Children and adolescents

ADHD is a common neurodevelopmental disorder that is underrecognized and underdiagnosed in many parts of the world but overdiagnosed in others. As there are presently no biological tests or markers available to support the diagnostic process, the cornerstone of case identification remains the clinical interview and assessment. Evidence suggests that a structured approach to assessment can foster good clinical practice and facilitate building a treatment plan that can be adequately monitored over time. Whilst there are several evidence-based clinical guidelines that describe the assessment process, these are not used in routine clinical practice as regularly as they should. This chapter describes the elements of a structured approach to assessment, including commentary on recognition, the clinical interview, observation, school information, questionnaires, diagnostic formulation, and cognitive and somatic examination. Special attention is needed to assess comorbidities and with special populations such as those in preschool and with intellectual impairments.