Overview

18-item scale with 2 subscales (inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity) corresponding to DSM-IV criteria for ages 5+^1-2

Description

Behavior questionnaire to assess frequency of ADHD symptoms²

Considerations

Psychometric properties not well established. Lack of normative data.¹

* Adult version is ADHD-RS-IV (with adult prompts)

Overview

One of two, single-item rating scales specifically designed for use in clinical trials⁷

Description

Assess global improvement of a patient's overall condition since admission⁷

Considerations

Based solely on clinical judgement. Lacks well-defined, consistently applied ADHD-specific anchor points.^8-9

Overview

One of two, single-item rating scales specifically designed for use in clinical trials⁷

Description

Assess overall clinical conditions based on symptoms, behavior and function within the previous 7 days⁷

Considerations

Based solely on clinical judgement. Lacks well-defined, consistently applied ADHD-specific anchor points.^8-9

Overview

10-item questionnaire designed for use in clinical trials^10-11

Description

Assess impairment associated with attention and deportment in a classroom-based setting for school age children or workplace setting for adults^10-13

Considerations

More likely to show a small placebo response because it is a direct rating of observed behaviors with strict definitions¹²

* Adult version is SKAMP-R^12-13

Overview

18-item scale with 2 subscales (inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity) corresponding to DSM-5 criteria for ages 5+, plus a 6-domain functional impairment assessment^1-2

Description

Behavior questionnaire to assess frequency and severity of ADHD symptoms and six functional impairment domains (relationships, peer relationships, academic functioning, behavioral functioning, homework performance, self-esteem)²

Considerations

Psychometric properties not well established. Lack of normative data.¹

Overview

26-item behavioral questionnaire^11,23

Description

Based on DSM-IV criteria, assesses core ADHD symptoms (inattention, hyperactivity/impulsivity) and oppositional defiant disorder^11,23

Considerations

Limited normative and psychometric data. No manual available.¹

Overview

Self-administered 13-item (surveillance version; YQoL-S) or 57-item (research version; YQoL-R) health related quality of life rating scale^1,32-33

Description

Assesses perceived quality of life in 4 domains (self, relationships, environment and general QoL)^1,33-34

Considerations

Not specific to ADHD¹

Overview

45-item (child or parent report form; CHIP-CE/CRF; CHIP-CE/PRF) up to 76-item (parent report form 76; CHIP-CE/PRF-76) scale which measures the health status of children^35-36

Description

Assesses aspects of health (satisfaction, comfort, resilience, risk avoidance and achievement) in children^35-36

Considerations

Not specific to ADHD. The responsiveness of the domains to real changes in health in an integral aspect of validity that has not yet been evaluated for the CHIP-CE.^{1, 36}

Overview

107-item scale which measures the health status adolescents, with an additional 46-items specific to disease or injuries^35,37

Description

Assesses aspects of health (satisfaction, comfort, resilience, risk avoidance and achievement) in adolescents^35,37

Considerations

Not specific to ADHD. Responsiveness of the CHIP-AE not discussed.¹

Overview

Series of assessment tools which include the well-known child behavior checklist (CBCL), teacher report form (TRF), and youth self-report (YSR), as well as an adult behavior checklist (ABCL), adult self-report (ASR), older adult behavior checklist (OABCL), and older adult self-report (OASR)¹

Description

Broadband assessment tools that include constructs relevant to ADHD, including DSM-5 oriented ADHD scale, composite scores for internalizing/externalizing problems and surveys of individual's strengths and weaknesses^1,38

Considerations

Normative samples are extensive and well-stratified and has strong multicultural presence. Not DSM-based. Interpretation varies for high scores on the various scales.¹

* Population assessed and administrator varies by each assessment within the ASEBA

Overview

18-item parent questionnaire for children and adolescents (18 years and younger) which uses a 7-point scale to measure strengths and weaknesses of child's behavior over the previous month compared to other children³⁹

Description

Rating scale which scores positive and negative items, assessing symptoms of ADHD³⁹

Considerations

Not discussed in independent peer review. Developed to correct deficiencies of the SNAP associated with over-identification of cases.³⁹

* The SWAN scale is Table 3 within the article referenced below for Get Access.

