ADHD Diagnosis: 7-Step Comprehensive Evaluation Process

Diagnosing ADHD requires a multi-method assessment by a specialist (psychiatrist, psychologist, pediatrician):

1. Medical/developmental history – prenatal, milestones, comorbidities, family history.
2. Clinical observation – hyperactivity, impulsivity, inattention in office.
3. Structured interviews & rating scales – patient, parents, teachers (e.g., Conners, Vanderbilt).
4. Psychological/neuropsychological testing – CPT, working memory, executive function, academic achievement.
5. Rule out mimics – thyroid, vision/hearing, sleep apnea, learning disabilities, anxiety, depression, OCD, bipolar.
6. Differential diagnosis – distinguish ADHD from overlapping conditions.
7. DSM-5 criteria application – symptom count, duration ≥6 months, onset <12 yrs, cross-setting impairment.

Process often spans multiple visits; thoroughness prevents misdiagnosis.