ADHD Guidelines.pdf

Key Points:

ADHD is a common child and adolescent disorder, affecting 5-10% of children.
Diagnosis involves a detailed clinical interview, teacher reports, and evaluation of specific diagnostic criteria.
Treatments usually involve stimulant medication, behavioral interventions, and classroom modifications.
ADHD symptoms include inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, which must be present for at least 6 months and cause significant impairment.

Diagnostic Criteria (DSM-IV-TR):

At least 6 symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity/impulsivity must be present for at least 6 months.
Symptoms must be maladaptive and inconsistent with developmental level.
Symptoms must be present in at least 2 settings (e.g., home and school).
Clear evidence of clinically significant impairment in academic, social, or occupational functioning is required.

Differential Diagnosis:

Age-appropriate behaviors in active children
Pervasive developmental disorder
Adjustment disorders
Psychotic disorder
Intellectual disability
Medical conditions
Under-stimulating environments
Disruptive behavior disorders
Sleep difficulties
Substance-related disorders
Stereotypic movement disorder
Petit mal epilepsy
Bipolar disorder
Past trauma/child abuse

Comorbidity:

ADHD frequently co-exists with other disruptive behavior disorders, such as oppositional defiant disorder.
Screening, evaluation, and diagnosis should include clinical interviews, teacher reports, and evaluation of specific diagnostic criteria.

Screening and Evaluation:

Screening questions should ask about major symptom domains of ADHD and whether symptoms cause impairment.
Rating scales/questionnaires can be used as screening tools.
* Diagnostic evaluations should include detailed clinical interviews with the youth and parent/caregiver, focusing on each of the 18 ADHD symptoms listed in the DSM-IV-TR.