Materiały źródłowe

• #1 Diagnosis and Management of ADHD in Children | AAFP

  https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2014/1001/p456.html

  Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the most common behavioral disorder in children, and the prevalence is increasing. Physicians should evaluate for ADHD in children with behavioral concerns (e.g., inattention, hyperactivity, impulsivity, oppositionality) or poor academic progress using validated assessment tools with observers from several settings (home, school, community) and self-observation, if possible. […] The diagnosis of ADHD should be considered in patients four years or older with poor attention, distractibility, hyperactivity, impulsiveness, poor academic performance, or behavioral problems at home or at school. […] No specific test can diagnose ADHD, and the DSM-5 requires the presence of a sufficient number of core symptoms and functional impairment. ADHD includes three subtypes: primarily inattentive (e.g., distracted, poor organization and follow-through); primarily hyperactive-impulsive (e.g., fidgety, overly active, interrupts); and combined. A positive family history for ADHD is supportive of an ADHD diagnosis.

• #2 Identifying and Treating ADHD in Children | Children’s Hospital Colorado

  https://www.childrenscolorado.org/doctors-and-departments/departments/psych/mental-health-professional-resources/primary-care-articles/identifying-treating-adhd/

  Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder typically diagnosed in childhood. Approximately 11.3% of youth (ages 5 to 17) in the United States have been diagnosed with ADHD. […] A recent systematic scoping review found evidence that ADHD is likely over diagnosed, particularly in youth with milder symptoms, and recommended providers use a stepped-diagnosis approach to improve the balance of benefit to harm in practice. […] With all this in mind, its important for primary care providers to know how to recognize, diagnose and treat ADHD in their practices. […] Timely identification of youth with ADHD is critical, as poorly controlled ADHD symptoms can negatively impact their academic performance, peer relationships and self-esteem. One screening measure providers commonly use to identify ADHD symptoms in youth is the National Institute of Childrens Health Equity Vanderbilt Assessment Scale. But there is no single test available to diagnose ADHD.

• #3 The diagnosis and management of ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) in children and young people: a commentary on current practice and future recommendations | BJGP Open

  https://bjgpopen.org/content/4/1/bjgpopen20X101043

  Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a behavioural disorder with symptoms of hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention. It is estimated that the prevalence of ADHD worldwide is 5.29% in children and adolescents, and it is more common in males. ADHD must be diagnosed by a paediatrician, psychiatrist, or ADHD specialist. […] Guidelines state symptoms must meet either International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD-10) or Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5) criteria; cause moderate to severe functional impairment; and occur in more than one setting. […] Early diagnosis and intervention improves educational outcomes for children and is important for their social development. […] The Care Quality Commission has identified long waiting times between referral and diagnosis, with waits for treatment of up to 18 months.

• #4 Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children – Diagnosis and treatment – Mayo Clinic

  https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/adhd/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20350895

  In general, a diagnosis of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder is made if the core symptoms of ADHD start early in life before age 12 and create major problems at home and at school on an ongoing basis. […] There’s no specific test for ADHD. An evaluation can help find out whether symptoms are related to ADHD or another problem. Making a diagnosis will likely include: […] Signs of ADHD can sometimes be noticed in preschoolers or even younger children. But diagnosing the condition in very young children is harder. That’s because developmental conditions such as language delays can be mistaken for ADHD. […] Children preschool age or younger suspected of having ADHD are more likely to need evaluation by a specialist, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist, speech pathologist, or developmental pediatrician.

• #5 Diagnosing ADHD | Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) | CDC

  https://www.cdc.gov/adhd/diagnosis/index.html

  Diagnosing ADHD is a process with several steps. […] There is no single test to diagnose ADHD, and many other problems, such as sleep disorders, anxiety, depression, and certain types of learning disabilities, can also have symptoms similar to ADHD. […] If you are concerned about whether someone might have ADHD, the first step is to talk with a healthcare provider to find out if the symptoms fit an ADHD diagnosis. […] The diagnosis can be made by a mental health professional, like a psychologist or psychiatrist, or by a primary care provider, like a pediatrician. […] For children, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that healthcare providers ask parents, teachers, and other adults who care for the child about the child’s behavior in different settings, including at home, school, or with peers.

• #6 Diagnosing ADHD | Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) | CDC

  https://www.cdc.gov/adhd/diagnosis/index.html

  Healthcare providers use the guidelines in the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, Fifth edition (DSM-5), to help diagnose ADHD. […] This diagnostic standard helps ensure that people are appropriately diagnosed and treated for ADHD. […] The number of symptoms required for an ADHD diagnosis (by age group) are as follows: Six or more symptoms of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity for children up to age 16 years, OR Five or more symptoms of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity for adolescents ages 17 years and older and adults. […] People with ADHD show a persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that interferes with functioning or development. […] Only trained healthcare providers can diagnose or treat ADHD.

• #7 Diagnosing ADHD | Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) | CDC

  https://www.cdc.gov/adhd/diagnosis/index.html

  Several inattentive or hyperactive-impulsive symptoms were present before age 12 years. […] Several symptoms are present in two or more settings, (such as at home, school or work; with friends or relatives; in other activities). […] There is clear evidence that the symptoms interfere with, or reduce the quality of, social, school, or work functioning. […] The symptoms are not better explained by another mental disorder (such as a mood disorder, anxiety disorder, dissociative disorder, or a personality disorder).

• #8

  https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/adhd/Pages/Diagnosing-ADHD-in-Children-Guidelines-Information-for-Parents.aspx

  In a child 4 to 17 years of age, 6 or more symptoms must be identified. […] In a child 17 years and older, 5 or more symptoms must be identified. […] Symptoms significantly impair your child’s ability to function in some of the activities of daily life, such as schoolwork, relationships with you and siblings, relationships with friends, or the ability to function in groups such as sports teams. […] Symptoms start before the child reaches 12 years of age. However, these may not be recognized as ADHD symptoms until a child is older. […] Symptoms have continued for more than 6 months. […] In addition to looking at your child’s behavior, your pediatrician will do a physical and neurologic examination. […] Your pediatrician may refer your child to a pediatric subspecialist or mental health clinician if there are concerns in one of the following areas: Intellectual disability (formerly called mental retardation), Developmental disorder such as speech problems, motor problems, or a learning disability, Chronic illness being treated with a medication that may interfere with learning, Trouble seeing and/or hearing, History of abuse, Major anxiety or major depression, Severe aggression, Possible seizure disorder, Possible sleep disorder.

• #9 Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: What You Need to Know – National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)

  https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-what-you-need-to-know

  ADHD symptoms must begin in childhood (before age 12). […] To be diagnosed with ADHD, a person’s symptoms must also: […] Occur for at least 6 months […] Be present in two or more settings (for example, at home, at work, in school, or with friends) […] Interfere with or impair social, school, or work functioning. […] A health care provider needs to do a thorough evaluation to determine the cause of symptoms, make a diagnosis, and identify effective treatments. […] Primary care providers sometimes diagnose and treat ADHD, or they may refer the person to a mental health professional. […] During an evaluation, a provider usually: […] Uses standardized behavior rating scales or ADHD symptom checklists to determine whether the person meets the criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD. […] ADHD can also be diagnosed at any age, although symptoms must have begun in childhood (before age 12).

• #10

  https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/adhd/Pages/Diagnosing-ADHD-in-Children-Guidelines-Information-for-Parents.aspx

  In a child 4 to 17 years of age, 6 or more symptoms must be identified. […] In a child 17 years and older, 5 or more symptoms must be identified. […] Symptoms significantly impair your child’s ability to function in some of the activities of daily life, such as schoolwork, relationships with you and siblings, relationships with friends, or the ability to function in groups such as sports teams. […] Symptoms start before the child reaches 12 years of age. However, these may not be recognized as ADHD symptoms until a child is older. […] Symptoms have continued for more than 6 months. […] In addition to looking at your child’s behavior, your pediatrician will do a physical and neurologic examination. […] Your pediatrician may refer your child to a pediatric subspecialist or mental health clinician if there are concerns in one of the following areas: Intellectual disability (formerly called mental retardation), Developmental disorder such as speech problems, motor problems, or a learning disability, Chronic illness being treated with a medication that may interfere with learning, Trouble seeing and/or hearing, History of abuse, Major anxiety or major depression, Severe aggression, Possible seizure disorder, Possible sleep disorder.

• #11 Diagnosing ADHD | Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) | CDC

  https://www.cdc.gov/adhd/diagnosis/index.html

  Several inattentive or hyperactive-impulsive symptoms were present before age 12 years. […] Several symptoms are present in two or more settings, (such as at home, school or work; with friends or relatives; in other activities). […] There is clear evidence that the symptoms interfere with, or reduce the quality of, social, school, or work functioning. […] The symptoms are not better explained by another mental disorder (such as a mood disorder, anxiety disorder, dissociative disorder, or a personality disorder).

