ADHD Testing

Common Psychological Testing Tools for ADHD

1. Conners' Rating Scales (Conners 3)

  • Major Elements:

    • Parent, Teacher, and Self-Report Forms: Different perspectives on the individual's behavior.

    • Scales and Subscales: Measure specific behaviors such as inattention, hyperactivity, impulsivity, and oppositional behavior.

    • DSM-5 Symptom Scales: Align with diagnostic criteria for ADHD.

  • Why It Works: The Conners' Rating Scales are widely used due to their ability to gather comprehensive information from multiple sources. This multi-informant approach helps to create a well-rounded view of the individual's behavior across different settings, which is crucial for an accurate diagnosis.

2. ADHD Rating Scale IV

  • Major Elements:

    • 18-Item Questionnaire: Based on DSM-5 criteria for ADHD.

    • Frequency Rating: Measures how often symptoms occur.

    • Contextual Questions: Include questions on home and school behavior.

  • Why It Works: This tool provides a straightforward method for quantifying the frequency and severity of ADHD symptoms. Its alignment with DSM-5 criteria ensures that the results are relevant for clinical diagnosis.

3. Behavior Assessment System for Children (BASC-3)

  • Major Elements:

    • Parent, Teacher, and Self-Report Forms: Capture behaviors from multiple viewpoints.

    • Behavioral and Emotional Screening: Includes internalizing problems, externalizing problems, school problems, and adaptive skills.

    • Validity Indexes: Ensure the accuracy and honesty of responses.

  • Why It Works: The BASC-3 is comprehensive, covering a wide range of behavioral and emotional issues beyond ADHD. Its broad scope helps identify comorbid conditions and provides a holistic view of the child's functioning.

4. Vanderbilt ADHD Diagnostic Rating Scales

  • Major Elements:

    • Parent and Teacher Questionnaires: Evaluate symptoms in home and school settings.

    • Performance Measures: Assess academic performance and classroom behavior.

    • Symptom and Impairment Scales: Measure the severity of symptoms and their impact on daily functioning.

  • Why It Works: The Vanderbilt Scales are specifically designed for school-age children, making them highly relevant for this population. They provide a clear picture of how ADHD symptoms affect academic and social performance.

5. Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL)

  • Major Elements:

    • Parent and Teacher Report Forms: Collect data on a wide range of behaviors.

    • Syndrome Scales: Include anxious/depressed, withdrawn/depressed, somatic complaints, social problems, thought problems, attention problems, rule-breaking behavior, and aggressive behavior.

    • Competence Scales: Assess social competence and academic performance.

  • Why It Works: The CBCL's comprehensive nature allows for the identification of multiple behavioral and emotional issues. Its broad approach helps in understanding the child's overall functioning and the presence of comorbid conditions.

6. Swanson, Nolan, and Pelham (SNAP-IV) Rating Scale

  • Major Elements:

    • 26-Item Scale: Based on DSM criteria for ADHD.

    • Inattention and Hyperactivity/Impulsivity Subscales: Separately measure key symptom domains.

    • Frequency Rating: Rates symptoms on a scale from 0 (not at all) to 3 (very much).

  • Why It Works: The SNAP-IV is concise yet comprehensive, providing clear and quantifiable measures of ADHD symptoms. Its ease of use makes it a popular choice for both clinical and research settings.

7. Continuous Performance Test (CPT)

  • Major Elements:

    • Computerized Test: Requires responses to visual or auditory stimuli.

    • Measures of Attention: Includes sustained attention, selective attention, and impulsivity.

    • Performance Metrics: Reaction time, errors of omission (missed targets), and errors of commission (false alarms).

  • Why It Works: The CPT provides objective data on attention and impulsivity, key areas affected by ADHD. Its computerized nature ensures consistent administration and precise measurement of performance.

8. Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF)

  • Major Elements:

    • Parent, Teacher, and Self-Report Forms: Assess executive function behaviors in everyday settings.

    • Scales: Include inhibit, shift, emotional control, initiate, working memory, plan/organize, organization of materials, and monitor.

    • Global Executive Composite: Overall score summarizing executive function.

  • Why It Works: The BRIEF focuses on executive functions, which are often impaired in individuals with ADHD. It provides valuable insights into how these cognitive processes affect daily life, aiding in the development of targeted interventions.

9. Strengths and Weaknesses of ADHD Symptoms and Normal Behavior (SWAN)

  • Major Elements:

    • Rating Scale: Completed by parents or teachers.

    • Positive and Negative Symptom Ratings: Measures both strengths and weaknesses.

    • Continuum of Behavior: Places symptoms on a spectrum rather than a binary present/absent scale.

  • Why It Works: The SWAN scale's approach to viewing behaviors on a continuum helps to differentiate between normal variations in behavior and clinically significant symptoms. This nuanced view aids in more accurate diagnosis and understanding of ADHD.

10. Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC-V) / Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS-IV)

  • Major Elements:

    • Subtests: Measure different cognitive domains such as verbal comprehension, perceptual reasoning, working memory, and processing speed.

    • Composite Scores: Provide an overall measure of intelligence and specific cognitive abilities.

  • Why It Works: These scales offer a detailed assessment of cognitive functioning, helping to identify strengths and weaknesses. They are essential for understanding the cognitive profile of individuals with ADHD and tailoring interventions accordingly.

11. Neuropsychological Testing

  • Major Elements:

    • Specific Tests: Include the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test, Stroop Test, Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure Test, and others.

    • Executive Functions: Assess planning, problem-solving, cognitive flexibility, attention, and working memory.

    • Detailed Analysis: Provides in-depth information about cognitive processes.

  • Why It Works: Neuropsychological testing offers a thorough evaluation of brain functions related to ADHD. It helps identify specific cognitive deficits and informs the development of comprehensive treatment plans.

12. Behavioral Assessment of Dysexecutive Syndrome (BADS)

  • Major Elements:

    • Tasks and Questionnaires: Assess various aspects of executive function.

    • Scales: Include the Dysexecutive Questionnaire, Behavioral Tasks, and Cognitive Tasks.

    • Performance Measures: Evaluate real-life executive functioning and problem-solving abilities.

  • Why It Works: BADS focuses on the practical implications of executive function deficits, providing insights into how these impairments affect daily living. This information is crucial for designing effective interventions.

13. Diagnostic Interview for ADHD in Adults (DIVA 5)

  • Major Elements:

    • Structured Interview: Based on DSM-5 criteria.

    • Lifetime Symptom Checklist: Assesses current and past ADHD symptoms.

    • Impairment Section: Evaluates the impact of symptoms on daily life.

    • Collateral Information: Gathers information from partners, family members, or close friends.

  • Why It Works: DIVA 5 is specifically designed for adults, ensuring that the unique presentation of ADHD in this population is accurately captured. The structured interview format ensures consistency and thoroughness, while the inclusion of collateral information helps provide a comprehensive view of the individual's symptoms and their impact.