5 diagnostic interview for adults
NICE NG87 recommendations
Related guidance
What happens during an assessment
Adult ADHD diagnosis process
Our assessment service
Free screening questionnaire
General information only; it does not replace individual medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.