• #12 Diagnosing ADHD | Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) | CDC

  https://www.cdc.gov/adhd/diagnosis/index.html

  Several inattentive or hyperactive-impulsive symptoms were present before age 12 years. […] Several symptoms are present in two or more settings, (such as at home, school or work; with friends or relatives; in other activities). […] There is clear evidence that the symptoms interfere with, or reduce the quality of, social, school, or work functioning. […] The symptoms are not better explained by another mental disorder (such as a mood disorder, anxiety disorder, dissociative disorder, or a personality disorder).

• #13 Diagnosing ADHD | Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) | CDC

  https://www.cdc.gov/adhd/diagnosis/index.html

  Several inattentive or hyperactive-impulsive symptoms were present before age 12 years. […] Several symptoms are present in two or more settings, (such as at home, school or work; with friends or relatives; in other activities). […] There is clear evidence that the symptoms interfere with, or reduce the quality of, social, school, or work functioning. […] The symptoms are not better explained by another mental disorder (such as a mood disorder, anxiety disorder, dissociative disorder, or a personality disorder).

• #14 Diagnosing ADHD | Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) | CDC

  https://www.cdc.gov/adhd/diagnosis/index.html

  Diagnosing ADHD is a process with several steps. […] There is no single test to diagnose ADHD, and many other problems, such as sleep disorders, anxiety, depression, and certain types of learning disabilities, can also have symptoms similar to ADHD. […] If you are concerned about whether someone might have ADHD, the first step is to talk with a healthcare provider to find out if the symptoms fit an ADHD diagnosis. […] The diagnosis can be made by a mental health professional, like a psychologist or psychiatrist, or by a primary care provider, like a pediatrician. […] For children, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that healthcare providers ask parents, teachers, and other adults who care for the child about the child’s behavior in different settings, including at home, school, or with peers.

• #15 Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children – Diagnosis and treatment – Mayo Clinic

  https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/adhd/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20350895

  In general, a diagnosis of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder is made if the core symptoms of ADHD start early in life before age 12 and create major problems at home and at school on an ongoing basis. […] There’s no specific test for ADHD. An evaluation can help find out whether symptoms are related to ADHD or another problem. Making a diagnosis will likely include: […] Signs of ADHD can sometimes be noticed in preschoolers or even younger children. But diagnosing the condition in very young children is harder. That’s because developmental conditions such as language delays can be mistaken for ADHD. […] Children preschool age or younger suspected of having ADHD are more likely to need evaluation by a specialist, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist, speech pathologist, or developmental pediatrician.

• #16 Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children – Diagnosis and treatment – Mayo Clinic

  https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/adhd/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20350895

  To prepare for your child’s appointment: Make a list of any symptoms and troubles your child has at home or at school. Bring notes about important personal information, including any major stresses or recent life changes. Make a list of all medicines, vitamins, herbs and other supplements that your child is taking, and the doses. Bring any past evaluations and results of formal testing if you have them, and school report cards. Make a list of questions to ask your child’s healthcare professional. […] Your healthcare professional may ask you questions, such as: When did you first notice your child’s behavior issues? Do the troubling behaviors occur all the time or only in some situations? How big of a challenge are your child’s behaviors at home and at school? What, if anything, appears to make your child’s behavior worse? What, if anything, seems to make your child’s behavior better?

• #17 Diagnosing ADHD: How to Evaluate a Child for ADHD ADDFooterLogo

  https://www.additudemag.com/diagnosing-adhd/?srsltid=AfmBOoqpMIVYz2CwRRRpQmmENVJYsvuLqiDp0Q6vicLDspa7bf_2CT1Y

  While the DSM-V outlines the basics for an ADHD diagnosis, there’s much more to an accurate diagnosis. In addition to reviewing these criteria, doctors will conduct a thorough clinical interview using one standardized ADHD rating scale. A screening test is also often administered to rule out common coexisting conditions like learning disorders, anxiety, autism, and mood disorders. […] A child has to exhibit at least six of nine symptoms of inattention and/or hyperactivity/impulsivity prior to age 12 in order to be diagnosed with ADHD. […] ADHD runs in families, so expect the doctor to ask questions about your or your parents’ and/or partner’s mental health. “If neither parent has ADHD, then ADHD drops to the bottom of the list,” Dodson says. “If one parent has ADHD, there’s a 50-50 chance that the child has it, too. If both parents have ADHD, it is a major contributor to the [individual’s] behavior.” […] At this point, most people are dying to know: “Does my child have ADHD?” or “Do I have ADHD?” But don’t expect an answer overnight. The diagnostic process typically takes at least a week or two.

• #18 Diagnosing ADHD | Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) | CDC

  https://www.cdc.gov/adhd/diagnosis/index.html

  Diagnosing ADHD is a process with several steps. […] There is no single test to diagnose ADHD, and many other problems, such as sleep disorders, anxiety, depression, and certain types of learning disabilities, can also have symptoms similar to ADHD. […] If you are concerned about whether someone might have ADHD, the first step is to talk with a healthcare provider to find out if the symptoms fit an ADHD diagnosis. […] The diagnosis can be made by a mental health professional, like a psychologist or psychiatrist, or by a primary care provider, like a pediatrician. […] For children, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that healthcare providers ask parents, teachers, and other adults who care for the child about the child’s behavior in different settings, including at home, school, or with peers.

• #19 ADHD Diagnosis and Treatment in Children and Adolescents | Effective Health Care (EHC) Program

  https://effectivehealthcare.ahrq.gov/products/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder/research

  Multiple approaches showed promising diagnostic performance (e.g., using parental rating scales), but estimates of performance varied considerably across studies, and the strength of evidence (SoE) was generally low. […] Diagnostic test performance likely depends on whether youth with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are being differentiated from typically developing children or from clinically referred children who had some kind of mental health or behavioral problem. […] Rating scales for parent, teacher, or self-assessment as a diagnostic tool for ADHD have high internal consistency but poor to moderate reliability between raters, indicating that obtaining ratings from multiple informants (the youth, both parents, and teachers) may be valuable to inform clinical judgement.

• #20 ADHD Diagnosis and Treatment in Children and Adolescents | Effective Health Care (EHC) Program

  https://effectivehealthcare.ahrq.gov/products/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder/research

  Multiple approaches showed promising diagnostic performance (e.g., using parental rating scales), but estimates of performance varied considerably across studies, and the strength of evidence (SoE) was generally low. […] Diagnostic test performance likely depends on whether youth with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are being differentiated from typically developing children or from clinically referred children who had some kind of mental health or behavioral problem. […] Rating scales for parent, teacher, or self-assessment as a diagnostic tool for ADHD have high internal consistency but poor to moderate reliability between raters, indicating that obtaining ratings from multiple informants (the youth, both parents, and teachers) may be valuable to inform clinical judgement.

• #21 Preschoolers and ADHD – Child Mind Institute

  https://childmind.org/article/preschoolers-and-adhd/

  Recommended treatment for children under 5 is behavioral therapy, not stimulant medication. […] Diagnosing ADHD in young children should be done carefully. To diagnose ADHD, behavior problems must happen in more than one place, like at school and at home. […] Pediatricians can collect screening questionnaires from parents and at least one other adult who spends time with the child. […] It is usually hyperactive and impulsive behavior that leads to an ADHD diagnosis in preschoolers. […] From 2 to 6 percent of preschoolers are estimated to have the disorder — a much lower percentage than school age kids. […] To diagnose ADHD in preschoolers, pediatricians should collect screening questionnaires from parents and caregivers. Observing a child’s behavior in the doctor’s office is not sufficient for a diagnosis. […] Behavioral therapy is the preferred treatment for preschoolers with ADHD. Stimulant medication should be considered only if behavioral therapy isn’t available or hasn’t worked.

• #22 Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children – Diagnosis and treatment – Mayo Clinic

  https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/adhd/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20350895

  Some medical conditions or their treatments may cause symptoms much like those of ADHD. Examples include: Learning or language delays. Mood disorders such as depression. Anxiety disorders. Seizure disorders. Vision or hearing conditions. Autism spectrum disorder. Medical conditions or medicines that affect thinking or behavior. Sleep disorders. Brain injury. […] Your child should see a healthcare professional regularly while being treated for ADHD. If symptoms are much better and stable, visits usually take place every 3 to 6 months. […] Contact the healthcare professional if your child has any medicine side effects, such as loss of appetite, trouble sleeping or worse irritability. Also contact the healthcare professional if your child’s ADHD symptoms are not getting better with the current treatment.

• #23 Psychiatry.org – What is ADHD?

  https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/adhd/what-is-adhd

  ADHD is typically diagnosed by mental health providers or primary care providers. A psychiatric evaluation will include a description of symptoms from the patient and caregivers, completion of scales and questionnaires by patient, caregivers and teachers, complete psychiatric and medical history, family history, and information regarding education, environment, and upbringing. It may also include a referral for medical evaluation to rule out other medical conditions. […] It is important to note that several conditions can mimic ADHD such as learning disorders, mood disorders, anxiety, substance use, head injuries, thyroid conditions, and use of some medications such as steroids (Austerman, 2015). ADHD may also co-exist with other mental health conditions, such as oppositional defiant disorder or conduct disorder, anxiety disorders, and learning disorders (Austerman, 2015). Thus, a full psychiatric evaluation is very important. There are no specific blood tests or routine imaging for ADHD diagnosis. Sometimes, patients may be referred for additional psychological testing (such as neuropsychological or psychoeducational testing) or may undergo computer-based tests to assess the severity of symptoms.

