A controversy existed regarding the diagnosis and treatment of children with ADHD

Full Answer Section

    The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) is the standard reference used by mental health professionals to diagnose mental disorders. The DSM-IV-TR, the fourth edition of the DSM, was published in 2000. The DSM-5, the fifth edition of the DSM, was published in 2013. There were a number of changes made to the diagnostic criteria for ADHD in the DSM-5. Some of the key changes include:

• The age of onset criterion was changed from "before age 7" to "before age 12." This change was made to reflect the fact that some children do not develop symptoms of ADHD until they are older.
• The number of required symptoms was reduced from six to five for both inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity. This change was made to make the diagnosis easier to apply to adults.
• The subtypes of ADHD (predominantly inattentive, predominantly hyperactive/impulsive, and combined type) were replaced with presentation specifiers (mild, moderate, severe). This change was made to reflect the fact that ADHD symptoms can vary in severity over time.
• The requirement for impairment in two or more settings was retained, but the definition of "setting" was expanded to include home, school, work, and other important areas of functioning.

The changes made to the diagnostic criteria in the DSM-5 were intended to make the diagnosis of ADHD more accurate and less controversial. However, it is still too early to say whether these changes have led to a decrease in discrepancy regarding proper diagnosis. There are a number of factors that could contribute to discrepancy in the diagnosis of ADHD, including:

• The subjective nature of the diagnostic criteria. The symptoms of ADHD are not always clear-cut, and different clinicians may interpret them differently.
• The lack of a definitive test for ADHD. There is no single test that can definitively diagnose ADHD. Doctors must rely on a combination of history, observation, and testing to make a diagnosis.
• The influence of personal biases. Clinicians' personal biases, such as their own experiences with ADHD, can influence their diagnosis of ADHD in children.

The changes made to the diagnostic criteria in the DSM-5 may help to reduce some of the discrepancy in the diagnosis of ADHD. However, it is important to remember that there is no perfect diagnostic system, and there will always be some degree of uncertainty in the diagnosis of ADHD. It is also important to note that the changes made to the diagnostic criteria in the DSM-5 may have led to an increase in the number of children diagnosed with ADHD. This is because the new criteria are less stringent, and they make it easier to diagnose ADHD in children who have mild symptoms. The increase in the number of children diagnosed with ADHD has led to concerns about overdiagnosis. However, it is important to remember that ADHD is a real disorder that can cause significant problems for children. If a child is struggling in school, at home, or with their peers, it is important to get them evaluated for ADHD. With the right diagnosis and treatment, children with ADHD can thrive.

Sample Answer

 

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common childhood mental disorder that is characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. It can cause significant problems in a child's academic, social, and behavioral functioning.

The diagnosis and treatment of ADHD has been controversial for many years. Some people believe that ADHD is overdiagnosed, while others believe that it is underdiagnosed. There is also controversy about the best way to treat ADHD.