Hi mfalco,
Of course I entirely agree; only a fool would argue otherwise.
There is no medical test for it, so it is very easy to misdiagnose it.
True, there is no test proper for ADHD, but then this can be said about many, many diseases and disorders. In the early days of medicine, there weren't formal laboratory tests of any sort.
Even with the impressive armamentarium of "tests" we have today, it is not uncommon for diagnosis to be based almost entirely on generally agreed upon constellations of observed signs and symptoms. This is especially true of behavioral and psychiatric conditions. And, if the clinician is properly trained and closely adheres to formal diagnostic criteria, misdiagnoses shouldn't be common.
Systems for diagnosing ADHD have been promulgated by the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, the National Institutes of Health and the American Psychiatric Association. All refer to the criteria in the DSM-IV-TR.
These criteria are:
"DSM-IV Criteria for ADHD
I. Either A or B:
A. Six or more of the following symptoms of inattention have been present for at least 6 months to a point that is disruptive and inappropriate for developmental level:
Inattention
Often does not give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork, work, or other activities.
Often has trouble keeping attention on tasks or play activities.
Often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly.
Often does not follow instructions and fails to finish schoolwork, chores, or duties in the workplace (not due to oppositional behavior or failure to understand instructions).
Often has trouble organizing activities.
Often avoids, dislikes, or doesn't want to do things that take a lot of mental effort for a long period of time (such as schoolwork or homework).
Often loses things needed for tasks and activities (e.g. toys, school assignments, pencils, books, or tools).
Is often easily distracted.
Is often forgetful in daily activities.
B. Six or more of the following symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity have been present for at least 6 months to an extent that is disruptive and inappropriate for developmental level:
Hyperactivity
Often fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in seat.
Often gets up from seat when remaining in seat is expected.
Often runs about or climbs when and where it is not appropriate (adolescents or adults may feel very restless).
Often has trouble playing or enjoying leisure activities quietly.
Is often "on the go" or often acts as if "driven by a motor".
Often talks excessively.
Impulsivity
Often blurts out answers before questions have been finished.
Often has trouble waiting one's turn.
Often interrupts or intrudes on others (e.g., butts into conversations or games).
Some symptoms that cause impairment were present before age 7 years.
Some impairment from the symptoms is present in two or more settings (e.g. at school/work and at home).
There must be clear evidence of significant impairment in social, school, or work functioning.
The symptoms do not happen only during the course of a Pervasive Developmental Disorder, Schizophrenia, or other Psychotic Disorder. The symptoms are not better accounted for by another mental disorder (e.g. Mood Disorder, Anxiety Disorder, Dissociative Disorder, or a Personality Disorder)."
American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. DSM-IV-TR. In: Disorders Usually First Diagnosed in Infancy, Childhood, or Adolescence: Diagnostic Criteria for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Association; 1994:92-93.
Regards,
DocVikingo