Overview

Approximately 15-30 minute, brief structured diagnostic interview for the major psychiatric disorders in DSM-IV and ICD-10 for children and adolescents^51-52

Description

Standard MINI-kid interviews the parent and child together to assess the 30 most common and clinically relevant disorders or disorder subtypes in pediatric mental health. Several versions are available, including parent specific versions.^51-52

Considerations

Not discussed in independent peer review. Requires training to use. Validity and reliability similar to the K-SADS-PL, however more variable for psychotic disorders.^51-52

Overview

18 total items split between two core scales describing the impact of ADHD on children, including medications, variability across the day, school cooperation, and economic impact of symptoms¹

Description

Assess impact of ADHD on the child (8 items) and on home/family life (10 items)¹

Considerations

Does not produce normative data¹

Overview

86-items that measure different aspects of executive function in everyday life. The Working Memory and Inhibit subdomains differentiate among ADHD subtypes.^10,23

Description

Assess aspects of executive function: Eight clinical scales split between the Behavioral Regulation and Metacognition Indices. Also includes two Validity Scales.¹⁰

Considerations

Not specific to ADHD. Has web-based and manual administration and scoring options.^10,21-22

Overview

50-item rating scale to measure functional impairment^25-26

Description

Assess 7 domains of functional impairment in children: Family, School, Life Skills, Learning, Social, Child's self-concept, Risky activities^27-28

Considerations

Does not produce normative data¹

* The WFIRS scales can be found within the CADDRA ADHD Guidelines

Overview

Scale available in short forms (~ 40 items) and long forms (~100 items) for parent, teacher and self report corresponding to the 18 items in the DSM-IV criteria³²

Description

Update to the Conners' Rating Scale - Revised (CRS-R). Assesses 4 DSM-IV-TR scales (ADHD-inattentive, ADHD-hyperactive/impulsive, conduct disorder, oppositional defiant disorder), Content scales for 7 key ADHD constructs (inattention, hyperactivity/impulsivity, learning problems, executive functioning, defiance/aggression, peer relations, family relations), ADHD Index and Global Index (restless/impulsive, emotional lability), 3 validity scales, and 3 impairment items (home, school, social). Also has screeners for anxiety and depression.^1,32

Considerations

Not discussed in independent peer review

Overview

23-item (15-item short form) questionnaire measuring health-related quality of life in children and adolescents on a 5-point scale¹

Description

Assesses health-related quality of life in four core functional domains (physical, emotional, social, and school) over the prior week or month. Can help describe impairment possibly due to ADHD symptoms.¹

Considerations

Not specific to ADHD¹

Overview

Semi-structured interview used to assess several DSM-5 disorders, including ADHD^1,40

Description

Rates symptom severity while assessing current and lifetime history of several DSM-5 disorders. Clinician summaries are make with the "Summary Lifetime Diagnoses Checklist" and "Children's Global Assessment Scales."¹

Considerations

Must be administered by a clinician with specialized training¹

Overview

Intelligence test that measures a child's intellectual ability and 5 cognitive domains that impact performance.⁴¹

Description

Assesses intelligence in 5 primary cognitive domains (verbal comprehension, visual spatial, fluid reasoning, working memory, processing speed) and also includes 5 ancillary scales (quantitative reasoning, auditory working memory, nonverbal, general ability, cognitive proficiency) and 3 complimentary scales (naming speed, symbol translation, storage and retrieval)^41-42

Considerations

Not discussed in independent peer review. Not specific to ADHD. Offers guidance for use in telehealth.⁴¹

Overview

Up to 25-item, brief behavioral screening questionnaire to measure positive and negative psychological attributes of 3-16 year olds⁴³

Description

Assesses a combination of positive and negative attributes divided into 5 scales: emotional symptoms, conduct problems, hyperactivity/inattention, peer relationship problems, prosocial behavior⁴³

Considerations

Self-report is for 11-16 year olds. Allows comparisons to be made between different populations and is sensitive to change, however care should be taken if used to screen for ADHD.^43-45

