Diagnosis of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in childhood and adolescence

Abstract

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) usually has substantial lifelong consequences for affected individuals and their families. In childhood and adolescence, the disorder must be clearly differentiated from other behavioral abnormalities that may occur in the context of mental or somatic disorders. Diagnostic criteria should be assessed in every patient using several sources of history and standardized clinical diagnostic procedures. Because of their frequency, comorbid disorders—especially conduct disorders, affective disorders, and specific learning problems—must be routinely considered in the diagnostic process. Successful treatment of affected children often also includes assessing and, where appropriate, treating ADHD in other family members.