Testing for ADHD

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can't be diagnosed with a physical test, like a blood test or an X-ray. Instead, a health professional uses an evaluation process to diagnose ADHD.

During the evaluation, a professional gathers information to determine if the criteria for ADHD are met. The criteria come from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), the official diagnostic guide used in the United States. Such tests can be used to diagnose ADHD in both children and adults.

Tests for ADHD

Some of the specific assessments that may be used when testing for ADHD include:

• Behavior Assessment System for Children (BASC): Looks for symptoms related to aggression, hyperactivity, conduct issues, attention problems, learning issues, anxiety, and depression
• Conners Rating Scale: Looks at symptoms related to behavior, school, interpersonal functioning, and work to determine how symptoms impact home life, relationships, academics, and other life areas; also available as the Conners Adult ADHD Rating Scales to assess ADHD in adults
• Child Behavior Checklist/Teacher Report Form (CBCL): Used to assess behavioral and social issues, including aggression, physical complaints, and withdrawal
• Tests of Variable Attention (TOVA): Used to assess the ability to pay attention to non-preferred tasks; usually used in conjunction with other assessments
• Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS): A self-report test used to look for ADHD symptoms in adults

In addition to self-report and interview-based assessments, health professionals may also utilize the Neuropsychiatric EEG-Based Assessment Aid (NEBA) System. This involves measuring brain wave patterns, which tend to be higher in children with ADHD. This ADHD test is approved for use in children from ages six through 17.

Diagnostic Criteria

There are three main types of ADHD—inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive, or combined. Regardless of the specific presentation of ADHD, several conditions must be met in order to arrive at an official diagnosis:

Inattentive Type

For children up to 16 years old, six or more symptoms of inattention must be present, while people 17 and older must exhibit five or more symptoms. These symptoms must be present for at least six months to suggest a diagnosis of ADHD:

• Often makes careless mistakes or disregards details
• Has difficulty staying attuned to specific tasks or activities
• Does not seem to listen when spoken to
• Fails to finish tasks or follow through on instructions
• Difficulty organizing
• Avoids or dislikes long-term tasks
• Often loses track of important items (wallets, school materials, etc)
• Easily distracted
• Often forgetful

Hyperactive/Impulsive Type

The same age- and time-based criteria as above are necessary for an ADHD diagnosis based on symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity:

• Regular fidgeting or squirming
• Ignores instructions to remain seated or stay in one place
• Moves about or feels restless in situations where such movement is inappropriate
• Cannot participate in leisure activities quietly
• Excessive talking
• Blurts out answers before a question is finished
• Trouble waiting for their turn
• Often interrupts or intrudes in conversation

ADHD Severity

In the process of diagnosing someone with ADHD, a doctor will also indicate severity:

• Mild: You or your child exhibit minor impairment in functioning while having enough symptoms to meet the criteria for diagnosis.
• Moderate: Impairment is more significant
• Severe: Many more symptoms are present than would be minimally required for an ADHD diagnosis, along with significant impairment as a result of symptoms.

The Importance of an Accurate Diagnosis

You might be tempted to avoid getting an official diagnosis for yourself or your child. After all, what's the point if you don't plan to take medication? Or, perhaps you're concerned that being labeled with ADHD might hurt more than it helps.

But, there are many advantages to getting an ADHD diagnosis. Getting a diagnosis can help you or your child get the appropriate treatment and help rule out other conditions. While conditions such as autism, bipolar disorder, sleep disorders, conduct disorders, and anxiety disorders can mimic symptoms of ADHD, they are distinct diagnoses.

There is also an emotional benefit. The symptoms associated with ADHD can lead to feelings of guilt, shame, or embarrassment about underachieving. Or, it can lead to a lot of frustration over the amount of time it takes to complete tasks. A diagnosis may help reduce those emotions.

Accommodations at school or in the workplace can be granted when you show written evidence of a diagnosis. Small changes, like moving your workspace to a quiet area or being granted more time on tests can make a big difference.

Once you've been tested for ADHD, you can begin a course of treatment that will help make life more manageable.

Professionals Who Diagnose ADHD

Several different professionals are qualified to provide testing for ADHD and make a diagnosis. A psychiatrist, psychologist, psychotherapist, neurologist, and some physicians can diagnose ADHD. Before booking an appointment, ask if the care provider has experience diagnosing ADHD.

If you're interested in being assessed for ADHD, you might start by talking to your doctor. Your family doctor might not carry out the detailed evaluation but can give you a referral to a professional who can adequately assess you.

ADHD cannot be diagnosed online. However, there are many ADHD quizzes and questionnaires available online that act as a helpful self-screening process. Taking a quiz can give you the confidence to reach out to a health professional for a formal diagnosis.

What to Share With Your Treatment Provider

If possible, bring copies of any appropriate records such as medical, psychological, school/employment records to the appointment. Be prepared to give a detailed social and family history.

Many healthcare providers will send you a questionnaire to complete the appointment. Be sure to bring the completed forms with you to the appointment.

They may also send the questionnaire to other people with your consent, such as your child's teacher or daycare provider.

ADHD Discussion Guide

Get our printable guide for your next doctor's appointment to help you ask the right questions.

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The Assessment Process

Though it varies, a typical assessment for ADHD in children or adults may last around one to three hours. Every practitioner conducts the assessment in their own way, but you can expect an in-person interview covering topics such as development, health, family, and lifestyle history.

The clinician may request to interview other people. For adults, they might want to talk to their partners or other family members. In the case of children, the clinician may want to talk to a teacher, coach, or daycare provider.

Questionnaires, rating scales, intellectual screenings, and measures of sustained attention and distractibility may all be part of the assessment. You may be asked to elaborate on things such as:

• How often do you quit a task before you're done?
• How often do you misplace things?
• How often do you forget appointments or other important matters?
• Do you have trouble sitting still?
• Do you struggle to relax?
• How often are you distracted by things around you?
  

While psychological testing is not the sole basis for diagnosing ADHD, it may be recommended to support conclusions and provide a more comprehensive assessment. You may also be screened for learning disabilities.

A Word From Verywell

An ADHD diagnosis can cause you to feel a flood of emotions. You might feel relieved to have an explanation for your symptoms. Or, you may feel overwhelmed by what to do next.

Don't feel rushed to make decisions about treatment; allow yourself a little time to process the new information before moving on to the next steps.

Once you're ready, you can meet with your doctor to determine what course of treatment is best for you, which may include therapy, medication, and/or lifestyle changes.