There is no single diagnostically definitive test for ADHD. It is also a condition with a high rate of comorbidity. Diagnosis of the condition involves a wide range of tests. A comprehensive assessment is needed to determine whether the subject has ADHD, another disorder, or a combination.
The assessments must be comprehensive and involve investigating organic conditions, functional disorders, developmental status, and environmental and family relationships. A clinical interview with the child and family by a professional with specialized skills in assessment is one of the main aspects of the process. It should also incorporate a comprehensive medical examination and a review of the person’s medical history. The assessor may also require psychological tests and a school-related evaluation.
None of the tests is definitive. Rating scales and measures have been developed to aid in the systematic, standardized assessment of the various elements that go into defining ADHD. These are listed in the 5th edition of the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V)
