ADHD in children and adolescents: Guideline-based online assessment in the consortium project INTEGRATE-ADHD

Abstract

Background: The consortium project INTEGRATE-ADHD compared administrative data on the presence of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children and adolescents with the results of a parent survey and a comprehensive clinical assessment based on the S3 guideline of the Association of the Scientific Medical Societies in Germany (AWMF). Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the clinical assessment was carried out online. Methods: The article describes how a guideline-based clinical assessment of ADHD can be implemented in an online setting. A specially developed diagnostic matrix is presented to illustrate the assessment procedures and the diagnostic decision-making process. The matrix is intended to help the diagnostician to gain an overview of the numerous individual findings that have been collected using different assessment perspectives and methods (e.g. diagnostic interviews, rating scales, performance tests) in order to make a well-founded and transparent diagnostic decision. Discussion: The consortium project INTEGRATE-ADHD has shown that an online assessment can be implemented in a guideline-compliant manner and allows a valid clinical decision. The diagnostic strategy is discussed with reference to international guidelines and recommendations for online diagnostics (e.g. aspects of feasibility, acceptability and safety of the assessment procedures). The challenges and opportunities of using online assessments in clinical practice are also described.