Although there is no single, definitive test that will state whether a child has ADHD, there are a number of rating scales that are sometimes used during the diagnostic process.
Some of the most common rating scales are:
Child Behavior Checklist (CBLC) There are two versions of the Child Behavior Checklist, one is for ages 6-18 and the other is for ages 1 ½ to 5. The test is designed to assess a child’s behavior and social competency, as reported by their parents. The questionnaire includes questions on social issues, such as whether your child has friends, relationships with family members, extracurricular activities and hobbies. In addition, the questionnaire asks the parents to rate their child, on a scale of not true, somewhat true, or true on many different issues, including: academics, inattention, relationships, and behaviors.
It is important for parents to answer all questions and to answer all as honestly as possible. The information gathered from this questionnaire will help doctors to determine the correct diagnosis and help to form a treatment plan specific to the child's needs.
Conners Teacher/Parents Rating Scales (CTRS,CPRS) The Conners Teacher/Parents Rating Scales is completed by the parents (or caregiver) and by the teacher. For adolescents, there is a self-reporting form in order for them to complete the information. The scale was last revised in 1997 and now includes simpler and clearer language as well as items that match the DSM-IV criteria for diagnosing ADHD. The scale measures criteria for children ages 3-17. There is a long and short version of the scale available, where the long should take 15-25 minutes to complete and the short version 5-10 minutes.In addition to assisting in the diagnostic process, the rating scale can also be used as a follow up to determine if a specific treatment is working by comparing the results from before treatment began to after treatment.
ADD-H Comprehensive Teacher Rating Scale (ACTeRS)
The ADD-H Comprehensive Teacher Rating Scale is divided into two sections. One section is to be completed by the parents and one section is to be completed by the teacher. Each section contains 24 questions and should take 5-10 minutes to complete. This rating scale is used for children between the ages of 5 and 12 years of age, and measures 4 areas of behaviors. It is important to note that the DSM-IV criteria for diagnosis ADHD states that the symptoms must be present in at least two environments. By having both teachers and parents complete the questionnaire, physicians can evaluate behaviors in two separate situations.
