Child Psychology and Psychiatry

DIAGNOSTIC ASSESSMENT
Diagnosis is based on the presence of reported
symptoms. The diagnostic process includes a
Box 25.2
Key areas of assessment
•
Presence of ADHD symptoms as
specified in ICD-10 or DSM-IV
•
Information from parents and child
•
Neurodevelopmental assessment
•
Establish degree of impairment and
pervasiveness of symptoms
•
Information from school or other
informants
•
Assess for comorbidity and consider
differential diagnoses
•
Cognitive assessment of the child if
learning difficulties suspected
•
Physical examination including height,
weight and cardiovascular system
checks
•
Use of rating instruments such as the
Conners Rating Scale
ADHD, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder;
DSM-IV,
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of
Mental Disorders, 4th edition
; ICD-10,
Interna-
tional Classification of Diseases, 10th revision
.
detailed history from the family, observation of the
child, and reports from school or other observers
(Box 25.2).