Overview

20-item parent/child interview + a self-report section which comprises commonly reported areas of dysfunction in early morning activities associated with ADHD⁵³

Description

Assesses early morning functional (EMF) impairment in children with ADHD between the time of awakening and before the school day or other morning activities begin (i.e., 6:00 and 9:00 am)⁵³

Considerations

Not discussed in independent peer review. Demonstrated good reliability and validity for the investigator-rated version and lower reliability and validity for the self-rated.⁵³

Overview

3-items, each evaluated on a 4-point scale, pertaining to efficacy of treatment for ADHD during early morning behaviors⁵⁴

Description

Assesses efficacy of treatment for ADHD in the morning before school, including evaluation of getting out of bed, getting ready and difficulty with arguing or struggling⁵⁴

Considerations

Not discussed in independent peer review. Demonstrated good reliability and validity for assessing efficacy of treatment for ADHD in the morning before school. Validation for assessing efficacy of treatment for ADHD during evening behaviors has not been established.⁵⁴

Overview

18-item scale corresponding to DSM-IV criteria, more developmentally sensitive for adult ADHD (≥18 years)¹

Description

Semi-structured questionnaire along with symptom-specific probes to more accurately assess adult manifestation of ADHD¹

Considerations

Assesses symptoms only.³ Training is required in the use of prompts and interview format.^1,3

Overview

18-item scale corresponding to DSM-5 criteria for adult ADHD (≥18 years)⁴

Description

Assess frequency of ADHD symptoms over the past 6 months⁴

Considerations

Lack of validation in primary care and workplace case finding samples⁴

Overview

66-item scale with 9 subscales addressing DSM-IV criteria for ADHD⁵

Description

Assess presence and severity of ADHD symptoms (inattention, hyperactivity, impulsivity, emotional lability, self-concept)⁵

Considerations

Validity in ethnic minorities unknown⁶

Overview

61-item retrospective questionnaire for ADHD in adults presenting for assessment in adulthood¹

Description

Retrospectively assess presence and frequency of ADHD symptoms during childhood¹

Considerations

Assesses retrospective symptoms only. Preliminary evidence for a subset of items to better reflect DSM-5 criteria for ADHD.¹⁴

Overview

Approximately 15-30 minute, brief structured diagnostic interview for the major psychiatric disorders in DSM-III-R, DSM-IV, DSM-5 and ICD-10 for adults^46-47

Description

Standard MINI assesses 17 most common psychiatric disorders with a prevalence of 0.5% or higher. The MINI for Attention - Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Studies has a more detailed set of questions for ADHD in adults. Several versions are available.^46-47

Considerations

Not discussed in independent peer review. Requires training to use. Validity and reliability similar to Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-III-R (SCID-P) and the Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI), including the modified CIDI.^46,48-50

Overview

29-item quality of life scale for adult ADHD¹⁵

Description

Assess 4 ADHD-specific quality of life domains: Life Productivity, Psychologic Health, Relationships and Life Outlook¹⁵

Considerations

Does not produce normative data¹

Overview

57 total items divided into six subscales describing the impact of ADHD on adults including impact of symptoms, relationships and communication, as well as work and economic functioning¹

Description

Assess impact of ADHD on Global QoL, Economic Impact, Living with ADHD, General Well-Being, Work/Home/School Performance, and Daily Functioning¹⁸

Considerations

Not widely compared with other QoL scales. Does not produce normative data.^1,16-17

Overview

Long form (15-20 min) and short form (4-5 min) assessments to evaluate adult executive functioning capacities involved in time management, organization and problem solving, self-restraint, self-motivation, and self-regulation of emotions¹⁹

Description

Empirically-based tool for evaluating dimensions of adult executive functioning in daily life¹⁹

Considerations

Not discussed in independent peer review

Overview

Scale to measure DSM-5 symptoms of ADHD along with less apparent impairments of executive functioning²⁰

Description

Assess DSM-5 symptoms of ADHD and executive functioning with items that focus on severity as opposed to frequency²⁰

