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psychiatry paediatrics

Vanderbilt ADHD Diagnostic Parent Rating Scale (VADPRS)

47-item parent rating scale for ADHD in children 6–12 yr (Wolraich 2003). Includes 9 inattention + 9 hyperactivity items (DSM-5 Criteria A) plus oppositional, conduct, anxiety/depression screens, and 8 performance items. Picks the diagnostic category band.

Score interpretation

Not meeting ADHD criteria 0

→ Reassure. Address other concerns (sleep, environment, learning differences). Re-screen if symptoms develop.

Meets ADHD criteria — refer for full assessment 1–3

→ Refer to specialist child ADHD service (community paediatrics or CAMHS) per NICE NG87. Confirm with teacher version (VADTRS) and clinical interview. Educational support via SENCO. Behavioural parent training. Pharmacotherapy (methylphenidate / lisdexamfetamine) if functional impairment severe.

Comorbidity dominant — needs further assessment 4

→ Address comorbid conditions (ODD, conduct, anxiety, depression). Multidisciplinary assessment. School liaison. Treatment per primary diagnosis.

Interpretation bands for the Vanderbilt. Apply clinical judgement and local guidance.

References

Related

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

Decision support only — verify against a current formulary, NICE, or your local guideline before clinical use.