Diagnostic efficiency of the SDQ for parents to identify ADHD: a replication study within a clinical sample.

The project will evaluate the effectiveness of a standard screening questionnaire used routinely in child and adolescent mental health services called the Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). We will see if the SDQ can provide a strong indication if a person will later be diagnosed with Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and see if previous research study findings are consistent when using clinical data from current services. This is important as an ADHD diagnosis is associated with difficulties in school and college, difficulties maintaining personal relationships, increased risk of accidents, and substance misuse. A diagnosis is a first step in getting support but waiting times can be very long – sometimes multiple years. If the SDQ is an effective predictor it can be used to help ensure that people are effectively prioritised for assessment, meaning quicker access to a diagnosis, and the support available to those with one, more quickly.