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.
How to do an assessment for ADHD? The main parts of an ADHD assessment
Clinical Interviews
The clinician/neuropsychologist 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).
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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.
What are the 12 symptoms of ADHD?
ADHD symptoms are typically divided into two main categories: inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity. To be diagnosed with ADHD, individuals (especially children) often need to exhibit at least six symptoms from either category, or from both, for at least six months. Here are the 12 key symptoms often assessed:
Inattention Symptoms
- Difficulty sustaining attention on tasks or play activities.
- Careless mistakes in work or school activities due to lack of attention to details.
- Easily distracted by external stimuli or unrelated thoughts.
- Avoids or dislikes tasks that require sustained mental effort, such as homework or lengthy assignments.
- Frequently loses items needed for tasks and activities, like school supplies, keys, or phone.
- Doesn’t seem to listen when spoken to directly, appearing as though their mind is elsewhere.
- Fails to follow through on instructions, often leaving tasks unfinished.
- Often forgetful in daily activities, like chores or keeping appointments.
Hyperactivity-Impulsivity Symptoms
- Fidgeting or squirming when seated, or difficulty staying seated in situations where expected.
- Unable to play or engage in activities quietly, often excessively loud or energetic.
- Excessive talking and difficulty waiting for their turn to speak in conversations.
- Interrupts or intrudes on others' conversations or activities, showing impulsive tendencies.
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How do you assess yourself for ADHD?
If you suspect you may have ADHD, here are some steps you can take to assess yourself:
Reflect on Symptoms. Familiarize yourself with ADHD symptoms, such as inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. You can ask yourself if you regularly experience:
- Trouble focusing on tasks or conversations.
- Difficulty organizing tasks or keeping track of items.
- Being easily distracted by external stimuli or random thoughts.
- Fidgeting or feeling restless in situations where you’re expected to sit still.
- Difficulty completing tasks or following through on projects.
Use Self-Assessment Tools. There are several reputable ADHD self-assessment questionnaires available online, like the ASRS (Adult Self-Report Scale) or the Mind Diagnostics ADHD Test. These tools use questions to help you reflect on how often you experience certain symptoms and how severely they affect your daily life.
Gather Feedback from Others. Friends, family, or close colleagues can offer valuable insights, as they may have noticed symptoms you aren’t fully aware of. Ask them if they’ve observed patterns like distractibility, impulsivity, or chronic lateness.
Review Past History. ADHD symptoms often start in childhood. Reflecting on past struggles with focus, organization, or impulsivity can help identify longstanding patterns, as ADHD is typically a lifelong condition.
Assess the Impact on Daily Life. True ADHD often impacts multiple areas of life, such as work, school, or relationships. Consider how your symptoms affect your ability to succeed or function in these areas and if these issues have persisted over time.
Consider Co-occurring Issues. ADHD symptoms often overlap with those of other conditions, like anxiety or depression. If you experience similar symptoms in specific situations (like social anxiety in crowds), these may stem from other issues. Identifying when and where your symptoms occur can help clarify if ADHD is the likely cause.
While self-assessment can provide valuable insights, it’s not a replacement for a professional diagnosis. If your self-assessment suggests you might have ADHD, consider speaking with a healthcare professional to explore a full diagnostic assessment and potential treatment options.