Assessing the concordance of measures used to diagnose adult ADHD

Abstract

Objective: Recent evidence suggests that ADHD persists into adulthood, but the best means of diagnosis and the concordance of measures used to diagnose adult ADHD are unknown.

Method: The current study explores the relationships of these measures in a sample of 69 mothers of children with ADHD.

Results: This study determines the concordance of (a) self- and collateral reports on diagnostic interviews and (b) diagnostic interviews and self-report paper-and-pencil ADHD symptom measures.

Conclusion: Results suggest that self- and collateral reports of inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive symptoms are highly correlated, as are self-report measures and diagnostic interviews. Additionally, it was found that probands report more inattentive symptoms than collaterals in both childhood and currently. Potential implications for the assessment of adult ADHD are presented.