ADHD Diagnosis - A Step-by-Step Assessment
There is no single test to diagnose ADHD. Instead, various tests, assessments, and questionnaires are used for this purpose. In addition, conversations with parents, teachers, and other important caregivers are always held.
The diagnosis of ADHD requires a step-by-step assessment by a doctor*, as well as patience on the part of the affected person and their family.
ADHD is defined as a developmental disorder that begins in childhood. In some cases, however, it is only recognized later – in adolescence or adulthood. The disorder, however, accompanies those affected throughout their lives, since ADHD has no cure.
Therefore, a diagnosis sometimes requires retrospective proof that ADHD has existed since childhood.
ADHD is most often diagnosed in childhood. However, the disorder can also be observed in adolescents and adults later in life. Learn more about ADHD diagnosis according to the age of the affected individual.
For attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) to be diagnosed, certain conditions must be met. Two established classification systems – the so-called manuals – define the diagnostic criteria and are updated regularly:
ICD: The "International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems" is the most important and globally recognized medical diagnostic manual.
DSM: The "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders" is a globally recognized and established classification system for mental disorders.
In general, ADHD symptoms should…
- occur before age 12,
- be consistently present in the last 6 months and inappropriate for the developmental stage.
- attention deficit and/or hyperactivity and impulsivity may be present.
- Negatively impacting social and school/professional activities,
- At least two areas of life (e.g., school, work, family) are affected.
- Not better explained by other mental disorders and
- Not due to problems in the central nervous system, withdrawal symptoms, other diseases, or the effect of any substance or medication.
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can be diagnosed if several of the following symptoms are present:
Symptoms of attention deficit:
Difficulty maintaining attention,
lack of attention to detail,
common careless mistakes in tasks,
unfinished tasks,
high distractibility,
frequently not listening,
mental absence,
frequent loss of items,
forgetfulness
Difficulty memorizing,
Difficulty with planning (e.g., tasks/activities)
Symptoms of hyperactivity/impulsivity:
Excessive motor activity
Unexpected starting from one's seat
Frequently running around
Difficulty sitting still.
Feeling of physical restlessness
A feeling of discomfort when standing still or sitting without doing anything.
Difficulty participating in activities calmly
Excessive talking
Premature responses
Inappropriate comments
Difficulty waiting
Interrupting or disturbing others
Tendency to react without considering risks and consequences.
Impulsive decisions
Reckless driving
In general, ADHD symptoms should…
occurred before age 12
Have remained constant over the past 6 months and are inappropriate for the developmental stage.
Negatively impact social and school/professional activities
at least 2 areas of life (e.g., school, work, family) are affected and
Cannot be better explained by other mental disorders.
Specifically, one of the behavioral patterns below must be observed…
At least 6 symptoms must be present by age 16 (children).
In individuals aged 17 or older (adolescents/adults), at least 5 symptoms must be present.
Inattention:
Careless errors and negligence of details
Difficulty maintaining attention
Frequently does not listen
Failure to complete or follow through on tasks
Disorganization
Avoidance of mentally demanding tasks
Frequent loss of items
High distractibility
Forgetfulness
Hyperactivity-Impulsivity:
Restlessness and agitation
unexpected departure from one's seat
excessive walking or climbing
difficulty participating quietly in games or leisure activities
inner restlessness
excessive talking
premature responses
difficulty waiting
frequent interruptions or disturbances to others.
*To facilitate reading, we have avoided using gender-neutral language (male/female/diverse). All personal designations apply equally to all genders.
