Here's the ADHD diagnostic toolkit that I know of: what tests are actually used and what they show.…

Here's the ADHD diagnostic toolkit that I know of: what tests are actually used and what they show. Let's break it all down step by step. First, ADHD is a clinical diagnosis (it's made by a doctor during an appointment, not in a lab). It's determined using two reference books: 👉DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition) – the American reference. 👉ICD-11 (International Classification of Diseases, 11th Revision) – the World Health Organization's reference. Tests a psychiatrist uses: 1. ASRS Scale (Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale). A short questionnaire: 18 questions or 6 based on DSM criteria. It doesn't diagnose but indicates whether further medical consultation is needed. 2. CAARS Scale (Conners Adult ADHD Rating Scale). A detailed questionnaire: self-report plus observer rating (e.g., from a spouse). It assesses not only symptoms but also emotional regulation, self-esteem, and relationships. 3. DIVA-5 Interview (Diagnostic Interview for ADHD in adults). The "gold standard": not a questionnaire, but a structured conversation with a doctor. It includes specific examples from childhood and present life. It lasts 60–90 minutes. It helps to see that symptoms have been present for a long time and interfere with various areas of life. 4. WURS Scale (Retrospective Childhood Assessment). The adult recalls their childhood behavior – 61 questions (shorter versions are available). This is critically important because ADHD is a developmental disorder, and symptoms must be present from a very early age. 5. SNAP-IV Scale (for children and adolescents). Filled out by parents and teachers. Assesses inattention, hyperactivity/impulsivity, and oppositional behavior. 6. Vanderbilt Scale (childhood tool). Versions for parents and teachers. Assesses not only ADHD symptoms but also co-occurring conditions like anxiety and depression. 7. Conners 3 (childhood version of the Conners Scales). Assesses attention, hyperactivity, impulsivity, and co-occurring problems in children and adolescents. 8. ADHD-RS-IV Scale (for children). 18 items based on DSM-IV, versions for parents and teachers. Additional tools: EEG and serotonin blood test. Our doctor sent us for an electroencephalogram (EEG). This isn't a test for ADHD, but an additional way to see how the brain works. The EEG report mentioned increased slow (theta) activity in the frontal lobes and a high theta/beta ratio (meaning more slow waves than fast ones). This is precisely what's linked to concentration and control difficulties. However, EEG doesn't replace clinical assessment and is only used as a supplement. Regarding the serotonin blood test – the picture here is more complex and interesting. For a long time, ADHD was viewed solely through the lens of dopamine and norepinephrine. But recent research suggests serotonin also plays a role in ADHD development. On one hand, there's data indicating that children with more severe forms of ADHD tend to have lower blood serotonin levels. Some reviews directly mention a "serotonin availability deficit." On the other hand, studies have found significantly elevated levels of free serotonin in the plasma (5-HTF) in children with ADHD. The more severe the symptoms, the higher the level. In one such study, serotonin levels were considered a potential biomarker for diagnosis. Even older studies noted that different groups of hyperactive children could have low, high, or normal serotonin levels compared to healthy children. The serotonin blood test is not used for routine ADHD diagnosis. Blood serotonin levels don't directly reflect its activity in the brain, and a diagnosis cannot be made based on a single number. However, research is ongoing, and it's quite possible that in the future, a serotonin (or its metabolite) test might become one of the additional tools – for example, to assess symptom severity or guide treatment selection. What does this mean for me? When I was taking SSRIs, I almost died because my serotonin levels are extremely high. And I was referred for this test by a competent general practitioner, not a psychiatrist. When he saw the result, his eyes were as big as saucers. And most importantly: if a diagnosis is made based on just one test or one analysis – that's a reason to be skeptical. Stay healthy and don't experiment on yourself or your children with treatment selection without thorough diagnosis!