• #24 Diagnosis and Management of ADHD in Children | AAFP

  https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2014/1001/p456.html

  Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the most common behavioral disorder in children, and the prevalence is increasing. Physicians should evaluate for ADHD in children with behavioral concerns (e.g., inattention, hyperactivity, impulsivity, oppositionality) or poor academic progress using validated assessment tools with observers from several settings (home, school, community) and self-observation, if possible. […] The diagnosis of ADHD should be considered in patients four years or older with poor attention, distractibility, hyperactivity, impulsiveness, poor academic performance, or behavioral problems at home or at school. […] No specific test can diagnose ADHD, and the DSM-5 requires the presence of a sufficient number of core symptoms and functional impairment. ADHD includes three subtypes: primarily inattentive (e.g., distracted, poor organization and follow-through); primarily hyperactive-impulsive (e.g., fidgety, overly active, interrupts); and combined. A positive family history for ADHD is supportive of an ADHD diagnosis.

• #25 Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in childhood | Better Health Channel

  https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-adhd

  Doctors and psychologists use a variety of tools, scales and criteria when diagnosing ADHD. […] A child with six or more of these symptoms of inattention for at least six months (to a degree that interferes with their everyday life and is inconsistent with the usual developmental level of a child their age) may be diagnosed with the inattention aspect of ADHD. […] A child with six or more of these symptoms for at least six months (to a degree that interferes with their everyday life and is inconsistent with the usual developmental level of a child their age) may be diagnosed with the hyperactivity-impulsivity aspect of ADHD. […] Other criteria for diagnosing ADHD may include: some hyperactive-impulsive or inattentive symptoms that caused impairment before the child reached the age of seven years, impairment from the symptoms in two or more settings, such as at school and at home, symptoms that cannot be explained by another disorder. […] Using the above criteria, a health professional can determine the type of ADHD a child has. Types of ADHD include: ADHD combined type, ADHD predominantly inattentive type, ADHD predominantly hyperactive-impulsive type.

• #26 Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children – Diagnosis and treatment – Mayo Clinic

  https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/adhd/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20350895

  Some medical conditions or their treatments may cause symptoms much like those of ADHD. Examples include: Learning or language delays. Mood disorders such as depression. Anxiety disorders. Seizure disorders. Vision or hearing conditions. Autism spectrum disorder. Medical conditions or medicines that affect thinking or behavior. Sleep disorders. Brain injury. […] Your child should see a healthcare professional regularly while being treated for ADHD. If symptoms are much better and stable, visits usually take place every 3 to 6 months. […] Contact the healthcare professional if your child has any medicine side effects, such as loss of appetite, trouble sleeping or worse irritability. Also contact the healthcare professional if your child’s ADHD symptoms are not getting better with the current treatment.

• #27 ADHD in children and youth: Part 1—Etiology, diagnosis, and comorbidity

  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6199644/

  ADHD remains challenging to diagnose because specific biomarkers and symptom specificity are lacking, the scope for differential diagnosis is large, and comorbidities are often present. […] Comprehensive medical assessment for ADHD should always include a complete history, a physical examination, and a thorough consideration of differential diagnosis and related comorbidities. […] Obtaining a diagnosis of ADHD in preschoolers and adolescents can be complicated. […] The DSM-5 lists 16 conditions or groups of conditions to be distinguished from ADHD, many of which can also occur as comorbidities. […] ADHD is a heterogeneous disorder. Because paediatricians and family physicians are the first care providers to conduct a medical assessment of children and youth with ADHD, which should always include a complete history, physical examination and consideration of differential diagnosis and possible comorbidities for this disorder, it is essential that their training equips them with the clinical skills needed to assess and manage ADHD and comorbid disorders.

• #28 ADHD in children and youth: Part 1—Etiology, diagnosis, and comorbidity | Canadian Paediatric Society

  https://cps.ca/documents/position/adhd-etiology-diagnosis-and-comorbidity

  The DSM-5 lists 16 conditions or groups of conditions to be distinguished from ADHD, many of which can also occur as comorbidities. […] The prevalence of ADHD in children with epilepsy is two to three times higher than in the general population, and is typically inattentive presentation. […] ADHD, a neurodevelopmental disorder, is most commonly comorbid with other psychiatric and neurodevelopmental conditions. […] The presence of a comorbid disorder can affect symptom presentation, increase symptom severity, and lead to greater functional impairment. […] Given the scope for differential diagnosis and frequent comorbidity in ADHD, physicians must perform a comprehensive but directed history and physical examination. […] Current clinical guidelines do not recommend psychological or neuropsychological testing in ADHD. Such testing should never be used alone to diagnose ADHD or without clinical evaluation by an experienced physician. […] Consider referring to a specialist and subspecialist for diagnosis of complex ADHD, when differential diagnosis and comorbidity are key findings.

• #29 Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

  https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4784-attention-deficithyperactivity-disorder-adhd

  Diagnosis occurs in three steps. Providers: Identify clusters of behaviors related to attention and activity, Rule out alternative causes of these behaviors (like depression or anxiety), Confirm the presence of any co-occurring conditions. […] Children with ADHD often have other mental health conditions, like anxiety, depression, oppositional defiant disorder. They may also have other neurodevelopmental disorders, like autism or a learning disability. Your childs provider may recommend additional assessments to diagnose or rule out these other conditions.

• #30 ADHD in children and youth: Part 1—Etiology, diagnosis, and comorbidity | Canadian Paediatric Society

  https://cps.ca/documents/position/adhd-etiology-diagnosis-and-comorbidity

  The DSM-5 lists 16 conditions or groups of conditions to be distinguished from ADHD, many of which can also occur as comorbidities. […] The prevalence of ADHD in children with epilepsy is two to three times higher than in the general population, and is typically inattentive presentation. […] ADHD, a neurodevelopmental disorder, is most commonly comorbid with other psychiatric and neurodevelopmental conditions. […] The presence of a comorbid disorder can affect symptom presentation, increase symptom severity, and lead to greater functional impairment. […] Given the scope for differential diagnosis and frequent comorbidity in ADHD, physicians must perform a comprehensive but directed history and physical examination. […] Current clinical guidelines do not recommend psychological or neuropsychological testing in ADHD. Such testing should never be used alone to diagnose ADHD or without clinical evaluation by an experienced physician. […] Consider referring to a specialist and subspecialist for diagnosis of complex ADHD, when differential diagnosis and comorbidity are key findings.

• #31 ADHD in children and youth: Part 1—Etiology, diagnosis, and comorbidity | Canadian Paediatric Society

  https://cps.ca/documents/position/adhd-etiology-diagnosis-and-comorbidity

  The DSM-5 lists 16 conditions or groups of conditions to be distinguished from ADHD, many of which can also occur as comorbidities. […] The prevalence of ADHD in children with epilepsy is two to three times higher than in the general population, and is typically inattentive presentation. […] ADHD, a neurodevelopmental disorder, is most commonly comorbid with other psychiatric and neurodevelopmental conditions. […] The presence of a comorbid disorder can affect symptom presentation, increase symptom severity, and lead to greater functional impairment. […] Given the scope for differential diagnosis and frequent comorbidity in ADHD, physicians must perform a comprehensive but directed history and physical examination. […] Current clinical guidelines do not recommend psychological or neuropsychological testing in ADHD. Such testing should never be used alone to diagnose ADHD or without clinical evaluation by an experienced physician. […] Consider referring to a specialist and subspecialist for diagnosis of complex ADHD, when differential diagnosis and comorbidity are key findings.

• #32 Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children – Diagnosis and treatment – Mayo Clinic

  https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/adhd/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20350895

  In general, a diagnosis of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder is made if the core symptoms of ADHD start early in life before age 12 and create major problems at home and at school on an ongoing basis. […] There’s no specific test for ADHD. An evaluation can help find out whether symptoms are related to ADHD or another problem. Making a diagnosis will likely include: […] Signs of ADHD can sometimes be noticed in preschoolers or even younger children. But diagnosing the condition in very young children is harder. That’s because developmental conditions such as language delays can be mistaken for ADHD. […] Children preschool age or younger suspected of having ADHD are more likely to need evaluation by a specialist, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist, speech pathologist, or developmental pediatrician.

• #33 Diagnosis and Management of ADHD in Children | AAFP

  https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2014/1001/p456.html

  ADHD cannot be reliably diagnosed in children younger than four years. Although it is difficult to determine whether symptoms are beyond the expected behavior of four- and five-year-olds, validated behavioral rating scales for this age group can improve diagnostic confidence. […] Children typically present with ADHD symptoms during the early school years. Patients with primarily hyperactive-impulsive or combined types may present with behaviors considered as problematic before those with primarily inattentive features. […] New onset of ADHD symptoms is less common beyond 12 years of age, but may occur because of increased academic demands or if subtle symptoms are unrecognized at an earlier age.

