Measuring Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Severity

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by symptoms like forgetfulness, poor concentration, restlessness, and procrastination.

Prevalence of ADHD

• Children and Adolescents: In 2016, an estimated 10.2% of children aged 4 to 17 in the United States received an ADHD diagnosis.
• Adults: Approximately 4.4% of American adults between the ages of 18 and 44 have ADHD.

Conducting an ADHD Assessment

• Who Can Conduct an Assessment:

  • Psychiatrists
  • Psychologists
  • Behavioral specialists
  • Social workers
  • Licensed mental health therapists
  • Family physicians
  • Child's pediatrician

• Where Assessments Take Place:

  • Primary care doctor's office
  • Child's school or clinic

ADHD Assessment Process

• Clinical Interview:

  • Includes a medical examination
  • Diagnostic interview with the client
  • Information from family members or spouses
  • Inquiry into family history of ADHD

• Medical Assessment:

  • General health check-up
  • Neurological, speech, and hearing evaluations
  • Blood marker tests for children
  • Intelligence and psychological assessment for learning disabilities

• Diagnostic Interview:

  • Structured conversation with a mental health professional
  • Questions about symptoms, duration, impact, and severity
  • Time: Approximately an hour or more

• Information from Others:

  • Children: Parents/caregivers and teachers
  • Adults: Parents, spouse/partner, and close support people
  • Information about symptom severity, daily functioning, and relationships

ADHD Rating Scales

• Rating Scales:

  • Assess specific ADHD symptoms
  • Help determine the type of ADHD (hyperactive, impulsive, or mixed)

• Rating Scales for Children:

  • Conners' Rating Scale - Revised
  • ADHD Rating Scale - IV
  • Pediatric Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Measure
  • Teacher Observation of ADHD

• Rating Scales for Adults:

  • Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale
  • ADHD Rating Scale - Revised with Adult Prompts
  • Adult ADHD Diagnostic Survey
  • Brown Attention Deficit Disorder Symptoms Scale for Adults

Significance of Understanding ADHD Severity

• Tailored Treatment Plan:

  • Understanding the severity of symptoms aids in developing an effective treatment plan
  • Treatment may include behavioral interventions, counseling, medication, and accommodations

• Symptom Specification:

  • Clinicians note the presence, absence, and severity levels when diagnosing ADHD
  • This assessment helps determine the impact of ADHD on various aspects of a person's life