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Diagnosing attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in children
1Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Columbia College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York 10032, USA.
The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry
|July 29, 1998
Summary
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) diagnosis requires understanding its presentation across the lifespan. This review covers ADHD diagnosis methods in children, addressing concerns about diagnostic validity.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Psychology
- Child Psychiatry
Background:
- Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a complex behavioral disorder with unknown causes, typically first appearing in childhood.
- Accurate ADHD diagnosis necessitates understanding its manifestation throughout a patient's life.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM-IV) criteria for ADHD.
- To provide information on ADHD prevalence.
- To review standard diagnostic methods for ADHD in children within office settings.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of ADHD diagnostic criteria and prevalence studies.
- Examination of standard clinical practices for diagnosing ADHD in pediatric populations.
- Analysis of current concerns regarding the validity of ADHD diagnoses.
Main Results:
- The article details the DSM-IV syndrome of ADHD, including its prevalence.
- It outlines common methods used by practitioners to diagnose ADHD in children.
- Current concerns about the diagnostic validity of ADHD are discussed in relation to practice parameters.
Conclusions:
- Effective ADHD diagnosis requires a lifespan perspective and familiarity with established diagnostic criteria.
- Standard office-based diagnostic methods for childhood ADHD are presented.
- The validity of ADHD diagnoses remains a subject of ongoing professional discussion.