ADHD Screening
Reviewed
Also called: ADHD test, ADD test
ADHD screening is also called ADHD testing. It helps find out if a child, teen, or adult has ADHD.
Specimen: Not applicable
Why this test may be ordered
- Your child may need screening if you, a teacher, or another caregiver thinks your child has symptoms of ADHD.
- Adults who have had challenges since childhood (before age 12) with focusing, impulsive behavior, restlessness, and/or being organized can ask their providers if they need to be screened for ADHD.
Preparation and collection
You usually don't need any special preparations for ADHD screening. Your provider will let you know what health and school records you may need to gather.
The general screening process is similar for people of all ages. A primary care provider may do the entire screening or refer the person to a mental health provider. During an ADHD screening, the provider will: Do a physical exam. Review medical history, family health history, and other records. Gather information using standardized ADHD symptom checklists, questionnaires, and/or interview questions.
There is no risk to a physical exam, written test, or questionnaire.
Understanding results
The provider will usually write up the results of an ADHD screening in a report that includes a diagnosis.
- ADHD diagnosed: If there is a diagnosis of ADHD, the report will include the type of ADHD (inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive, or combined). It will also say whether ADHD is mild, moderate, or severe. Limitation: It's normal to sometimes have trouble paying attention or sitting still, especially for children. Next step: There's no cure for ADHD, but treatment may help reduce symptoms. Treatment may include medicine, talk therapy, behavioral therapy, and lifestyle changes.
- Other disorders found: Any other disorders that may have been found will be included in the report. Limitation: An exam by a primary care provider checks for certain health conditions that can cause symptoms similar to ADHD. Next step: A primary care provider may do the entire screening or refer the person to a mental health provider.
- There is no single test to show whether a person has ADHD.
- The screening is not diagnostic by itself; results must be interpreted by a healthcare professional.
- Symptoms of other mental health disorders can be mistaken for ADHD.
What to do next
Usually, two or more treatments are combined. Parents of children with ADHD may also receive training to help their children manage ADHD.
- Do you or your child have frequent, serious problems with attention, hyperactivity, and/or impulsive behavior?
- Have these symptoms been ongoing for at least 6 months and begun before age 12?
- Do the symptoms occur in two or more settings (e.g., home, school, work)?
- Do the symptoms interfere with functioning at school, work, or in social situations?
Evidence source
Source: U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus). Practices and reference ranges may differ in your country.