Do brain scans diagnose ADHD?
Quick answer: No. ADHD is diagnosed clinically using history, rating scales, and evidence of impairment across settings. Brain scans are not used for routine diagnosis; imaging is reserved only when symptoms suggest another neurological issue. A structured clinical evaluation guides treatment and supports.
Guidelines do not recommend brain imaging to diagnose ADHD. Clinicians rely on interviews, rating scales, and functional history across settings.
Imaging may be used to rule out other problems if the history suggests a neurological issue, but typical ADHD evaluations do not need scans. No single scan pattern can confirm ADHD in an individual.