• #34 ADHD in children and youth: Part 1—Etiology, diagnosis, and comorbidity | Canadian Paediatric Society

  https://cps.ca/documents/position/adhd-etiology-diagnosis-and-comorbidity

  While some changes occurred between DSM-IV and -5, the same (or similar) questionnaires, rating scales and screening tools can be used to gather diagnostic information from multiple informants. Symptoms must be present across multiple settings and lead to impairment in everyday activities. […] Obtaining a diagnosis of ADHD in preschoolers and adolescents can be complicated. […] Before establishing a diagnosis of ADHD and initiating treatment in preschoolers, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that parents of young children referred for ADHD assessment enrol in a parent training program. […] Obtaining diagnostic information from multiple informants for adolescents can also be challenging. […] As with many complex presentations, the differential diagnosis for ADHD can be narrowed considerably by a skillful history and physical examination.

• #35 Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children – Diagnosis and treatment – Mayo Clinic

  https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/adhd/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20350895

  In general, a diagnosis of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder is made if the core symptoms of ADHD start early in life before age 12 and create major problems at home and at school on an ongoing basis. […] There’s no specific test for ADHD. An evaluation can help find out whether symptoms are related to ADHD or another problem. Making a diagnosis will likely include: […] Signs of ADHD can sometimes be noticed in preschoolers or even younger children. But diagnosing the condition in very young children is harder. That’s because developmental conditions such as language delays can be mistaken for ADHD. […] Children preschool age or younger suspected of having ADHD are more likely to need evaluation by a specialist, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist, speech pathologist, or developmental pediatrician.

• #36 Diagnosis and Management of ADHD in Children | AAFP

  https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2014/1001/p456.html

  ADHD cannot be reliably diagnosed in children younger than four years. Although it is difficult to determine whether symptoms are beyond the expected behavior of four- and five-year-olds, validated behavioral rating scales for this age group can improve diagnostic confidence. […] Children typically present with ADHD symptoms during the early school years. Patients with primarily hyperactive-impulsive or combined types may present with behaviors considered as problematic before those with primarily inattentive features. […] New onset of ADHD symptoms is less common beyond 12 years of age, but may occur because of increased academic demands or if subtle symptoms are unrecognized at an earlier age.

• #37 Diagnosis and Management of ADHD in Children | AAFP

  https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2014/1001/p456.html

  ADHD cannot be reliably diagnosed in children younger than four years. Although it is difficult to determine whether symptoms are beyond the expected behavior of four- and five-year-olds, validated behavioral rating scales for this age group can improve diagnostic confidence. […] Children typically present with ADHD symptoms during the early school years. Patients with primarily hyperactive-impulsive or combined types may present with behaviors considered as problematic before those with primarily inattentive features. […] New onset of ADHD symptoms is less common beyond 12 years of age, but may occur because of increased academic demands or if subtle symptoms are unrecognized at an earlier age.

• #38

  https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/adhd/Pages/Diagnosing-ADHD-in-Children-Guidelines-Information-for-Parents.aspx

  In a child 4 to 17 years of age, 6 or more symptoms must be identified. […] In a child 17 years and older, 5 or more symptoms must be identified. […] Symptoms significantly impair your child’s ability to function in some of the activities of daily life, such as schoolwork, relationships with you and siblings, relationships with friends, or the ability to function in groups such as sports teams. […] Symptoms start before the child reaches 12 years of age. However, these may not be recognized as ADHD symptoms until a child is older. […] Symptoms have continued for more than 6 months. […] In addition to looking at your child’s behavior, your pediatrician will do a physical and neurologic examination. […] Your pediatrician may refer your child to a pediatric subspecialist or mental health clinician if there are concerns in one of the following areas: Intellectual disability (formerly called mental retardation), Developmental disorder such as speech problems, motor problems, or a learning disability, Chronic illness being treated with a medication that may interfere with learning, Trouble seeing and/or hearing, History of abuse, Major anxiety or major depression, Severe aggression, Possible seizure disorder, Possible sleep disorder.

• #39

  https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00787-024-02590-9

  Meeting the criteria for the inattentive subtype, lower functional impairment, female gender, Black or Latinx ethnicity, and being relatively young for their grade were consistently found to be associated with a delayed or absent ADHD diagnosis. […] Concerns have been expressed regarding the potential delay or failure to identify ADHD in children, as it prevents children and their families from accessing support and achieving their full potential, which may lead to cascading adverse outcomes across domains, such as the development of comorbid difficulties such as substance abuse. […] There is a large gap between the age of onset and age of diagnosis in European children, and many children with ADHD remain undiagnosed across many countries. This under-diagnosis appears to be affecting certain groups of children disproportionately, with the child’s socioeconomic status (SES), gender, and race/ethnicity affecting the diagnosis of ADHD.

• #40 ADHD in children and youth: Part 1—Etiology, diagnosis, and comorbidity | Canadian Paediatric Society

  https://cps.ca/documents/position/adhd-etiology-diagnosis-and-comorbidity

  While some changes occurred between DSM-IV and -5, the same (or similar) questionnaires, rating scales and screening tools can be used to gather diagnostic information from multiple informants. Symptoms must be present across multiple settings and lead to impairment in everyday activities. […] Obtaining a diagnosis of ADHD in preschoolers and adolescents can be complicated. […] Before establishing a diagnosis of ADHD and initiating treatment in preschoolers, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that parents of young children referred for ADHD assessment enrol in a parent training program. […] Obtaining diagnostic information from multiple informants for adolescents can also be challenging. […] As with many complex presentations, the differential diagnosis for ADHD can be narrowed considerably by a skillful history and physical examination.

• #41 ADHD Symptoms in Teens, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Coping

  https://www.healthline.com/health/adhd/adhd-symptoms-in-teens

  ADHD can appear differently in teens than in younger children. […] Symptoms typically appear during childhood, with the average age of diagnosis between 5 and 9 years old. […] For an ADHD diagnosis, symptoms must have occurred before age 12. […] It’s more challenging to diagnose in teens because hyperactive symptoms are less obvious. […] There’s no single test for ADHD. The process includes a physical exam and hearing and vision tests. It usually involves filling out questionnaires and getting input from parents and teachers. […] ADHD is not something you can diagnose on your own. It takes a trained health professional to evaluate specific symptoms.

• #42

  https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/adhd/Pages/Diagnosing-ADHD-in-Children-Guidelines-Information-for-Parents.aspx

  In a child 4 to 17 years of age, 6 or more symptoms must be identified. […] In a child 17 years and older, 5 or more symptoms must be identified. […] Symptoms significantly impair your child’s ability to function in some of the activities of daily life, such as schoolwork, relationships with you and siblings, relationships with friends, or the ability to function in groups such as sports teams. […] Symptoms start before the child reaches 12 years of age. However, these may not be recognized as ADHD symptoms until a child is older. […] Symptoms have continued for more than 6 months. […] In addition to looking at your child’s behavior, your pediatrician will do a physical and neurologic examination. […] Your pediatrician may refer your child to a pediatric subspecialist or mental health clinician if there are concerns in one of the following areas: Intellectual disability (formerly called mental retardation), Developmental disorder such as speech problems, motor problems, or a learning disability, Chronic illness being treated with a medication that may interfere with learning, Trouble seeing and/or hearing, History of abuse, Major anxiety or major depression, Severe aggression, Possible seizure disorder, Possible sleep disorder.

• #43 Diagnosis and Management of ADHD in Children | AAFP

  https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2014/1001/p456.html

  ADHD cannot be reliably diagnosed in children younger than four years. Although it is difficult to determine whether symptoms are beyond the expected behavior of four- and five-year-olds, validated behavioral rating scales for this age group can improve diagnostic confidence. […] Children typically present with ADHD symptoms during the early school years. Patients with primarily hyperactive-impulsive or combined types may present with behaviors considered as problematic before those with primarily inattentive features. […] New onset of ADHD symptoms is less common beyond 12 years of age, but may occur because of increased academic demands or if subtle symptoms are unrecognized at an earlier age.

• #44 ADHD Diagnosis and Treatment in Children and Adolescents | Effective Health Care (EHC) Program

  https://effectivehealthcare.ahrq.gov/products/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder/research

  Multiple approaches showed promising diagnostic performance (e.g., using parental rating scales), but estimates of performance varied considerably across studies, and the strength of evidence (SoE) was generally low. […] Diagnostic test performance likely depends on whether youth with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are being differentiated from typically developing children or from clinically referred children who had some kind of mental health or behavioral problem. […] Rating scales for parent, teacher, or self-assessment as a diagnostic tool for ADHD have high internal consistency but poor to moderate reliability between raters, indicating that obtaining ratings from multiple informants (the youth, both parents, and teachers) may be valuable to inform clinical judgement.

• #45 ADHD Diagnosis and Treatment in Children and Adolescents | Effective Health Care (EHC) Program

  https://effectivehealthcare.ahrq.gov/products/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder/research

  Multiple approaches showed promising diagnostic performance (e.g., using parental rating scales), but estimates of performance varied considerably across studies, and the strength of evidence (SoE) was generally low. […] Diagnostic test performance likely depends on whether youth with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are being differentiated from typically developing children or from clinically referred children who had some kind of mental health or behavioral problem. […] Rating scales for parent, teacher, or self-assessment as a diagnostic tool for ADHD have high internal consistency but poor to moderate reliability between raters, indicating that obtaining ratings from multiple informants (the youth, both parents, and teachers) may be valuable to inform clinical judgement.

