ADHD: making the appropriate pediatric assessment

Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a term used to describe a constellation of inappropriate levels of inattention and impulsivity. The history of name changes from minimal brain syndrome, to hyperkinetic syndrome, to what is now known as ADHD, reflects the influence of neurology, pediatrics, and psychiatry. This "evolutionary" process has been replete with controversy stemming from the diverse views of broad disciplines that have attempted to define its range, scope, and treatment. ADHD has been defined within a "neurobiopyschoeducational" context, which has made the diagnosis and treatment of this disorder more challenging. The aim of this article is to highlight the current revisions to the ADHD DSM-IV diagnostic criteria and to identify current assessment issues and strategies to aid in making the proper diagnosis and treatment plan.