Learn about how Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is diagnosed, its most common symptoms, the online ADHD test, and the importance of consulting specialists to follow up on the appropriate treatment.
How is ADHD diagnosed?
A mental health specialist makes the diagnosis using a set of assessments. ADHD is diagnosed when at least six symptoms of ADHD are present, persist for a minimum of six months, and cause difficulties for the child in daily life and at school.
Diagnosis also requires asking family members and close individuals for relevant information, taking a detailed history of the child’s past performance, and asking about their current functioning.
The American Academy of Pediatrics has established guidelines for diagnosing ADHD. These guidelines describe the common symptoms under three main categories: inattention, hyperactivity/impulsivity, or a combined presentation, as shown in the table below.
| Inattention | Hyperactivity/Impulsivity | Combined Symptoms |
|---|---|---|
| A child with inattention may experience the following: | A child with ADHD may show signs such as: | Some children experience a combination of inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity symptoms, and these can change over time. Therefore, diagnosis involves asking parents whether symptoms were present before the age of 12. It also includes asking whether the child’s life is affected at home, at school, or with friends. |
| – Forgetfulness | – Unable to remain seated; fidgets and squirms in the chair | |
| – Easily distracted | – Unable to wait; does not wait for their turn | |
| – Avoids tasks that require sustained focus | – Acts impulsively when engaging in activities | |
| – Difficulty following instructions | – Behaves as if “driven by a motor” | |
| – Difficulty organizing daily activities and tasks | – Interrupts others while they are speaking | |
| – Blurts out answers to questions |
Therefore, the answer to the question of how ADHD is diagnosed is somewhat complex and requires specialist physicians in this field, such as the doctors at Ihtiwaa Center for child treatment.
Measuring Symptoms of ADHD
Doctors diagnose ADHD by evaluating symptoms using multiple assessment scales. Specialists often choose the Conners Rating Scale for ADHD and inattention, which is used for children, adolescents, and adults.
The physician uses the Conners Scale by asking a set of questions to assess symptoms such as hyperactivity, concentration problems, sleep issues, temper outbursts, and fear of separation from loved ones. It also includes questions about difficulty maintaining friendships and the presence of emotional problems.
Responses are then scored from 0 to 3, indicating how often a symptom or behavior occurs: 0 means the symptom does not occur, while 3 means it occurs frequently. Based on the results of the Conners Scale questions, ADHD is diagnosed, and the appropriate treatment plan is selected accordingly.
ADHD Hyperactivity and Inattention Test
There is an online hyperactivity test, but it is not considered a precise diagnostic tool for this disorder. A formal diagnosis must be made by specialist physicians; however, it can help a person estimate whether they may have ADHD and whether they should see a doctor.
The test consists of several multiple-choice questions, answered by selecting one of the following options: Never, Rarely, Sometimes, Often, or Always, keeping in mind that responses should reflect symptoms that have appeared for at least six months.
Examples of questions from an adult ADHD test include:
Questions about task performance
Do you avoid doing tasks and delay getting started on them?
Do you find that most school or work tasks are boring or repetitive and you cannot complete them?
Do you find yourself making careless mistakes when engaged in a task or activity that is boring, repetitive, or difficult for you?
Questions related to anxiety and attention
How often do you feel anxious or restless?
Do you consistently fail to remember required tasks and struggle with forgetfulness?
Do you have difficulty feeling relaxed while on the move?
Do you often have trouble finding things and forget where you placed them?
Are you easily distracted or do you find it hard to concentrate when there is activity or noise around you?
Do you dislike waiting your turn in a line when waiting is required, such as at a grocery store?
