Comorbidity of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in Adults: Perspectives for Diagnostic Assessment with the Screening Instrument «BAS-E»

Abstract

Starting in childhood, the attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder is characterized through a high degree of comorbid disorders, which demands a comprehensive diagnostic assessment. Under consideration of ADHD symptoms in adulthood there is evidence of different comorbid disorders and overlapping similarities to other psychiatric disorders which complicate the diagnostic procedure. According to these facts there are following consequences: Because of the neuropsychological impairments found in ADHD, it is necessary to combine the survey of those with social and behavioral parameters. This proceeding gives the possibility to collect valid information about ADHD-associated symptoms and to discriminate them from other psychiatric disorders. A perspective on the assessment of these parameters gives the introduction of the «Bremer ADHS-Screening für Erwachsene» (BAS-E) which combines the survey of neuropsychological, social and behavioural facts as well as the retrospective request of ADHD-related symptoms in childhood. An additive scale which surveys alcohol or drug abuse is part of the screening and helps to collect information about tendencies of self-medication and/or substance abuse which is necessary for the planning of further diagnostic proceeding and therapy.