Not really, unfortunately. We say "unfortunately" because it would be nice for people (including doctors, patients, coworkers, and family members) if there were a clear-cut, completely objective, and reliable test, such as a blood test. However, an ADHD diagnosis is typically made by evaluating a patient's symptoms.

 

Since the doctor can't follow a patient around all day to observe his or her behavior, the doctor must rely on the patient to honestly and accurately describe symptoms. A doctor might use a rating scale to rank symptoms, but certainly, a diagnosis can be made without such ratings.

Some people are uncomfortable with the use of self-reported symptoms to diagnose a medical condition -- especially a medical condition that is often treated with stimulants that have the potential to be abused -- but it's currently our best tool for diagnosing ADHD.

There is a great deal of interest in using brain scans to make a diagnosis. However, at this point, brain scans are not a mainstay for diagnosing AHD. It is unlikely that brain scans will become commonplace for diagnosing this condition unless more research confirms their accuracy and they become affordable enough to be used on a widespread basis.