Evidence-Based Assessment of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: Using Multiple Sources of Information

• Published in: Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Vol. 45; no. 5; pp. 614 - 620
• Main Authors: Frazier, Thomas W, Youngstrom, Eric A
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Lippincott Williams & Wilkins 01.05.2006
• Subjects: Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity - diagnosis; Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity - genetics; Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity - psychology; Attention Deficit Disorders; Case Studies; Child; Clinical Diagnosis; Cognitive Processes; Diagnosis, Differential; Effect Size; Evaluation Methods; Evidence-Based Medicine; Female; Genetic Predisposition to Disease - genetics; Humans; Hyperactivity; Likelihood Functions; Observer Variation; Personality Assessment - statistics & numerical data; Profiles; Psychometrics - statistics & numerical data; Referral and Consultation; Scores; Test Validity
• ISSN: 0890-8567
• DOI: 10.1097/01.chi.0000196597.09103.25

In this article, the authors illustrate a step-by-step process of acquiring and integrating information according to the recommendations of evidence-based practices. A case example models the process, leading to specific recommendations regarding instruments and strategies for evidence-based assessment (EBA) of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, combined type (ADHD-C). The diagnostic process presented here is consistent with EBA as defined in the text for this series by Guyatt and Rennie (2002). In addition, information on score conversion to useful diagnostic information regarding individual cases using normative data and effect sizes is provided. Because ADHD, predominantly inattentive type is thought by some experts to be a very different disorder, with a distinct cognitive profile, this article is focused on ADHD-C. The authors suggest that the diagnostic process presented here could well serve clinicians as a guide. They may even skip or add steps as needed, acquiring only the information that may be relevant to a particular case. (Contains 1 table and 2 figures.)