What tests are needed to diagnose ADHD?
Nov 17, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhou Xiaofeng
Introduction
ADHD diagnosis generally requires clinical interview assessment, behavioral scale evaluation, attention testing, intellectual function assessment, and exclusionary examinations. Clinical interview assessment: The doctor will separately communicate with parents and teachers to understand the child's behavior at home and school, including attention span, as well as the frequency and duration of hyperactivity and impulsivity symptoms.
ADHD diagnosis generally involves clinical interview assessment, behavioral rating scale evaluation, attention testing, intellectual functioning assessment, and exclusionary examinations. The details are as follows:
1. Clinical Interview Assessment: The doctor conducts separate interviews with parents and teachers to understand the child's behavior at home and in school, including attention span, frequency, and duration of hyperactive and impulsive symptoms. The clinician also reviews the child’s developmental history and past medical conditions to gather essential information for diagnosis.
2. Behavioral Rating Scale Evaluation: Standardized behavioral rating scales (e.g., Conners' Rating Scales) are used, with parents and teachers completing them based on the child’s daily behaviors. These scales provide quantitative scores to assess the severity of symptoms such as inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, helping determine whether diagnostic criteria for ADHD are met.
3. Attention Testing: Specialized tools (e.g., Continuous Performance Test) are used to evaluate the stability, selectivity, and distribution of the child’s attention. The child’s response speed, accuracy, and error patterns during tasks are analyzed to identify any attention-related impairments.
4. Intellectual Functioning Assessment: Cognitive assessments (e.g., Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children) are administered to evaluate the child’s intellectual level. This helps rule out symptoms resembling ADHD that may stem from intellectual developmental delays, ensuring diagnostic accuracy. It also provides insight into the child’s cognitive profile to guide future interventions.
5. Exclusionary Examinations: Routine physical exams, complete blood count, and thyroid function tests are conducted to rule out physical conditions such as thyroid disorders or anemia. Psychological evaluations are also performed to exclude other mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, or oppositional defiant disorder, thereby preventing misdiagnosis.
If you suspect your child may have symptoms of ADHD, it is recommended to seek early evaluation from a pediatric psychiatrist or developmental-behavioral pediatrician. Follow the professional guidance of healthcare providers closely when completing all necessary assessments. Avoid self-diagnosis or unguided interventions to ensure an accurate and scientifically sound diagnosis.
