From the Guidelines
Adult ADHD testing typically involves a comprehensive evaluation by a mental health professional, starting with a clinical interview and utilizing standardized rating scales like the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS) to measure symptom severity, as recommended in the most recent study 1. The assessment process usually begins with a clinical interview to gather information about current symptoms, developmental history, and how symptoms impact daily functioning.
- Standardized rating scales like the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS) or the Conners' Adult ADHD Rating Scales (CAARS) are commonly used to measure symptom severity.
- A thorough evaluation may also include neuropsychological testing to assess attention, executive functioning, and memory.
- Medical professionals might request information from family members or review school records to establish a pattern of symptoms dating back to childhood, as ADHD typically begins in childhood even when diagnosed in adulthood. Some clinicians may use computerized tests like the Test of Variables of Attention (TOVA) or the Quotient ADHD System as supplementary tools. It's essential to rule out other conditions that might mimic ADHD symptoms, such as anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, or thyroid problems, which may require additional medical tests, as noted in earlier studies 1. The first step in diagnosing ADHD is to have patients complete part A of the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS-V1.1), which asks patients to indicate the frequency of a variety of symptoms, with a screen being positive when a patient checks often or very often for 4 or more of the 6 questions, as per the latest guidelines 1.
From the Research
Diagnostic Tests for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in Adults
The diagnostic tests for ADHD in adults involve a comprehensive clinical history and evaluation, patient symptom and function assessment, and gathering of collateral information 2. Some of the diagnostic tools used include:
- Structured interviews
- Screening scales, such as the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale and Conners Adult ADHD Rating Scales 2, 3
- Adult ADHD symptom inventories
- Measures of associated features of ADHD
- Ratings of impairment and functioning 4
Assessment and Evaluation
A comprehensive clinical interview is essential for an accurate diagnosis of ADHD in adults, reviewing representative symptoms starting in childhood that continue to cause impairment into adulthood 5. It is often helpful to interview or obtain information from family, friends, coworkers, or school records 5. The use of available standardized ADHD rating scales and checklists can help differentiate between ADHD and other comorbid psychiatric disorders commonly seen in primary care 3.
Screening for ADHD
ADHD can be screened for in as little as 3 to 5 minutes with a variety of self-report or physician-implemented scales 5. The Adult Self-Report Scale Screener may represent an efficient standardized assessment tool for identifying adult ADHD in primary care 3.
Importance of Accurate Diagnosis
An accurate diagnosis of ADHD in adults is crucial due to the substantial overlap of symptoms with other mental disorders, such as anxiety/stress, mood, personality, impulse control, and substance use disorders 2. A lifetime diagnosis of ADHD is associated with a wide range of life impairments, making comprehensive and accurate diagnostic assessment essential for obtaining appropriate treatment 4.