8 minutes
The Vanderbilt ADHD Diagnostic Rating Scale (VADRS) is developed to help diagnose ADHD in children and adolescents aged 6-18. Therefore, to be eligible to fill the VADRS, an individual must be between the ages of 6 and 18. The parents of children can also take this assessment.
Does not pay attention to details or makes careless mistakes with, for example, homework
Has difficulty keeping attention to what needs to be done
Does not seem to listen when spoken to directly
Does not follow through when given directions and fails to finish activities (not due to refusal or failure to understand)
Has difficulty organizing tasks and activities
Avoids, dislikes, or does not want to start tasks that require ongoing mental effort
Loses things necessary for tasks or activities (toys, assignments, pencils, or books)
Is easily distracted by noises or other stimuli
Is forgetful in daily activities
Fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in seat
Leaves seat when remaining seated is expected
Runs about or climbs too much when remaining seated is expected
Has difficulty playing or beginning quiet play activities
Is “on the go” or often acts as if “driven by a motor”
Talks too much
Blurts out answers before questions have been completed
Has difficulty waiting his or her turn
Interrupts or intrudes in on others’ conversations and/or activities
Argues with adults
Loses temper
Actively defies or refuses to go along with adults’ requests or rules
Deliberately annoys people
Blames others for his or her mistakes or misbehaviors
Is touchy or easily annoyed by others
Is angry or resentful
Is spiteful and wants to get even
Bullies, threatens, or intimidates others
Starts physical fights
Lies to get out of trouble or to avoid obligations (i.e.,“cons” others)
Is truant from school (skips school) without permission
Is physically cruel to people
Has stolen things that have value
Deliberately destroys others’ property
Has used a weapon that can cause serious harm (bat, knife, brick, gun)
Is physically cruel to animals
Has deliberately set fires to cause damage
Has broken into someone else’s home, business, or car
Has stayed out at night without permission
Has run away from home overnight
Has forced someone into sexual activity
Is fearful, anxious, or worried
Is afraid to try new things for fear of making mistakes
Feels worthless or inferior
Blames self for problems, feels guilty
Feels lonely, unwanted, or unloved; complains that “no one loves him or her”
Is sad, unhappy, or depressed
Is self-conscious or easily embarrassed
Overall school performance
Reading
Writing
Mathematics
Relationship with parents
Relationship with siblings
Relationship with peers
Participation in organized activities