ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that interfere with daily functioning.
The assessment typically includes several components to provide a clear picture of the person's symptoms, behavior, and how these affect their life. Here's an overview of the main parts of an ADHD assessment:
Clinical Interviews
The clinician will conduct interviews with the individual being assessed.
The clinician may also speak with family members, teachers, or caregivers to gather information about behaviors in various settings (home, school, work).
The interview will cover developmental history, current challenges, symptoms, and overall life functioning, including academic, work, and social environments.
Symptom Questionnaires, Rating Scales and proper assessment
These are standardized tools used to measure the frequency and severity of ADHD symptoms.
Commonly used scales include the Conners’ Rating Scale or Vanderbilt ADHD Diagnostic Rating Scale.
Both the individual and others who observe them (like teachers or parents) may be asked to complete these forms, providing multiple perspectives on symptoms.
Cognitive assessment to evaluate different cognitive functions
Behavioral Observations
The clinician may observe the individual’s behavior directly or consider past documented behaviors. This helps assess levels of inattention, impulsivity, or hyperactivity during the assessment.
Cognitive Testing
Tests to assess executive functioning, memory, attention span, and other cognitive processes may be conducted. These help rule out other conditions or causes of difficulties.
Examples include IQ tests or continuous performance tasks (CPT) that measure sustained attention and impulsivity.
Review of Medical and Educational History
A thorough review of medical records, including any previous diagnoses, medications, or treatments, will be done to identify if symptoms might be related to other medical issues.
School reports or past academic performance may be reviewed to identify patterns consistent with ADHD, such as underachievement despite normal intelligence.
Differential Diagnosis
The clinician will rule out other conditions that might explain the symptoms, such as anxiety, depression, learning disabilities, or autism.
ADHD can coexist with other disorders (called comorbidities), so the assessment helps clarify whether ADHD is the primary diagnosis or part of a broader set of challenges.
Diagnostic Criteria
The clinician compares the information gathered to the criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) or the International Classification of Diseases (ICD).
ADHD diagnosis requires that symptoms are persistent, present in more than one setting (e.g., home and school), and have been evident for at least six months.
Feedback and Diagnosis
After reviewing all the data, the clinician will provide feedback about the assessment results, including whether a diagnosis of ADHD is appropriate.
They may explain the type of ADHD diagnosed (predominantly inattentive, predominantly hyperactive-impulsive, or combined presentation).
Treatment Recommendations
If ADHD is diagnosed, treatment options like behavioral therapy, medication (like stimulants or non-stimulants), or accommodations at school or work will be discussed.
Recommendations may also include lifestyle changes, skills training, or further interventions tailored to the individual's needs.
An ADHD assessment is designed to be thorough, as the diagnosis can be complex, requiring input from multiple sources and careful consideration to rule out other conditions.