Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, starts in childhood and may continue into adulthood. According to the American Psychiatric Association, people with ADHD have difficulties with inattention or hyperactivity, although some have problems with both inattention and hyperactivity. Assessments, or tests, are often used along with a medical exam and clinical interview to diagnose ADHD.
Behavior Assessment System for Children - 2nd Edition (BASC-2)
The Behavior Assessment System for Children--2nd Edition (BASC-2) evaluates ADHD through the perspective of the person with symptoms, parents or guardians, and a teacher. The perspective of the person with symptoms is obtained through a questionnaire. There are several versions of this questionnaire, depending upon the person's developmental level. One version is for children ages 6 to 7 years. Other versions are for children ages 8 to 11 years, adolescents ages 12 to 21 years, and young adults attending college who are ages 18 to 25 years. The questionnaire for parents asks about behaviors of the person with symptoms at home and in the community. Behavior concerns at school are asked in the teacher questionnaire.
Conners Rating Scales
The Conners Third Edition (Conners 3) assesses ADHD in school-aged children through questionnaires that are given to the child, parents or guardians, and a teacher. Parent and teacher questionnaires are appropriate for the evaluation of children ages 6 to 10 years, and the child questionnaire is for children 8 to 18 years. The Conners 3 uses 10 questions to screen for ADHD. Some of the behaviors evaluated by the Conners 3 include inattention, hyperactivity, impulse control difficulties, aggression, learning difficulties and relationships with family and peers.
The Conners Adult ADHD Rating Scales (CAARS) assess ADHD among adults age 18 years and older. In the CAARS, the adult self-reports behaviors and emotional concerns. People who know the adult well, such as a significant other, friend or family member, also rate behaviors of the adult. Twelve items make up a scale that is used to determine ADHD.
Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) and Adult Behavior Checklist (ABCL)
Parents or guardians rate their child's behavior on various behavioral and emotional concerns on the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL). The CBCL has a version for preschool children ages 1-1/2 to 5 years, and a school-aged version for children ages 6 to 18 years.
The Adult Self-Report (ASR) and Adult Behavior Checklist (ABCL) can be used to assess ADHD among adults. In the ASR, adults ages 18 to 59 years answer questions regarding their behavior and emotional difficulties. People who know the adult well complete the ABCL. The CBCL, ABCL and ASR are part of the Achenbach System of Empirically Based Assessment (ASEBA).
References
- Achenbach System of Empirically Based Assessment
- "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th ed. Text Revision)"; American Psychiatric Association; 2002
- Multi-Health Systems: CAARS (Conners Adults ADHD Rating Scales)
- Multi-Health Systems: Conners 3 (Conners Third Edition)
- PsychCorp: BASC-2 (Behavior Assessment System for Children -- 2nd Edition)
