Is It Really ADHD? Ensuring an Accurate ADHD Diagnosis

Ask yourself these four questions before considering a diagnosis of attention deficit disorder (ADD ADHD).

by Larry Silver, M.D.

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual specifies four diagnostic criteria that a patient must meet before he can be properly diagnosed with attention deficit disorder (ADD ADHD). If the answer to these four questions is “yes,” ADHD is the likely diagnosis.

1. Does the individual exhibit any behaviors suggestive of hyperactivity, inattention, or impulsivity?

2. If these behaviors are present, did they exist before the age of seven? In other words, are they chronic?

3. If present, do these behaviors negatively affect two or more areas of the individual’s life—for example, at home, in school, or with relationships?

4. Are there any other psychiatric disorders that might explain these behaviors? In other words, are they pervasive?

This article comes from the February/March 2007 issue of ADDitude.

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