• #46 ADHD Diagnosis and Treatment in Children and Adolescents | Effective Health Care (EHC) Program

  https://effectivehealthcare.ahrq.gov/products/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder/research

  Multiple approaches showed promising diagnostic performance (e.g., using parental rating scales), but estimates of performance varied considerably across studies, and the strength of evidence (SoE) was generally low. […] Diagnostic test performance likely depends on whether youth with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are being differentiated from typically developing children or from clinically referred children who had some kind of mental health or behavioral problem. […] Rating scales for parent, teacher, or self-assessment as a diagnostic tool for ADHD have high internal consistency but poor to moderate reliability between raters, indicating that obtaining ratings from multiple informants (the youth, both parents, and teachers) may be valuable to inform clinical judgement.

• #47 ADHD in children and youth: Part 1—Etiology, diagnosis, and comorbidity | Canadian Paediatric Society

  https://cps.ca/documents/position/adhd-etiology-diagnosis-and-comorbidity

  The DSM-5 lists 16 conditions or groups of conditions to be distinguished from ADHD, many of which can also occur as comorbidities. […] The prevalence of ADHD in children with epilepsy is two to three times higher than in the general population, and is typically inattentive presentation. […] ADHD, a neurodevelopmental disorder, is most commonly comorbid with other psychiatric and neurodevelopmental conditions. […] The presence of a comorbid disorder can affect symptom presentation, increase symptom severity, and lead to greater functional impairment. […] Given the scope for differential diagnosis and frequent comorbidity in ADHD, physicians must perform a comprehensive but directed history and physical examination. […] Current clinical guidelines do not recommend psychological or neuropsychological testing in ADHD. Such testing should never be used alone to diagnose ADHD or without clinical evaluation by an experienced physician. […] Consider referring to a specialist and subspecialist for diagnosis of complex ADHD, when differential diagnosis and comorbidity are key findings.

• #48 Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Workup: Approach Considerations, Laboratory Studies, Imaging Studies

  https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/289350-workup

  The Continuous Performance Tests (CPTs) are computer-based tasks that often are used to test attention and may be used in conjunction with clinical information to make a diagnosis. A currently popular example is the Test of Variable Attention (TOVA). While these tests can be supportive of the diagnosis in a full clinical evaluation, they have low sensitivity and specificity and should not be the sole basis for diagnosis.

• #49 ADHD in children and youth: Part 1—Etiology, diagnosis, and comorbidity

  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6199644/

  Given the scope for differential diagnosis and frequent comorbidity in ADHD, physicians must perform a comprehensive but directed history and physical examination. […] Current clinical guidelines do not recommend psychological or neuropsychological testing in ADHD. Such testing should never be used alone to diagnose ADHD or without clinical evaluation by an experienced physician. […] Consider referring to a specialist and subspecialist for diagnosis of complex ADHD, when differential diagnosis and comorbidity are key findings.

• #50 Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Workup: Approach Considerations, Laboratory Studies, Imaging Studies

  https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/289350-workup

  The Continuous Performance Tests (CPTs) are computer-based tasks that often are used to test attention and may be used in conjunction with clinical information to make a diagnosis. A currently popular example is the Test of Variable Attention (TOVA). While these tests can be supportive of the diagnosis in a full clinical evaluation, they have low sensitivity and specificity and should not be the sole basis for diagnosis.

• #51 NICE recommends digital technology to help diagnose ADHD in children and young people | NICE

  https://www.nice.org.uk/news/articles/nice-recommends-digital-technology-to-help-diagnose-adhd-in-children-and-young-people

  A digital technology that will help healthcare professionals provide a quicker diagnosis to people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can be used by the NHS, NICE has said in draft guidance. […] A consultation is open on diagnostics advisory committee guidance that recommends the QbTest alongside a standard clinical assessment to aid diagnosis of ADHD in children and young people aged 6 to 17. […] Evidence from the AQUA clinical trial showed that using the QbTest alongside a standard clinical assessment for ADHD resulted in a diagnostic decision being made for a larger proportion of people within 6 months of their first assessment appointment when QbTest results were available, compared with when they were not. […] Children and young people with ADHD deserve to receive a diagnosis in a timely manner.

• #52 NICE recommends digital technology to help diagnose ADHD in children and young people | NICE

  https://www.nice.org.uk/news/articles/nice-recommends-digital-technology-to-help-diagnose-adhd-in-children-and-young-people

  Evidence presented to our committee showed the QbTest could increase the number of children and young people who get a diagnostic decision within 6 months of starting assessment. […] NICE’s guideline on the diagnosis and management of ADHD states a diagnosis should only be made by a specialist psychiatrist, paediatrician or other appropriately qualified healthcare professional with training and expertise in the diagnosis of ADHD. […] The diagnostic committee agreed that the QbTest should only be used to supplement professional judgement, and not replace it.

• #53 NICE recommends digital technology to help diagnose ADHD in children and young people | NICE

  https://www.nice.org.uk/news/articles/nice-recommends-digital-technology-to-help-diagnose-adhd-in-children-and-young-people

  A digital technology that will help healthcare professionals provide a quicker diagnosis to people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can be used by the NHS, NICE has said in draft guidance. […] A consultation is open on diagnostics advisory committee guidance that recommends the QbTest alongside a standard clinical assessment to aid diagnosis of ADHD in children and young people aged 6 to 17. […] Evidence from the AQUA clinical trial showed that using the QbTest alongside a standard clinical assessment for ADHD resulted in a diagnostic decision being made for a larger proportion of people within 6 months of their first assessment appointment when QbTest results were available, compared with when they were not. […] Children and young people with ADHD deserve to receive a diagnosis in a timely manner.

• #54 NICE recommends digital technology to help diagnose ADHD in children and young people | NICE

  https://www.nice.org.uk/news/articles/nice-recommends-digital-technology-to-help-diagnose-adhd-in-children-and-young-people

  Evidence presented to our committee showed the QbTest could increase the number of children and young people who get a diagnostic decision within 6 months of starting assessment. […] NICE’s guideline on the diagnosis and management of ADHD states a diagnosis should only be made by a specialist psychiatrist, paediatrician or other appropriately qualified healthcare professional with training and expertise in the diagnosis of ADHD. […] The diagnostic committee agreed that the QbTest should only be used to supplement professional judgement, and not replace it.

• #55 ADHD Diagnosis and Treatment in Children and Adolescents | Effective Health Care (EHC) Program

  https://effectivehealthcare.ahrq.gov/products/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder/research

  Very few studies have assessed performance of diagnostic tools for ADHD in children under the age of seven years and more research is needed. […] The identified diagnostic studies did not assess the adverse effects of being labeled correctly or incorrectly as having a diagnosis of ADHD. […] Many diagnostic tools are available to aid the diagnosis of ADHD, but few monitoring strategies have been studied. […] Future studies of diagnostic tools should include assessment of how well the tools distinguish ADHD youth not simply from typically developing youth, but especially from youth who have other emotional and behavioral problems. […] Research is needed to identify consensus algorithms that combine rating scale data from multiple informants to improve the clinical diagnosis of ADHD, which at present is unguided, ad hoc, and suboptimal.

• #56 ADHD Diagnosis and Treatment in Children and Adolescents | Effective Health Care (EHC) Program

  https://effectivehealthcare.ahrq.gov/products/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder/research

  Studies should also include assessment of test-retest reliability to help discern whether variability in measures and test performance across settings is a function of setting or is a consequence of measurement variability across time. […] Future studies should address the role of co-occurring disorders in the diagnostic process and their influences on their performance of the diagnostic tools.

• #57 ADHD Diagnosis and Treatment in Children and Adolescents | Effective Health Care (EHC) Program

  https://effectivehealthcare.ahrq.gov/products/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder/research

  Very few studies have assessed performance of diagnostic tools for ADHD in children under the age of seven years and more research is needed. […] The identified diagnostic studies did not assess the adverse effects of being labeled correctly or incorrectly as having a diagnosis of ADHD. […] Many diagnostic tools are available to aid the diagnosis of ADHD, but few monitoring strategies have been studied. […] Future studies of diagnostic tools should include assessment of how well the tools distinguish ADHD youth not simply from typically developing youth, but especially from youth who have other emotional and behavioral problems. […] Research is needed to identify consensus algorithms that combine rating scale data from multiple informants to improve the clinical diagnosis of ADHD, which at present is unguided, ad hoc, and suboptimal.

