Diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children

Diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) requires a comprehensive assessment (including medical, developmental and psychosocial assessments) using information from multiple sources (eg teachers, family or carers).

Diagnosis of ADHD requires that:

  • symptoms have been present before the age of 12, and for at least 6 months
  • there is some impairment from the symptoms in at least 2 settings (eg home and school)
  • there is significant interference with social and academic functioning
  • the symptoms do not occur exclusively during the course of a psychotic disorder and are not better explained by another psychiatric disorder (eg mood disorder, anxiety disorder).

If a diagnosis of ADHD is suspected in a child who has not started primary school or if the primary clinician does not have the capacity to undertake a comprehensive assessment, refer to a specialist experienced in assessing children with neurodevelopmental disorders.

Parent and teacher rating scales are not diagnostic tools but can be an important guide to ascertaining the frequency and severity of a child’s symptoms, and monitoring the efficacy of treatment in reducing symptoms.

Assess for coexisting conditions, including: