Clinical instrument explained
What Is the DIVA-5 ADHD Assessment?
Direct answer
What is DIVA-5?
DIVA-5 (Diagnostic Interview for ADHD in Adults, version 5) is a structured clinical interview that guides a clinician through each DSM-5 ADHD symptom criterion for both childhood and adulthood, and through areas of impairment. It is a tool for gathering evidence within a comprehensive assessment — it is not an automated test and does not produce a diagnosis by itself.
- Structured interview, not a questionnaire
- Covers childhood and adult symptoms
- Explores impairment across life areas
- Interpreted by a trained clinician
Clinician video answer · 8s
AI-generated presenterWhat is DIVA-5?
Transcript
DIVA-5 is a structured interview that explores ADHD symptoms in childhood and adulthood. It's one part of a full assessment, not a test on its own.
Script written and clinically reviewed by ADHD Path clinicians; presented by an AI-generated presenter, not a member of our clinical team.
What DIVA-5 assesses
DIVA-5 works through the 18 DSM-5 symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity, first for adulthood and then for childhood, and asks about age of onset and impairment in areas such as work, education, relationships, family life, leisure, self-confidence and self-image.
How clinicians use it
The clinician asks each question, offers examples, and records whether the symptom is present based on your descriptions — ideally with input from a partner or parent. The clinician then weighs the DIVA-5 findings alongside history, collateral information and differential diagnosis.
Examples of the kind of areas explored
- Difficulty sustaining attention in meetings or reading
- Losing keys, phone or paperwork
- Feeling restless during long periods of sitting
- Finishing other people's sentences
- Childhood: daydreaming in class, reports saying 'could try harder'
Limitations
DIVA-5 depends on accurate recall and honest reporting, which can be affected by memory, mood and masking. It does not assess other conditions in depth, so it must be combined with a broader psychiatric assessment. A high number of endorsed symptoms does not equal a diagnosis.
How it fits within a comprehensive assessment
At ADHD Path, DIVA-5 is one step in the 11-step assessment pathway. The diagnosis is a clinical judgement integrating all evidence, as NICE NG87 requires.
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Frequently asked questions
Is DIVA-5 a diagnostic test?
No. It is a structured interview that helps organise evidence. The diagnosis is made by the clinician.
How long does DIVA-5 take?
Usually around 60–90 minutes within the wider assessment.
Can I do DIVA-5 online by myself?
No. DIVA-5 is designed to be administered by a trained clinician.
Is DIVA-5 used for children?
DIVA-5 is designed for adults. Children are assessed with age-appropriate interviews and questionnaires.
Can my partner or parent take part?
Yes, and this is encouraged, as it adds corroborating information.
Is DIVA-5 recognised in the UK?
It is widely used by UK adult ADHD services as part of assessment.
Related questions
- How Is ADHD Diagnosed in the UK?How is ADHD diagnosed in the UK?
- ADHD Diagnosis UKWho can diagnose ADHD in the UK?
- ADHD Assessment ProcessWhat happens during an ADHD assessment?
- ADHD Symptoms in AdultsWhat are the symptoms of ADHD in adults?
- What Happens After an ADHD Diagnosis?What happens after an ADHD diagnosis?
Related ADHD Path services
Clinical authorship & review
Written by
Shamir PatelMPharm, Independent Prescriber · CQC Registered Manager & Clinical Pharmacist
GPhC 2049338
- Published
- 1 September 2026
- Last reviewed
- 28 September 2026
- Next review
- 28 September 2027
References
- DIVA-5: Diagnostic Interview for ADHD in Adults. DIVA Foundation. Source
- Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-5-TR). American Psychiatric Association, 2022. Source
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: diagnosis and management (NG87). National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), 2018, updated 2019. Source
- Kooij JJS et al. Updated European Consensus Statement on diagnosis and treatment of adult ADHD. European Psychiatry 2019;56:14–34. European Psychiatry (peer-reviewed), 2019. Source