• #58 Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: Diagnosis and Treatment in Children and Adolescents | Effective Health Care (EHC) Program

  https://effectivehealthcare.ahrq.gov/products/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder/protocol

  Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is the single most prevalent behavioral and mental health problem in youth. Approximately 10 percent of US children have received a clinical diagnosis of ADHD. Clinical diagnoses have increased steadily over time, though the higher rates seem attributable to changing clinical practices rather than to an increase in true population rates. The prevalence of ADHD based on rigorous diagnostic procedures is approximately 5.3 percent, a rate that has remained constant over the more than 20 years when diagnostic criteria have not changed and that is similar across geographic regions worldwide. This rate, when compared with the much higher rates of clinical diagnoses, suggests that a large number of youth may be receiving a diagnosis when they should not be, though the increasing rates of diagnosis could also represent the clinical recognition of youth who have clinically significant and functionally impairing ADHD symptoms but who may not meet full, formal diagnostic criteria. ADHD is more than twice as likely to be diagnosed in boys than in girls. It is a more prevalent diagnosis in youth from low-income families and in Caucasian compared to Black, Hispanic, and Asian youth, though diagnostic bias and cultural influences may contribute to these socioeconomic, ethnic, and racial disparities in diagnostic rates.

• #59 Identifying and Treating ADHD in Children | Children’s Hospital Colorado

  https://www.childrenscolorado.org/doctors-and-departments/departments/psych/mental-health-professional-resources/primary-care-articles/identifying-treating-adhd/

  Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder typically diagnosed in childhood. Approximately 11.3% of youth (ages 5 to 17) in the United States have been diagnosed with ADHD. […] A recent systematic scoping review found evidence that ADHD is likely over diagnosed, particularly in youth with milder symptoms, and recommended providers use a stepped-diagnosis approach to improve the balance of benefit to harm in practice. […] With all this in mind, its important for primary care providers to know how to recognize, diagnose and treat ADHD in their practices. […] Timely identification of youth with ADHD is critical, as poorly controlled ADHD symptoms can negatively impact their academic performance, peer relationships and self-esteem. One screening measure providers commonly use to identify ADHD symptoms in youth is the National Institute of Childrens Health Equity Vanderbilt Assessment Scale. But there is no single test available to diagnose ADHD.

• #60

  https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00787-024-02590-9

  Meeting the criteria for the inattentive subtype, lower functional impairment, female gender, Black or Latinx ethnicity, and being relatively young for their grade were consistently found to be associated with a delayed or absent ADHD diagnosis. […] Concerns have been expressed regarding the potential delay or failure to identify ADHD in children, as it prevents children and their families from accessing support and achieving their full potential, which may lead to cascading adverse outcomes across domains, such as the development of comorbid difficulties such as substance abuse. […] There is a large gap between the age of onset and age of diagnosis in European children, and many children with ADHD remain undiagnosed across many countries. This under-diagnosis appears to be affecting certain groups of children disproportionately, with the child’s socioeconomic status (SES), gender, and race/ethnicity affecting the diagnosis of ADHD.

• #61 ADHD, the pandemic and why some children get overdiagnosed

  https://journalistsresource.org/home/adhd-children-overdiagnosed-learning-research/

  Studies published in 2022 provide evidence that: […] Teachers, who play a key role in the diagnostic process, are less likely to spot ADHD symptoms in girls, especially the oldest girls in their classes. Teachers sometimes mistake the behavior of their youngest male students for symptoms of ADHD. […] Racial and ethnic minorities and children whose families have a lower socioeconomic status are less likely to be diagnosed with and receive medication to treat ADHD than are white children and kids whose families have a higher socioeconomic status. […] Overdiagnosis is most prevalent among white students and kids from higher socioeconomic backgrounds. […] Morgan is the lead author on this study, which suggests U.S. schoolchildren are overdiagnosed with ADHD and that white kids and kids from higher socioeconomic backgrounds are most likely to be overdiagnosed.

• #62 Rising diagnoses of child ADHD may be unnecessary or harmful – The University of Sydney

  https://www.sydney.edu.au/news-opinion/news/2021/04/13/rising-diagnoses-of-child-adhd-may-be-unnecessary-or-harmful.html

  Increasing awareness of ADHD has led to consistent rises in the number of children diagnosed with and treated for it, both internationally and in Australia. […] Our study concluded these children are unlikely to benefit from being labelled with ADHD and may, in fact, be harmed by it. […] We found that since the 1980s, increasing numbers of school-aged children and adolescents around the world have been diagnosed with ADHD and medicated for it. […] Many children can get distracted easily, are forgetful, find it difficult to sit still or wait their turn. In most children, these behaviours are mild enough to not interfere with a normal life. […] However, there is no clear biological cut-off point above which someone just has ADHD. […] For children with mild symptoms, children with mild ADHD symptoms are unlikely to benefit from a diagnosis.

• #63 Rising diagnoses of child ADHD may be unnecessary or harmful – The University of Sydney

  https://www.sydney.edu.au/news-opinion/news/2021/04/13/rising-diagnoses-of-child-adhd-may-be-unnecessary-or-harmful.html

  Its also important children with more severe ADHD symptoms are correctly diagnosed so they dont miss out on much-needed support. […] In light of the potential risks associated with diagnosing a child with milder ADHD symptoms, we recommend doctors, parents and teachers work together following a stepped diagnosis approach.

• #64

  https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00787-024-02590-9

  Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a prevalent condition characterised by patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. This systematic literature review aims to identify the child clinical and sociodemographic factors related to the detection and diagnosis of ADHD in children and adolescents, given concerns about delays or failures in identifying ADHD as well as over-diagnosis, hindering appropriate and timely support for children and families. […] Forty-one studies meeting eligibility criteria revealed sixteen child-related factors influencing the ADHD diagnostic process. These factors include ADHD subtype, ADHD symptom severity, comorbid mental disorders, behavior problems, internalizing symptoms, functional impairment, social and cognitive functioning, physical health, gender, age, relative age, race/ethnicity, socio-economic status, insurance coverage, residence urbanicity, and family structure.

• #65

  https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00787-024-02590-9

  Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a prevalent condition characterised by patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. This systematic literature review aims to identify the child clinical and sociodemographic factors related to the detection and diagnosis of ADHD in children and adolescents, given concerns about delays or failures in identifying ADHD as well as over-diagnosis, hindering appropriate and timely support for children and families. […] Forty-one studies meeting eligibility criteria revealed sixteen child-related factors influencing the ADHD diagnostic process. These factors include ADHD subtype, ADHD symptom severity, comorbid mental disorders, behavior problems, internalizing symptoms, functional impairment, social and cognitive functioning, physical health, gender, age, relative age, race/ethnicity, socio-economic status, insurance coverage, residence urbanicity, and family structure.

• #66

  https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00787-024-02590-9

  Meeting the criteria for the inattentive subtype, lower functional impairment, female gender, Black or Latinx ethnicity, and being relatively young for their grade were consistently found to be associated with a delayed or absent ADHD diagnosis. […] Concerns have been expressed regarding the potential delay or failure to identify ADHD in children, as it prevents children and their families from accessing support and achieving their full potential, which may lead to cascading adverse outcomes across domains, such as the development of comorbid difficulties such as substance abuse. […] There is a large gap between the age of onset and age of diagnosis in European children, and many children with ADHD remain undiagnosed across many countries. This under-diagnosis appears to be affecting certain groups of children disproportionately, with the child’s socioeconomic status (SES), gender, and race/ethnicity affecting the diagnosis of ADHD.

• #67 ADHD, the pandemic and why some children get overdiagnosed

  https://journalistsresource.org/home/adhd-children-overdiagnosed-learning-research/

  Researchers discovered that children who rated above average in terms of their behavioral, academic or executive functioning meaning they probably did not have ADHD — were more likely to be diagnosed with and treated for ADHD if they were white. […] Our results are consistent with some White families being more likely to seek out ADHD diagnoses and treatments for their children even when their children display no or only mild symptoms or impairments, possibly so as to increase the childrens academic achievement, the authors write. […] Meanwhile, many parents who are not white might be resisting ADHD diagnoses. They have reported skepticism about the accuracy of ADHD diagnosis and treatment by providers and instead are more likely to view diagnosis and treatment as an attempt to exert racialized social control or because school environments are unresponsive to the needs of non-White children, the authors write.

• #68 Data and Statistics on ADHD | Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) | CDC

  https://www.cdc.gov/adhd/data/index.html

  Millions of U.S. children have been diagnosed with ADHD. An estimated 7 million (11.4%) U.S. children aged 3-17 years have ever been diagnosed with ADHD, according to a national survey of parents using data from 2022. […] In 2022, an additional 1 million U.S. children aged 3-17 years had ever received an ADHD diagnosis compared to 2016. […] National estimates among U.S. children aged 3-17 years who have ever been diagnosed with ADHD vary from 6% to 16% across states. […] Treatment for ADHD can include behavior therapy and medication. Recommendations for the use of ADHD medication and behavior therapy are age specific. For children younger than 6 years of age, behavior therapy is recommended as the first line of treatment. For children 6 years of age and older, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends behavior therapy and medication, preferably together.

• #69 ADHD, the pandemic and why some children get overdiagnosed

  https://journalistsresource.org/home/adhd-children-overdiagnosed-learning-research/

  Studies published in 2022 provide evidence that: […] Teachers, who play a key role in the diagnostic process, are less likely to spot ADHD symptoms in girls, especially the oldest girls in their classes. Teachers sometimes mistake the behavior of their youngest male students for symptoms of ADHD. […] Racial and ethnic minorities and children whose families have a lower socioeconomic status are less likely to be diagnosed with and receive medication to treat ADHD than are white children and kids whose families have a higher socioeconomic status. […] Overdiagnosis is most prevalent among white students and kids from higher socioeconomic backgrounds. […] Morgan is the lead author on this study, which suggests U.S. schoolchildren are overdiagnosed with ADHD and that white kids and kids from higher socioeconomic backgrounds are most likely to be overdiagnosed.

