Challenges in diagnosing adults with ADHD

Abstract

The diagnostic criteria for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) listed in the DSMIV- TR were developed for children, and few are suitable for diagnosing adult patients. Problem areas in the criteria include symptom descriptions, diagnostic threshold cutoff, gender bias, and age at onset. Appropriate diagnostic criteria for adults may be added to the DSM-V, but, until that time, clinicians should use modifications to the current criteria.