Investigations
1st investigations to order
Conners Adult ADHD Rating Scale
Test
Should not be used alone to make attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) diagnosis.[33] In practice, rating scales may be used as an initial screening tool, and/or as an adjunct to the diagnostic process. They may also be utilised to evaluate for other psychiatric diagnoses that can cause ADHD-like symptoms.[70]
Result
normal or score suggesting presence of ADHD
Brown Attention Deficit Disorder Scale
Test
Should not be used alone to make attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) diagnosis.[33] In practice, rating scales may be used as an initial screening tool, and/or as an adjunct to the diagnostic process. They may also be utilised to evaluate for other psychiatric diagnoses that can cause ADHD-like symptoms.[89]
Result
normal or score suggesting presence of ADHD
World Health Organization Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale
Test
Should not be used alone to make attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) diagnosis.[33] In practice, rating scales may be used as an initial screening tool, and/or as an adjunct to the diagnostic process. They may also be utilised to evaluate for other psychiatric diagnoses that can cause ADHD-like symptoms.[90]
Result
normal or score suggesting presence of ADHD
Wender Utah Rating Scale
Test
Should not be used alone to make attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) diagnosis.[33] In practice, rating scales may be used as an initial screening tool, and/or as an adjunct to the diagnostic process. They may also be utilised to evaluate for other psychiatric diagnoses that can cause ADHD-like symptoms.[91]
Result
normal or score suggesting presence of ADHD
Diagnostic Interview for ADHD in adults, third edition (DIVA 5)
Test
For diagnostic assessment, European guidelines recommend the use of a semi-structured diagnostic interview (e.g., DIVA 5), in combination with clinical assessment.[3]
Result
normal or meets criteria for DSM-5-TR diagnosis of ADHD
neuropsychological testing
Test
Neuropsychological testing is not used to diagnose attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, but it can be used to identify processing deficits, intelligence level, and learning disabilities.[15]
Result
normal or with impairment in executive functions and/or other areas of cognitive processing suggestive of ADHD
Investigations to consider
urine drug screen
Test
May be useful in differential diagnosis.
Result
positive or negative for substances misuse
electroencephalogram
Test
May be useful in differential diagnosis.
Result
normal or with findings suggestive of seizure disorder
brain imaging (CT or MRI)
Test
May be useful in differential diagnosis.
Result
normal or with findings suggestive of head trauma
polysomnography
Test
May be useful in differential diagnosis.
Result
normal or with findings suggestive of obstructive sleep apnoea
computer-based programme
Test
May include continuous performance tests.
May be used to provide qualitative behaviour measurements.
Result
impairment in domains of inattentiveness, hyperactivity, impulsivity
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