• #70 Have We Been Thinking About A.D.H.D. All Wrong? – The New York Times

  https://www.nytimes.com/2025/04/13/magazine/adhd-medication-treatment-research.html

  A significant part of the A.D.H.D. establishment does, in fact, promote the message that children and adolescents who resist medication don’t know what’s good for them. […] The alternative model, by contrast, tells a child a very different story: that his A.D.H.D. symptoms exist on a continuum, one on which we all find ourselves; that he may be experiencing those symptoms as much because of where he is as because of who he is; and that next year, if things change in his surroundings, those symptoms might change as well.

• #71 Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: Diagnosis and Treatment in Children and Adolescents | Effective Health Care (EHC) Program

  https://effectivehealthcare.ahrq.gov/products/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder/protocol

  Inaccurate diagnoses of ADHD can lead either to the administration of treatments, usually stimulant medications, in children who do not need them, or to the withholding of treatment and services for those who would benefit from such treatments. Prescription of stimulant medications has doubled in the last decade, with a US prevalence in 2019 of approximately 6 percent, and as high as 14 percent regionally. These rates are higher than the 5.3 percent population prevalence of rigorously diagnosed ADHD, suggesting that many youth may be receiving stimulants when they do not have ADHD. These trends have created alarm in the lay public, policy makers, and health care providers. Adding to their concern is that diversion and abuse of stimulants is common, particularly in college students. Little is known or understood about how the risk for diversion and abuse of stimulant medications approved for ADHD varies with patient characteristics (e.g., as a function of age, race/ethnicity, or socioeconomic status). Conversely, only about half of US children who receive a clinical diagnosis of ADHD are treated with stimulants, suggesting a large number of children are not receiving medication when perhaps they should be. Additional important clinical consequences of an incorrect diagnosis include stigmatizing youth unnecessarily with a diagnosis of ADHD (i.e., labeling harms, which can impair self-esteem or reduce future educational attainment or career opportunities). Misdiagnosis of ADHD not only leads to its overdiagnosis or underdiagnosis, but it can also lead to incorrectly diagnosing as ADHD other conditions that share symptoms with ADHD (e.g., anxiety, conduct disorders, speech or language delay, complex trauma, difficult home environments, attachment problems or other medical disorders/diseases or developmental disorders). Thus, treating disorders misconstrued as ADHD may withhold appropriate psychosocial and psychological therapies for those conditions and instead inappropriately treat them with stimulants and other ADHD therapies that may have little or no effectiveness in treating those conditions.

• #72 ADHD Diagnosis and Treatment in Children and Adolescents | Effective Health Care (EHC) Program

  https://effectivehealthcare.ahrq.gov/products/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder/research

  Very few studies have assessed performance of diagnostic tools for ADHD in children under the age of seven years and more research is needed. […] The identified diagnostic studies did not assess the adverse effects of being labeled correctly or incorrectly as having a diagnosis of ADHD. […] Many diagnostic tools are available to aid the diagnosis of ADHD, but few monitoring strategies have been studied. […] Future studies of diagnostic tools should include assessment of how well the tools distinguish ADHD youth not simply from typically developing youth, but especially from youth who have other emotional and behavioral problems. […] Research is needed to identify consensus algorithms that combine rating scale data from multiple informants to improve the clinical diagnosis of ADHD, which at present is unguided, ad hoc, and suboptimal.

• #73 Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children – Symptoms and causes – Mayo Clinic

  https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/adhd/symptoms-causes/syc-20350889

  Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, also called ADHD, is a long-term condition that affects millions of children. ADHD includes a mix of ongoing problems. These can include having a hard time paying attention, being hyperactive and being impulsive. […] While treatment won’t cure ADHD, it can help a great deal with symptoms. […] Early diagnosis and treatment can make a big difference in results. […] ADHD symptoms usually start before age 12. In some children, they can be seen as early as 3 years of age. Symptoms need to be seen in two or more settings, such as at home and at school. […] If you’re concerned that your child shows signs of ADHD, see your pediatrician or family healthcare professional. Your healthcare professional can do a medical evaluation to check for other causes of your child’s symptoms. Then if needed, your child may be referred to a specialist, such as a developmental-behavioral pediatrician, psychologist, psychiatrist or pediatric neurologist.

• #74 The diagnosis and management of ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) in children and young people: a commentary on current practice and future recommendations | BJGP Open

  https://bjgpopen.org/content/4/1/bjgpopen20X101043

  Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a behavioural disorder with symptoms of hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention. It is estimated that the prevalence of ADHD worldwide is 5.29% in children and adolescents, and it is more common in males. ADHD must be diagnosed by a paediatrician, psychiatrist, or ADHD specialist. […] Guidelines state symptoms must meet either International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD-10) or Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5) criteria; cause moderate to severe functional impairment; and occur in more than one setting. […] Early diagnosis and intervention improves educational outcomes for children and is important for their social development. […] The Care Quality Commission has identified long waiting times between referral and diagnosis, with waits for treatment of up to 18 months.

• #75 The diagnosis and management of ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) in children and young people: a commentary on current practice and future recommendations | BJGP Open

  https://bjgpopen.org/content/4/1/bjgpopen20X101043

  Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a behavioural disorder with symptoms of hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention. It is estimated that the prevalence of ADHD worldwide is 5.29% in children and adolescents, and it is more common in males. ADHD must be diagnosed by a paediatrician, psychiatrist, or ADHD specialist. […] Guidelines state symptoms must meet either International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD-10) or Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5) criteria; cause moderate to severe functional impairment; and occur in more than one setting. […] Early diagnosis and intervention improves educational outcomes for children and is important for their social development. […] The Care Quality Commission has identified long waiting times between referral and diagnosis, with waits for treatment of up to 18 months.

• #76 Early Diagnosis of Autism and ADHD | Cedars-Sinai

  https://www.cedars-sinai.org/blog/early-diagnosis-of-autism-and-adhd.html

  Many children slip through the cracks, Ochoa cautioned. There arent enough specialists, and youth with less obvious symptomslike girls with inattentive ADHDusually fly under the radar. […] But kids with unaddressed autism or ADHD may develop anxiety and depression over time or act out with risky behaviors by their teen years. […] If children with these conditions receive an appropriate diagnosis, then school accommodations, social groups, and/or behavioral and speech therapies can allow them to catch up on communication and development. In time, they can flourish. […] Occupational therapy and ADHD medication address root causes in the brain and help children control their behavior. Kids can also learn to regulate attention, sensory processing and emotions.

• #77 Early Diagnosis of Autism and ADHD | Cedars-Sinai

  https://www.cedars-sinai.org/blog/early-diagnosis-of-autism-and-adhd.html

  Many children slip through the cracks, Ochoa cautioned. There arent enough specialists, and youth with less obvious symptomslike girls with inattentive ADHDusually fly under the radar. […] But kids with unaddressed autism or ADHD may develop anxiety and depression over time or act out with risky behaviors by their teen years. […] If children with these conditions receive an appropriate diagnosis, then school accommodations, social groups, and/or behavioral and speech therapies can allow them to catch up on communication and development. In time, they can flourish. […] Occupational therapy and ADHD medication address root causes in the brain and help children control their behavior. Kids can also learn to regulate attention, sensory processing and emotions.

• #78 ADHD assessments for children and teenagers

  https://www.clinical-partners.co.uk/child-adolescents/child-teen-adhd

  ADHD is a common neurodevelopmental condition that can affect people of all ages. […] An ADHD diagnosis can open a world of opportunities, providing children with essential tools to handle challenging behaviours and excel in difficult situations, thereby helping them reach their full potential. […] Diagnosis is vital in providing your child with the support they need to navigate obstacles and lead a more comfortable life. […] ADHD is diagnosed in children through a detailed assessment that gathers information from multiple sources, including symptom checklists, standardised behaviour rating scales. Information from these sources will determine whether a child has ADHD based on the number and severity of the symptoms presented, and the degree to which these symptoms impact day-to-day life.

• #79 ADHD in children and young people

  https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/adhd-children-teenagers/

  If support at home and at school is not helping your child, you may want to ask for an ADHD assessment. Speak to a GP or SENCO to request a referral for an ADHD assessment. […] The assessment will be with one or more ADHD specialists, such as a paediatrician, or a child and adolescent psychiatrist. […] If your child is diagnosed with ADHD, the specialist will discuss what this means and what happens next, including what treatment and support may be available. […] Waiting times vary and your child may have to wait several months or years for an ADHD assessment. […] ADHD medicines must be started and monitored by an ADHD specialist. […] Talking therapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) might be recommended to help a child or young person with ADHD with problem solving and expressing their feelings. […] If your child or teenager has ADHD, there are ways you can help them manage their symptoms with support from their school or a doctor.

