Researchers Raise Concern About ADHD Overdiagnosis Under DSM-5

By Kelly Young

The broadened criteria for diagnosing attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) "is likely to increase what is already a significant concern about overdiagnosis," researchers write in BMJ.

Under DSM-5, released in May, the maximum age of symptom onset for ADHD is now 12 years instead of 7. DSM-5 also has lowered the symptom threshold for impairment, potentially leading to "unnecessary and possibly harmful medical treatment for some," the authors write.

For mild and moderate cases, the authors recommend conservative treatment, including watchful waiting for 10 weeks, referral to a parent training program (without a diagnosis), and referral to secondary care if there's no improvement in symptoms. They also recommend five steps of care before diagnosis, starting with gathering baseline data from both school and home.