[sideblinded]

This is an excerpt from a Barkley and Brown paper on evolving research in the recognition and diagnosing of adult ADHD. It is very interesting.

Two criteria-normed symptom rating scales for adults (Conners’ Adult ADHD Rating Scale [CAARS], Brown Attention-Deficit Disorder Scale [BADDS]) that elicit self-report and collateral report data on a range of ADHD-related symptoms more inclusive than the DSM-IV-TR diagnostic criteria have been published. Kooij and colleagues34 recently compared these scales with one another and with the ADHD-RS in conjunction with a structured diagnostic interview. In a sample of 120 adults with ADHD, diagnosis the CAARS had a missed rate of 39%, while the ADHD-RS (9% to 20% missed diagnosis depending on cutoff), and BAADS (16% missed diagnosis) performed better in predicting clinical diagnosis. They also found that adults with ADHD seem to be the best informants regarding their symptoms, though patients did under report inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity on the ADHD-RS.34
Barkley and colleagues1 have proposed a revised list of ADHD symptoms in adults for possible inclusion in the upcoming DSM-V. A chart review of >200 adults with a DSM-IV-TR diagnosis of ADHD yielded 91 common complaints and adaptive behavioral difficulties, including 9 items related to cognitive and behavioral inhibition (Table).1 The presence of 6 of these 9 items accurately classified 92% of adults with DSM-IV-TR–diagnosed ADHD while excluding 99% of healthy controls.1 The items on the new list emphasize distractibility, impulsiveness, poor concentration, inability to persist at tasks, and difficulties with working memory, organization, and planning.

[bluekoi]

SideBlinded, Thanks for sharing!