Can a single test be used to diagnose ADHD?

Currently, we do not have one test available to diagnose attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Instead, doctors and mental health professionals use a variety of tests to diagnose ADHD. The tests and tools used in the ADHD diagnosis process include:

• medical and physical exams, to rule out coexisting conditions
• ADHD symptom checklists
• questionnaires about the person's moods and emotions
• intelligence and achievement tests
• interviews with family members, friends, and other significant adults in the person's life
• behavioral observations, performed in a variety of settings

When seeking an ADHD diagnosis, you may choose to first visit a physician, like a pediatrician or psychiatrist. The doctor may be able to perform all of the above tests or may refer you to someone else. Mental health practitioners, including psychologists, licensed social workers, counselors, and family therapists, often specialize in diagnosing ADHD. However, these specialists will not be able to perform any medical testing and will focus more on the checklists, questionnaires, interviews, and observations.