Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition where affected children have problems with attention, impulsiveness and hyperactivity. The Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders: fourth edition (DSM-IV) requires the presence of at least six out of nine behavioural features that must have been present for at least 6 months, are present in all settings, had onset before the age of 7 and are causing significant distress or impairment.1 The UK prevalence is thought to be between 3% and 5%.2^–4 A diagnosis of ADHD will have significant implications for education, the family setting and possible drug therapy, and therefore should be made with confidence.

However, a diagnosis of ADHD cannot be made quickly with a blood test, brain scan or recognition of obvious clinical signs. Rather, it requires an assessment process whereby information is gathered on the child’s behaviour and functioning in a number of settings and situations. Much of this information can be gained at a detailed clinical interview, but the use of behaviour rating scales has become common practice. This is partly because such scales allow data to be gathered in a systematic fashion often from absent parties (eg, parents not attending the clinic appointment, school teachers or support workers) in a time efficient manner. Currently, the SIGN guideline5 mentions rating scales but does not specifically comment on their …