CHADD ADHD Diagnostic Process
Evaluation Process
Experts at CHADD, and other leading research organizations, emphasize that no single test can diagnose ADHD. With this in mind, we provide a comprehensive evaluation that rules out other possible causes, and identifies coexisting conditions. Our consultations include both the individual being evaluated, and those closely involved in their life. We review key areas such as behavior, emotional functioning, academic/ work performance, and interpersonal relationships. Information about developmental, medical, and family history, including any history of trauma, assists us in the evaluation process. In turn, this helps us support you in building insight, fostering self-awareness, and making meaningful changes in daily life.
Initial Screening Evaluation
- Begin with an initial interview to determine if ADHD may be contributing to an individual’s social, emotional, behavior, academic or work challenges.
- Using the presentation criteria in the DSM-5, determine if the individual exhibits the number and type of symptoms indicating that ADHD may be present.If so, proceed to a full evaluation.
Comprehensive Evaluation for ADHD
Conduct in-depth interviews with the individual and the people knowledgeable about the individual: for children and teens include parents and caregivers; for adults consider a separate interview with spouses or partners. The interview should include a thorough history of the individual’s core symptoms:
- What are the specific symptoms?
- When are the symptoms present?
- Do they occur in different situations or the same one?
- At what age did the symptoms start?
- How long do the symptoms typically last? Are they pervasive?
- Are there any precipitants to the symptoms?
- Is there anything that seems to lessen the symptoms?
- To what degree do the individual’s symptoms interfere with routine and age appropriate functioning?
Complete a bio-psycho-social assessment that includes history related to:
- Prenatal and early developmental history and milestones
- Medical history, including illnesses, injuries and hospitalizations
- Family history, including any incidents of violence, disruption or separation
- Current functioning: describe a typical day
- Any co-occurring concerns: depression, anxiety, learning disabilities, anger management challenges, oppositional behavior, among others
- Academic or work history:challenges and areas of success
- Strengths, talents, unique abilities and coping skills
- Family and social relationships
- Substance use
- Temperament and mental status
- Any history of family ADHD or co-occurring disorders
What else should I consider when diagnosing ADHD?
Since many symptoms of ADHD resemble those of other co-occurring disorders, it is important to assess for these to ensure an accurate diagnosis. These can include:
- Oppositional defiant disorder
- Intermittent explosive disorder
- Specific learning disorder
- Autism spectrum disorder
- Intellectual disability
- Reactive attachment disorder
- Bipolar disorder
- Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder
- Personality disorders
- Substance use disorders
- Depressive disorders
- Anxiety disorders
- Other neurodevelopmental disorders
- Psychotic c disorders
- Medication-induced symptoms
- Neurocognitive disorders
- Post-traumatic event symptoms/disorder