Diagnosis of ADHD - Introduction

Diagnosis of ADHD - Introduction

This chapter includes:

Diagnosis of ADHD - Introduction

Frequency of ADHD (prevalence)
Is ADHD under- or over-diagnosed?

ADHD - Diagnostic methods

1. Questionnaires for ADHD diagnosis
2. Interviews / instruments for ADHD diagnostics
3. Tests for ADHD diagnostics
4. Biomarkers in ADHD - theoretical approaches for objective measurement methods?
5. Pharmacological endocrine function tests
6. Diagnostic guidelines

Differential diagnostics for ADHD

• Primary organic disorders
• Mental and psychiatric disorders
• Depression and dysphoria in ADHD
• Emotionally unstable personality disorder / borderline personality disorder
• Diagnostic challenges with ADHD
• “Healthy“ stress reaction to stressful situation / reduced intelligence
• Age-appropriate high activity level
• Side effects of medication

Giftedness and ADHD

Comorbidity with ADHD

• Psychiatric comorbidities in ADHD
• ADHD, obesity and eating disorders
• Somatic comorbidities in ADHD
• ADHD treatment reduces comorbidities

Diagnostic ADHD symptoms according to DSM, ICD, Wender-Utah, etc.