Medical Diagnostics & Clinical Scoring

Vanderbilt Assessment for ADHD

Use the NICHQ Vanderbilt Assessment Scale to evaluate children for ADHD and screen for common comorbidities like ODD and anxiety.

Inattentive Count
0
Hyperactive Count0
Screening ResultDoes not meet criteria

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Vanderbilt Assessment Overview

The NICHQ Vanderbilt Assessment Scale is a prominent diagnostic and screening tool used by pediatricians and mental health professionals to help diagnose Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in children aged 6 to 12.

Comprehensive Evaluation

Unlike simpler symptom checklists, the Vanderbilt scale aligns perfectly with DSM-5 diagnostic criteria. It is designed to be completed by both parents and teachers, ensuring that symptoms are observed in multiple settings (home and school), which is a strict requirement for an ADHD diagnosis.

Core Scoring Components

The assessment evaluates two major symptom domains and two functional domains:

  1. Inattentive Subtype: Struggles with focus, organization, listening, and easily distracted.
  2. Hyperactive/Impulsive Subtype: Fidgeting, inability to stay seated, interrupting, and excessive talking.
  3. Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) / Conduct Disorder Screen: Checks for co-occurring behavioral issues.
  4. Performance Impairment: Evaluates if the symptoms are actively harming the child's academic performance or social relationships.

Positive Screen = (≥6 Inattentive OR ≥6 Hyperactive items scoring 2 or 3) AND ≥1 Impairment item scoring 4 or 5

Frequently Asked Questions

The DSM-5 criteria for ADHD require that symptoms be present in at least two different environments (e.g., home and school). A child who only struggles at school but is perfectly focused at home may be experiencing learning disabilities or classroom anxiety, not ADHD.

Yes, the scale includes screening questions for common ADHD comorbidities, specifically Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), Conduct Disorder, and Anxiety/Depression. Identifying these is critical for creating an effective treatment plan.

Even if a child exhibits many ADHD symptoms, they do not meet the criteria for the disorder unless those symptoms cause actual impairment in their life (like failing grades or inability to make friends). The performance section guarantees that impairment is documented.

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