Are ADHD Screeners Too Broad? 

Yes, many professionals agree that ADHD screeners’ specificity is limited, which can lead to false positives, individuals being flagged for ADHD when they may not have it. While screening tools play an important role in identifying children or adults who may need further evaluation, they are not diagnostic instruments. Their broad nature is designed to catch potential cases, but in doing so, they can also capture behaviours caused by anxiety, learning disorders, sleep issues, or environmental stressors. 

ADHD screeners typically ask about symptoms like restlessness, forgetfulness, difficulty concentrating, and impulsivity, symptoms that overlap with many other conditions. If used in isolation, without a full diagnostic evaluation, they can mislead parents, teachers, and even clinicians into assuming ADHD are the only explanation. 

Why ADHD Screeners May Lead to False Positives 

Overlapping Symptoms  

ADHD symptoms are not unique. Inattention and hyperactivity can stem from trauma, anxiety, depression, or even a lack of sleep. Without additional context, screeners cannot reliably distinguish between these causes. 

Subjectivity of Reports  

Most screening tools rely on the observations of parents or teachers, which can be influenced by expectations, stress, or misunderstandings about developmentally appropriate behaviour. This subjectivity further reduces screening specificity. 

Lack of Multi-Setting Insight  

ADHD diagnoses require that symptoms appear in more than one environment (e.g., home and school). Screeners may reflect behaviour in just one setting, leading to an incomplete picture. 

While screeners are a useful first step, they must be followed by comprehensive assessments for an accurate diagnosis. Providers like ADHD Certify offer consultations to help clarify diagnosis and treatment options.

For a deeper dive into ADHD diagnosis and treatment, read our complete guide to Mislabelling Behavioral Issues as ADHD.