Assessment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: a review of recentliterature

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is one of the most common behavior al disorders of childhood and is frequently assessed and treated by pediatr icians and other primary care physicians. The diagnosis of attention defici t hyperactivity disorder is based on the careful synthesis of clinical data derived from multiple sources, notably, the patient, parents, and teachers . Standard behavioral rating scales simplify and standardize collection of clinical data but by themselves are not sufficient for a diagnosis. Recogni tion and treatment of disorders comorbid with attention deficit hyperactivi ty disorder are necessary for optimal outcomes. Psychoeducational testing i s useful in the assessment of suspected associated learning disabilities, b ut there is no evidence at present to support use of psychologic testing, l aboratory measures of attention, electroencephalography, or neuroimaging st udies in the clinical assessment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorde r. Curr Opin Pediatr 2000, 12:319-324 (C) 2000 Lippincott Williams & Wilkin s, Inc.