• #80 ADHD in Children and Adolescents | AAFP

  https://www.aafp.org/family-physician/patient-care/clinical-recommendations/all-clinical-recommendations/ADHD.html

  A child being evaluated for ADHD should also be assessed for other conditions that might coexist with ADHD, including emotional, behavioral, developmental, and physical conditions. […] Children with ADHD should be managed following the principles of the chronic care model and the Medical Home. […] Preschool-aged children (4-5 years of age) should be treated with behavior therapy as the first line of treatment. Methylphenidate may be prescribed if the behavior interventions do not provide significant improvement and there is moderate-to-severe continuing disturbance in the child’s function. […] Elementary school-aged children (6-11 years of age) should be treated with FDA-approved medications for ADHD and/or behavioral therapy. […] Adolescents (12-18 years of age) should be treated with FDA-approved medications, with assent, for ADHD and may be treated with behavioral therapy. […] Medication doses should be titrated to achieve maximum benefit with minimum adverse effects. […] Co-morbid conditions should be diagnosed and managed appropriately.

• #81 ADHD in children and young people

  https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/adhd-children-teenagers/

  If support at home and at school is not helping your child, you may want to ask for an ADHD assessment. Speak to a GP or SENCO to request a referral for an ADHD assessment. […] The assessment will be with one or more ADHD specialists, such as a paediatrician, or a child and adolescent psychiatrist. […] If your child is diagnosed with ADHD, the specialist will discuss what this means and what happens next, including what treatment and support may be available. […] Waiting times vary and your child may have to wait several months or years for an ADHD assessment. […] ADHD medicines must be started and monitored by an ADHD specialist. […] Talking therapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) might be recommended to help a child or young person with ADHD with problem solving and expressing their feelings. […] If your child or teenager has ADHD, there are ways you can help them manage their symptoms with support from their school or a doctor.

• #82 Data and Statistics on ADHD | Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) | CDC

  https://www.cdc.gov/adhd/data/index.html

  Millions of U.S. children have been diagnosed with ADHD. An estimated 7 million (11.4%) U.S. children aged 3-17 years have ever been diagnosed with ADHD, according to a national survey of parents using data from 2022. […] In 2022, an additional 1 million U.S. children aged 3-17 years had ever received an ADHD diagnosis compared to 2016. […] National estimates among U.S. children aged 3-17 years who have ever been diagnosed with ADHD vary from 6% to 16% across states. […] Treatment for ADHD can include behavior therapy and medication. Recommendations for the use of ADHD medication and behavior therapy are age specific. For children younger than 6 years of age, behavior therapy is recommended as the first line of treatment. For children 6 years of age and older, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends behavior therapy and medication, preferably together.

• #83 Preschoolers and ADHD – CHADD

  https://chadd.org/for-parents/preschoolers-and-adhd/

  A diagnosis of ADHD is based on The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM 5). The manual lists three presentations of ADHD: Inattentive, Hyperactive-Impulsive and Combined and the symptoms for each. […] Research has yet to determine the exact causes of ADHD. However, scientists have discovered a strong genetic link since ADHD can run in families. […] Preschoolers with ADHD are more likely to have difficulties in daycare or school, including problems with peer relationships, learning, and a higher risk of injuries. An early diagnosis is important so that your child can get the needed help to minimize these problems. […] When it comes to treatment for preschool and kindergarten-aged children, the AAP calls for behavioral treatments first and medication only when needed. […] The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that 1 in 2 preschoolers do not receive recommended behavioral treatment.

• #84 ADHD Support For Your Child | Parents Advice Guide | YoungMinds

  https://www.youngminds.org.uk/parent/parents-a-z-mental-health-guide/adhd/

  The support they recommend for ADHD is outlined in their guidelines. Your child may be offered: […] Medication may sometimes be offered to support someone in managing challenges that are affecting their day-to-day life. Medication should only ever be prescribed and overseen by a specialist. […] ADHD is a special education need (SEN), and it may be referred to as a specific learning difference (SpLD). Your child is entitled to appropriate support to help them thrive socially and educationally. […] Your child may be entitled to an education, health and care plan (EHC plan) which details the support they need and how it will be provided. […] Good communication between you and school can be really helpful in ensuring your child thrives in education and meets their potential. […] If you feel your child may have a mental health problem or another condition alongside ADHD, discuss your concerns with their GP or ADHD specialist.

• #85 ADHD in children and young people

  https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/adhd-children-teenagers/

  If support at home and at school is not helping your child, you may want to ask for an ADHD assessment. Speak to a GP or SENCO to request a referral for an ADHD assessment. […] The assessment will be with one or more ADHD specialists, such as a paediatrician, or a child and adolescent psychiatrist. […] If your child is diagnosed with ADHD, the specialist will discuss what this means and what happens next, including what treatment and support may be available. […] Waiting times vary and your child may have to wait several months or years for an ADHD assessment. […] ADHD medicines must be started and monitored by an ADHD specialist. […] Talking therapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) might be recommended to help a child or young person with ADHD with problem solving and expressing their feelings. […] If your child or teenager has ADHD, there are ways you can help them manage their symptoms with support from their school or a doctor.

• #86 Identifying and Treating ADHD in Children | Children’s Hospital Colorado

  https://www.childrenscolorado.org/doctors-and-departments/departments/psych/mental-health-professional-resources/primary-care-articles/identifying-treating-adhd/

  Providers should conduct a clinical interview to determine if the onset of ADHD symptoms occurred prior to age 12, have persisted for at least six months, are present in two or more settings, cause clinically significant impairment and arent better explained by another mental health disorder. […] The American Association of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry has a very helpful medication guide for families. For more information, the American Academy of Pediatrics Clinical Practice Guidelines now provide in-depth treatment recommendations for different age groups with ADHD. […] For children under age 6, mental health experts recommend behavior therapy as a first-line treatment. […] For children ages 6 to 11 years, the gold standard treatment is a combination of medication and behavior therapy.

• #87 Think your child has ADHD? What your pediatrician can do – Harvard Health

  https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/think-your-child-has-adhd-what-your-pediatrician-can-do-201911152012

  ADHD, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, is the most common neurobehavioral disorder of childhood. It affects approximately 7% to 8% of all children and youth in the US. […] A diagnosis of ADHD is made only if a child has symptoms that are present in more than one setting: For most children, that would be both home and school. If symptoms are only present in one setting, it’s less likely to be ADHD and more likely to be related to that setting. […] There are ADHD rating scales that have been studied and shown to be reliable, such as the Vanderbilt and the Conners assessments. These scales can be very helpful, not just in making diagnoses, but also in following the progress of a child over time. […] If a diagnosis of ADHD is made, your pediatrician should discuss treatment options with you.

• #88 Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): Diagnosis & Treatment | NewYork-Presbyterian

  https://www.nyp.org/pediatrics/child-and-adolescent-psychiatry/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-adhd/treatment

  Yes, if you suspect your child might have ADHD, see your pediatrician or family doctor for an evaluation. The doctor may diagnose ADHD or refer your child to a mental health specialist for evaluation. […] Only trained healthcare providers can diagnose or treat ADHD. If you suspect your child might have ADHD, see your pediatrician or family doctor for an evaluation. […] The estimated number of children aged 317 years diagnosed with ADHD is 6 million or nearly 10%. […] Clinicians at NewYork-Presbyterian specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. We perform a comprehensive evaluation, including a thorough history and a clinical assessment of the children, and our multidisciplinary team of psychiatrists and psychologists design and customize the treatment plan for the children and teenagers experiencing ADHD symptoms.

• #89

  https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/adhd/Pages/Diagnosing-ADHD-in-Children-Guidelines-Information-for-Parents.aspx

  In a child 4 to 17 years of age, 6 or more symptoms must be identified. […] In a child 17 years and older, 5 or more symptoms must be identified. […] Symptoms significantly impair your child’s ability to function in some of the activities of daily life, such as schoolwork, relationships with you and siblings, relationships with friends, or the ability to function in groups such as sports teams. […] Symptoms start before the child reaches 12 years of age. However, these may not be recognized as ADHD symptoms until a child is older. […] Symptoms have continued for more than 6 months. […] In addition to looking at your child’s behavior, your pediatrician will do a physical and neurologic examination. […] Your pediatrician may refer your child to a pediatric subspecialist or mental health clinician if there are concerns in one of the following areas: Intellectual disability (formerly called mental retardation), Developmental disorder such as speech problems, motor problems, or a learning disability, Chronic illness being treated with a medication that may interfere with learning, Trouble seeing and/or hearing, History of abuse, Major anxiety or major depression, Severe aggression, Possible seizure disorder, Possible sleep disorder.

• #90 ADHD in children and youth: Part 1—Etiology, diagnosis, and comorbidity

  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6199644/

  Given the scope for differential diagnosis and frequent comorbidity in ADHD, physicians must perform a comprehensive but directed history and physical examination. […] Current clinical guidelines do not recommend psychological or neuropsychological testing in ADHD. Such testing should never be used alone to diagnose ADHD or without clinical evaluation by an experienced physician. […] Consider referring to a specialist and subspecialist for diagnosis of complex ADHD, when differential diagnosis and comorbidity are key findings.

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