Assesment and Diagnosis of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder(ADHD) - Focusing on Behavior Rating Scales -

Objective : This study is to investigate the method for assesment and diagnosis of ADHD, especially focusing on behavior rating scales. Methods : We searched the recent date of the publication and paper in ADHD. Results : For Assesment and Diagnosis of ADHD, various method such as interview with parents, child and teacher, behavior observation, behavior rating scales and neuropsychological test are used. The structured interview consists of the restrictive questions and response, and then have diagnostic algorithm, consequently can be used by untrained clinicians. Of the structured interview, standardization of K-SADS in Korean version is finished. Behavior rating scales, the form of parent, teacher and self-report questionnaires, are used as diagnosis and treatment evaluation of ADHD. Behavior rating scales consist of both ADHD-specific scales and broad-band scales designed to screen for various symptoms (including ADHD symptoms). ADHD-specific scales are useful in differential diagnosis, discrimination of subtype, treatment evaluation, However, broad-band scales are useful in preliminary examination. The neuropsychological tests can evaluate attention deficit and effect of attention deficit on cognitive function and academic performance. The neuropsychological tests also used in diagnosis and treatment evaluation of ADHD. Conclusion : For Assesment and Diagnosis of ADHD, various method are used, especially behavior rating scales are both useful and simple tool for diagnosis and treatment evaluation.