The following scales have been developed to screen, evaluate and monitor adults with ADHD. Other explanations for presenting symptoms should also be ruled out ( Overview of Possible Causes for Presenting Symptoms Similar to ADHD and Differential Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults). An appropriate evaluation must consider whether the symptoms belong to ADHD, another mental health condition, another physical health condition, or if they represent more than one disorder. The symptoms of ADHD are common in other mental health disorders and non-psychiatric conditions. For a formal diagnosis of ADHD, symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity and/or inattention should meet the diagnostic criteria outlined in DSM-5 ( DSM-5 Diagnostic Criteria for ADHD). The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), published by the American Psychiatric Association, outlines diagnostic criteria for making a diagnosis of ADHD in children and adults.
