ADHD Tests
Note on Self-Tests
Section titled “Note on Self-Tests”Diagnosis requires:
- Detailed medical history (including childhood)
- Interviewing caregivers
- Standardized questionnaires
- Ruling out other disorders
- Possibly neuropsychological testing
Tests for Adults
Section titled “Tests for Adults”Wender Utah Rating Scale (WURS)
Section titled “Wender Utah Rating Scale (WURS)”The WURS is one of the best-known questionnaires for retrospective assessment of ADHD symptoms in childhood. It provides an indication of the presence of the disorder in adults.
Important Test Areas for Adults
Section titled “Important Test Areas for Adults”The following areas are examined during diagnosis:
Attention and Concentration
Section titled “Attention and Concentration”- Short attention span during non-motivating activities
- Rapidly shifting focus of interest
- Careless mistakes
- Losing the thread while reading
Organization and Planning
Section titled “Organization and Planning”- Problems with planning
- Disorganization, chaotic behavior
- Inability to independently initiate activities
- Not completing started tasks
Impulsivity
Section titled “Impulsivity”- Acting without thinking
- Impatience
- Underestimating danger
- Difficulty controlling explosive behavior
Hyperactivity
Section titled “Hyperactivity”- Inner restlessness
- Inability to relax
- Constant topic switching
Parent Rating Scale for Children (Ages 6-10)
Section titled “Parent Rating Scale for Children (Ages 6-10)”Based on the Parents’ Rating Scale (Wender PH, 1995)
Instructions
Section titled “Instructions”Rate the extent to which your daughter/son displayed the following behaviors between the ages of 6 and 10.
Rating Scale
Section titled “Rating Scale”| Score | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 0 | not at all |
| 1 | somewhat |
| 2 | clearly |
| 3 | very much |
ADHD probable with a total score of 12 or above
The 10 Questions
Section titled “The 10 Questions”- Restless - overactive
- Excitable - impulsive
- Disturbed other children
- Started something and did not finish it (short attention span)
- Fidgeted constantly
- Easily distracted
- Wishes had to be fulfilled immediately (easily frustrated)
- Cried frequently
- Mood changed rapidly and extremely
- Prone to temper outbursts and unpredictable behavior
What Is Assessed During Diagnosis?
Section titled “What Is Assessed During Diagnosis?”For Adults: Retrospective Assessment
Section titled “For Adults: Retrospective Assessment”Most diagnostic criteria require that symptoms were already present in childhood. Therefore, the following are inquired:
- Typical features already in primary school age
- School report cards
- Parental accounts
- Previous behavioral abnormalities
Current Symptoms
Section titled “Current Symptoms”| Area | Typical Symptoms |
|---|---|
| Disorganization | Inability to finish things |
| Motor skills | Restlessness, restless sleep |
| Attention | Inability to concentrate on written material |
| Temperament | Outbursts, loss of control |
| Social behavior | Problems with authority figures |
| Impulsivity | Speaking without thinking |
| Stress management | Feeling overwhelmed |
| Daily life | Frequently losing/misplacing things |
Differential Diagnosis
Section titled “Differential Diagnosis”Distinguishing Features from Borderline
Section titled “Distinguishing Features from Borderline”| Feature | ADHD | Borderline |
|---|---|---|
| Mood swings | Change from day to day | Longer phases |
| Impulsivity | Short-lived, thoughtless | More driven |
| Anger | Short-lived, episodic | Often persistent |
| Relationships | Less intensely conflictual | Short, intense, conflictual |
| Suicidality | Less common | More common |
| Self-harm | Rare | Typical |
| Identity disturbances | Rare | Common |
Distinguishing Features from Bipolar Disorders
Section titled “Distinguishing Features from Bipolar Disorders”| Feature | ADHD | Bipolar Disorder |
|---|---|---|
| Mood swings | Change from day to day | Last weeks or months |
| Depressive features | Usually milder in nature | Severe depressive episodes |
When to See a Doctor?
Section titled “When to See a Doctor?”A specialist medical evaluation is recommended when:
- Several of the mentioned symptoms have existed since childhood
- The symptoms significantly impair daily life, career, or relationships
- Previous explanations have been insufficient
- Family members are affected (genetic component)
Points of Contact
Section titled “Points of Contact”- Psychiatrists with ADHD experience
- Neurologists with ADHD focus
- ADHD outpatient clinics at university hospitals
- Child and adolescent psychiatrists (for children/adolescents)
For Partners and Family Members
Section titled “For Partners and Family Members”It can be helpful if partners or close family members also document their observations:
- How does the person behave in daily life?
- Are there typical situations where problems arise?
- How was the behavior in the past?
This collateral history is an important component of diagnostics.
After the Diagnosis
Section titled “After the Diagnosis”If ADHD is diagnosed, the following steps occur:
- Education about the disorder (psychoeducation)
- Treatment planning (individualized)
- If applicable, medication adjustment
- If applicable, psychotherapeutic support
- Regular follow-up assessments