Assessment and diagnosis of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.

摘要: ADHD is the most common psychiatric disorder of childhood (3% to 5% children) with continued morbidity into adolescence (85%) and adulthood (50% 70%). It a condition associated widespread significant impairment in academic, occupational, social, emotional functioning. also broad extensive differential diagnosis as well high rate comorbidity. There no diagnostically definitive test for ADHD. Therefore, assessments need be comprehensive should involve multiple domains, informants, methods, settings. The assessment needs determine whether subject has or another disorder. Thus, evaluation various organic conditions, functional disorders, developmental status, situational, environmental, family problems all explored. clinical interview child one cornerstones process. A medical history examination, psychoeducational tests, school-related evaluation, view child's social functioning, are crucial. wide array rating scales, measures have been developed (see Table 1) aid systematic standardized deficits None these tests definitive, however. Recent development executive neuroimaging, genetics may provide more exact diagnostic guidelines future. Current DSM-IV criteria phenomenologic rather than etiologic much relevant appropriate children compared adolescents adults. involving domains functioning (academic, emotional, physical, familial) not only accurate but directions what difficulties exist multifaceted treatment plan needed produce current improvement long-term positive outcome.