Considerations

Not discussed in independent peer review. Recent update to Brown ADD Scale (BADDS). Has web-based and manual administration and scoring options.²⁰

Overview

75-items that measure different aspects of executive function in everyday life. Includes profiles for ADHD.²⁴

Description

Assess aspects of executive function: Nine clinical scales split between the Behavioral Regulation and Metacognition Indices. Also includes three Validity Scales.²⁴

Considerations

Not specific to ADHD. Has web-based and manual administration and scoring options.^21-22,24

Overview

Series of 10-min, skill-adjusted math tests consisting of 5 pages of 80 math problems each to investigate impairments observed in home and school settings due to ADHD¹²

Description

Assess compliance and academic productivity in school (children/adolescents) or workplace (adults) environments as well as assess time-course of medication effect through the day^11-12

Considerations

Screening pre-test required and subsequent skill-adjustment. Used primarily in clinical trials.^11-12

Overview

69-item rating scale to measure functional impairment²⁶

Description

Assess 7 domains of functional impairment in adults: Family, School, Life Skills, Learning, Social, Self-concept, Risky activities²⁶

Considerations

Does not produce normative data¹

* The WFIRS scales can be found within the CADDRA ADHD Guidelines

Overview

20-minute computerized microswitch test. Consists of two test conditions: target infrequent and target frequent.²⁷

Description

Visual or visual/auditory test using geometric stimuli to minimize effects of cultural differences and learning problems²⁷

Considerations

Lack of ecological validity and high rates of false negative results²⁷

Overview

14-minute visual test completed on a computer^27-28

Description

Requires subjects to press the space bar or click the mouse whenever any letter except the target letter "X" appears on the computer screen^27-28

Considerations

Lack of ecological validity and high rates of false negative results²⁷

Overview

14-minute auditory test completed on a computer^27-28

Description

Requires subjects to press the space bar or click the mouse whenever a warned high tone occurs and ignore unwarned high tone^27-28

Considerations

Lack of ecological validity and high rates of false negative results²⁷

Overview

Presents 500 trials of "1s" and "2s"²⁷

Description

Requires the shifting of sets between the visual and auditory modalities²⁷

Considerations

Lack of ecological validity and high rates of false negative results²⁷

Overview

9-minute 'vigilance task.' Microprocessor-based, portable device.²⁷

Description

Child asked to press a button every time a specified, randomly presented numerical sequence occurs²⁷

Considerations

Lack of ecological validity and high rates of false negative results²⁷

Overview

15-20 minute computerized microswitch + infrared motion tracking test²⁹

Description

Requires patients to respond to stimuli on a computer screen while wearing a specialized reflector on their forehead²⁹

Considerations

Lack of ecological validity and high rates of false negative results²⁷

Overview

15-20 minute electroencephalographic (EEG) data collection^30-31

Description

Biomarker to confirm ADHD diagnosis based on EEG recording of the patient's theta/beta ratio (TBR)³¹

Considerations

Not discussed in independent peer review

* Administered at patient's home, requires prescription³⁰

Overview

61 questions, each evaluated on a scale of 0-2, developed as a clinician rating scale for use in clinical trials, based on the WURS^55-56

Description

Created by assessing symptoms of adults rather than childhood signs. Assesses 7 symptom categories (attention difficulties, hyperactivity/restlessness, temper, affective lability, emotional overreactivity, disorganization, impulsivity). Each category is summarized on a scale of 0-4.^55-57

Considerations

Not discussed in independent peer review

* Available by contacting: Fred W. Reimherr, MD, Mood Disorders Clinic, Department of Psychiatry, University of Utah Health Science Center, Salt Lake City, UT 84132

Overview

2 part, semi-structured interview used in clinical trials to evaluate ADHD retrospective symptoms from childhood and current symptoms as an adult^58-59

Description

Semi-structured interview assessed in 2 parts. First part is a retrospective assessment of childhood ADHD symptoms. Second part is a prompted, adult-specific assessment of the 18 ADHD symptoms that have been present in the past 6 months.^58-59

Considerations

Not discussed in independent peer review

* Available from L. Adler, MD at: adultADHD@med.nyu.edu