ADHD Assessment Tools

The diagnosis and treatment of ADHD can be made by a qualified healthcare professional with appropriate training and expertise. This is usually in a secondary care setting  

A diagnosis of ADHD should only be made by a specialist psychiatrist, paediatrician or other appropriately qualified healthcare professional with training and expertise in the diagnosis of ADHD, on the basis of:

• a full clinical and psychosocial assessment of the person; this should include discussion about behaviour and symptoms in the different domains and settings of the person's everyday life and
• a full developmental and psychiatric history and
• observer reports and assessment of the person's mental state. [2008]

A diagnosis of ADHD should not be made solely on the basis of rating scale or observational data. However, rating scales such as the Conners' rating scales and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire are valuable adjuncts, and observations (for example, at school) are useful when there is doubt about symptoms. [2008]

For a diagnosis of ADHD, symptoms of hyperactivity/impulsivity and/or inattention should:

• meet the diagnostic criteria in DSM‑5 or ICD‑11 (hyperkinetic disorder; but exclusion based on a pervasive developmental disorder or an uncertain time of onset is not recommended) and
• cause at least moderate psychological, social and/or educational or occupational impairment based on interview and/or direct observation in multiple settings and
• be pervasive, occurring in 2 or more important settings including social, familial, educational and/or occupational settings.

As part of the diagnostic process, include an assessment of the person's needs, coexisting conditions, social, familial and educational or occupational circumstances and physical health. For children and young people, there should also be an assessment of their parents' or carers' mental health.

ADHD should be considered in all age groups, with symptom criteria adjusted for age-appropriate changes in behaviour.

In determining the clinical significance of impairment resulting from the symptoms of ADHD in children and young people, their views should be taken into account wherever possible.