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Different ADHD Tests

Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) may begin in early childhood and can continue into adulthood. The symptoms include having trouble paying attention and focusing on tasks, having trouble sitting still even for a short time and acting impulsively. Without treatment, ADHD can cause problems at home, school and work. No cure exists for ADHD, but medicines and behavior therapy can help control the symptoms.

  1. Medical History

    • Inquiring about a patient's medical history may reveal whether ADHD or another condition, such as a learning disability, causes problem behavior. The doctor will ask about the child's birth history, inquiring about the mother's general health during pregnancy--whether she smoked, drank or used drugs during pregnancy, and about the delivery and birth of the child. The doctor will ask about the general health history of the child, such as when general development occurred, if any previous medical conditions were diagnosed and if sleeping habits occur normally. The doctor will also question the patient's behavior, inquiring about the general temperament of the child. He or she will ask for detailed descriptions of the problem behaviors and descriptions of the relationship the child has with peers and family members.

    Physical Exam

    • A physical exam also seeks to rule out the possibility of another condition causing problem behaviors associated with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. During a physical exam for ADHD, a health professional measures and weighs the child to compare the results with normal ranges for their age. They will check the child's blood pressure, test hearing and vision and inspect the limbs for birth defects. A health professional will check the nervous system for uncontrollable movements, coordination problems or abnormal reflexes.

    Behavior Rating Scales

    • Teachers and parents may complete rating scales, which are written tests used to check for symptoms of ADHD. The tests measure a child's behavior with that of other children the same age. The rating scales for parents include the Connors' Parent Rating Scales, which asks about the child's symptoms, and the Child Behavior Checklist, which evaluates a wide range of symptoms. Teachers may complete rating scales such as Connors' Teacher Rating Scales, which evaluates the child's symptoms in the classroom, Child Behavior Checklist/Teacher Report Form, also evaluating classroom behavior, and Child Attention Problems, which monitors behavioral changes after the child starts taking medicine to treat ADHD.

    Medical Review of the Rating Scales

    • If a doctor suspects a child of having ADHD after reviewing the test responses, they use the DSM-IV SNAP checklist next. The test evaluates hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity to determine the specific type of ADHD the child has. A doctor, parent or teacher may complete this evaluation.

    ADHD in Adults

    • ADHD often goes undiagnosed and untreated in adults. When left untreated, the lifelong condition can lead to low self-esteem, frustration, school or job failure, drug abuse and depression. A doctor may use the Wender Utah Rating Scale (WURS) to test for ADHD in adults. The written test consists of 25 questions about childhood difficulties commonly associated with ADHD.

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