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ADHD Assessment Instruments

The symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, are often mistaken for normal childhood behavior, such as difficulty concentrating, impulsiveness and being easily distracted. In true cases of ADHD, symptoms generally appear between the ages of 3 and 6, and can vary greatly between children. There are a number of assessment tools used to identify people with ADHD, and since no single test is used to make a diagnosis, correlation between several tests is of utmost importance.

  1. Conners Teacher Rating Scale-Revised

    • The CTRS-R is one of the most effective assessment tools for ADHD today.

      The Conners Teacher Rating Scale-Revised (CTRS-R) is a 28-question test used to help diagnose ADHD in children aged 3 to 17. This particular scale has been shown to be very effective in distinguishing between hyperactive children from normal children (clinically designated as non-hyperactive children), as well as children with learning disabilities. The effects of medication are also identified by this test.

    Child Behavior Checklist

    • The CBCL can help distinguish between many different behavior characteristics.

      The Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) has shown positive results in identifying ADHD in children from 4 years of age to 16. This assessment tool analyzes a wide range of behavior characteristics and competency issues and is able to generate T-scores for its results. The CBCL also has a version for teachers that is similar to the parent form and is used to assess ADHD in children 4 to 18 years old.

    Disruptive Behavior Disorder Rating Scale

    • The DBD rating scale can be completed by parents and teachers.

      This assessment tool, available in parent and teacher form, asks the tester to review a list of behaviors and identify how closely the behavior listed matches that of the child being assessed. For example, questions might include, "Does the child argue frequently with adults?" "Does the child blurt out answers before questions have finished being asked?" "Does the child have difficulty paying attention when playing or attending to a task?" Evaluators are then asked to select whether the behavior occurs "Very Much," "Not at All" or somewhere in between.

    Medical Exam

    • A doctor's visit is vital to help rule out other causes of hyperactivity or inattentiveness.

      A medical exam is another important assessment tool used to identify possible causes of attention behavior problems. Lead poisoning and seizures are two possibilities that can sometimes cause similar behaviors as children diagnosed with ADHD. A doctor evaluation is also necessary to determine possible contraindicating factors to prescription medications for inattention or hyperactivity. If a child is suffering from asthma or has cardiac problems, some medicines may not be indicated for hyperactivity, and if prescribed could cause serious health effects. It is also important to note that a doctor's interview and evaluation can be subjective. A "doctor's office effect" has been noted in clinical research, where the children being evaluated remain focused at the doctor's office but display opposite behaviors at home or school.

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