In simple terms, the Vanderbilt Rating Scales are provided by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the National Initiative for Children’s Health Care Quality (NICHQ), and consists of two individual scales. One is designed for use by parents, while the other is designed for use by teachers and/or school psychologists.

If a child is thought to have ADHD, their parents will be asked to complete the questionnaire and the child’s teacher will also complete one. These quizzes consist of several behavior-related questions, and for a child to be diagnosed with ADHD, they must score above a certain mark.

If both the parent’s and teacher’s assessment suggest that the child has ADHD, an appointment with an appropriately qualified psychiatrist or pediatrician will be necessary. The doctor will then conduct a personal interview with the child and then decide whether or not the child really has ADHD.

If the child is diagnosed with the disorder, the doctor will recommend a treatment plan. In very mild cases, Behavior Modification Therapy may be recommended, but in most cases, the child will receive prescription medication.

Because so many children are put on these powerful stimulant drugs these days, many parents are beginning to question the Vanderbilt ADHD screening test. There are even many prominent psychiatrists who fear that the drugs are being over-prescribed.

Many people, including many doctors, also feel that children are being misdiagnosed with the disorder. This is particularly true in the United States, where a child need only show signs of hyperactivity to be labeled an ADHD child.

In most European countries, on the other hand, children also have to show other behavioral problems such as inattention and impulsiveness. Simply put, the requirements for a positive diagnosis are considerably more stringent in places like the UK.

The growing concern of parents is, of course, perfectly understandable, considering the number of infant deaths that have been linked to the stimulant drugs used to treat the condition. So whether the problem is with the medication or the Vanderbilt test for ADHD remains a hotly debated topic.

As a parent, and having a deep interest in this particular subject, my advice to other parents would be to always seek a second opinion. I would also recommend that parents consider trying one of the natural remedies available today.