What tests are used for ADHD Diagnosis?
ADHD diagnostic tests are used to identify symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, consistent with ADHD. These serve as essential tools for healthcare professionals in making an accurate diagnosis and subsequently planning treatment. Diagnosing ADHD typically involves a multi-step process that often includes interviews, questionnaires, and observations.
There are several types of diagnostic tests, ranging from standardised ADHD rating scales like the ASRS and the Wender Utah Adult ADHD Rating Scale. These often involve self-reports, reports from parents or teachers, and occasionally computerised tests that measure attention and impulse control. They aim to identify if people have ADHD symptoms and the categories of those symptoms, but often fail to rule out other conditions or co-morbidities.
These ADHD diagnostic tests are helpful for early intervention and often act as the first step in the diagnosis of ADHD in both adults and children.
Last Updated: 21 Oct, 2023
The 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.
CAARS: Conners Adult ADHD Rating Scale
The Conners Adult ADHD Rating Scale is a self-report questionnaire that covers various ADHD symptoms such as inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. CAARS is often used in clinical settings to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment strategies and monitor symptom progress over time. The test comprises several versions, including long and short forms, and can also involve observer reports from significant others who know the individual well. By providing a comprehensive overview of ADHD symptoms, the CAARS is instrumental in diagnosis, treatment planning, and ongoing management of ADHD in adults.
Vanderbilt ADHD Diagnostic Rating Scale
Primarily used for children, the Vanderbilt ADHD Diagnostic Rating Scale comprises 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 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 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