What tests are used for ADHD and related conditions?
Our primary focus is on ADHD diagnostic tests, which help identify symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Since conditions like anxiety, depression, and autism frequently co-occur with ADHD and can affect both diagnosis and treatment planning, we also provide screening tools for these related conditions.
The core ADHD tests include standardised rating scales like the ASRS and Wender Utah Scale, while additional assessments help create a comprehensive understanding of your symptoms. These tools serve as important first steps in seeking appropriate professional help and developing effective treatment strategies.
Last Updated: 4 February, 2025The Tests:
Adult ADHD Self Report Scale (Quickest)
Developed in conjunction with the World Health Organization (WHO), the ASRS is a self-administered questionnaire tailored for adults. It consists of 18 questions that map directly to the diagnostic criteria for ADHD in the DSM-5. The scale helps identify ADHD symptoms and serves as a preliminary screening tool in clinical settings. There is also a common 6-question variant with similar efficacy.
Wender Utah Adult ADHD Rating Scale (Most Accurate)
This test is aimed at diagnosing ADHD in adults and focuses on retrospective diagnosis by examining the individual's childhood behaviour. It offers a unique approach to diagnosing ADHD in adults by considering long-standing behavioural patterns. The test involves a questionnaire that covers a broad range of symptoms, including impulsivity and attentional issues.
Vanderbilt ADHD Diagnostic Rating Scale (Best for Parents and Children)
Primarily used for children, the Vanderbilt ADHD Diagnostic Rating Scale comprises of parent and teacher questionnaires designed to assess ADHD symptoms and coexisting conditions like oppositional-defiant disorder and anxiety. This is a comprehensive scale that aids in the diagnosis and treatment planning by evaluating behavioural symptoms in different settings, such as home and school.
DASS21 - Depression Anxiety Stress Scale
The DASS21 is a set of three self-report scales designed to measure emotional states of depression, anxiety, and stress. Though not specific to ADHD, it's often used in conjunction with ADHD tests to rule out or identify coexisting emotional or psychological conditions. The 21-item questionnaire helps healthcare providers understand the emotional well-being of the patient.
PHQ-9: Patient Health Questionnaire - Depression
The Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ) is a self-administered version of the PRIME-MD diagnostic instrument for common mental disorders. The PHQ-9 is specifically designed to screen for symptoms of depression. Comprising of 9 questions based on the diagnostic criteria set by the DSM-5, this tool allows individuals to report the frequency of depressive symptoms experienced over a 2 week period. Healthcare providers use the PHQ-9 to diagnose depression, gauge its severity, and determine the best course of treatment. The questionnaire is widely used due to its simplicity, reliability, and effective clinical utility.
GAD-7: Generalised Anxiety Disorder Assessment
The GAD-7 is a seven-question self-report tool used for screening and assessing the severity of generalised anxiety disorder (GAD). Each question asks the individual to rate their experiences of anxiety-related symptoms over the past 2 weeks. It is a commonly used instrument in both research and clinical settings due to its simplicity and accuracy. It helps clinicians make informed decisions about diagnosis and treatment options for anxiety disorders.
ASSQ: Autism Spectrum Screening Questionnaire
The ASSQ is a 27-item checklist aimed at identifying symptoms associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in children aged 7 to 16. Designed for use by parents and teachers, the questionnaire focuses on social interaction, communication skills, and repetitive behaviour patterns. The ASSQ is often employed as an initial screening tool to determine the need for a more comprehensive autism evaluation.
RAADS-R: Ritvo Autism Asperger Diagnostic Scale – Revised
The RAADS-R is a self-assessment tool used for diagnosing Autism Spectrum Disorders in adolescents and adults. Comprising of 80 questions, the scale covers various domains including language, social relatedness, and sensorimotor functions. The RAADS-R is unique in that it considers both current behaviour and developmental history, offering a comprehensive view for diagnosis. It's especially useful for identifying Asperger's Syndrome and high-functioning autism.
Other Diagnostic Tests:
- MARS
- MEWS