Can the Vanderbilt Scale Be Used for Adults with ADHD? 

The Vanderbilt ADHD scale for adults is primarily designed for children, but it raises an important question: Can it be adapted for use with adults who have ADHD? ADHD affects both children and adults, but the symptoms in adults can differ significantly from those in children. While the Vanderbilt ADHD scale for adults may provide some insight, it is not the ideal tool for diagnosing adult ADHD.

The Vanderbilt scale was created to assess ADHD in children aged 6 to 12, focusing on behaviours like inattention and hyperactivity in academic and social settings. However, in adults, symptoms of ADHD may be less overt or take on different forms, such as difficulty with time management, prioritisation, or maintaining focus at work. Adults may not exhibit the same hyperactivity, and their symptoms may manifest more as internal struggles, such as restlessness or emotional dysregulation, rather than externalised behaviours. 

Adult ADHD assessment tools, such as the Conners Adult ADHD Rating Scale (CAARS) and the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS), are more appropriate for diagnosing ADHD in adults. These tools are designed to address the ways ADHD symptoms impact adults, focusing on areas like workplace performance, decision-making, and personal relationships. 

While the Vanderbilt scale may offer some insight into a child’s behaviour, its use for adults is limited. It lacks the nuance required to assess ADHD symptoms in the adult context effectively. For a comprehensive evaluation of ADHD in adults, it’s better to use scales specifically designed for that purpose. 

For personalised advice, visit providers like ADHD Certify for consultations on using the right adult ADHD assessment tool. 

For a deeper dive into adult ADHD diagnosis, read our complete guide to Behaviour rating scales (e.g., Vanderbilt, Conners)

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

Author

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez is a UK-trained physician with an MBBS and experience in general surgery, cardiology, internal medicine, gynecology, intensive care, and emergency medicine. She has managed critically ill patients, stabilised acute trauma cases, and provided comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care. In psychiatry, Dr. Fernandez has worked with psychotic, mood, anxiety, and substance use disorders, applying evidence-based approaches such as CBT, ACT, and mindfulness-based therapies. Her skills span patient assessment, treatment planning, and the integration of digital health solutions to support mental well-being.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the author's privacy.