What Does a Good ADHD Evaluation Look Like?

"In recent years, there has been significant debate about whether ADHD is over- diagnosed. Studies indicate that over-diagnosis of ADHD occurs more often in children and adolescents, especially those with milder symptoms. And misdiagnosis or over-diagnosis leads to unnecessary treatments, specifically, the prescription of stimulant medication. Therefore, it is important not only to get accurate diagnoses, but it's equally important to identify other factors that might be affecting behavioral and emotional functioning."

"While there is disagreement over what a good evaluation involves, my twenty years of experience have taught me that the approach to diagnosis must be comprehensive and holistic. For me, this means that I conduct thorough clinical interviews with clients and their parents and collect a full developmental history. Only then do I administer tests that assess cognitive ability, executive functioning, and emotional and behavioral functioning."

There has been significant debate about ADHD over-diagnosis, with studies showing higher rates among children and adolescents, especially those with milder symptoms. Misdiagnosis or over-diagnosis can lead to unnecessary treatments, particularly stimulant medication. Accurate assessment requires identifying other factors that affect behavioral and emotional functioning. A comprehensive, holistic diagnostic approach includes thorough clinical interviews with clients and parents, a full developmental history, and performance-based tests of cognitive ability, attention, executive functioning, and psychological functioning. Diagnosis should consider whether ADHD explains difficulties or if alternative root causes are present. Therapies may include medication and management strategies.

Read at Psychology Today