Adult ADHD Assessment: An Integrated Clinical-Forensic Perspective

• Published in: Professional psychology, research and practice research and practice, 2017-12, Vol.48 (6), p.438-444
• Main Authors: Lovett, Benjamin J., Davis, Karen M.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Accuracy; Adults; Age of onset; Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity; Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder; Clinical assessment; Disability; Drugs; Forensic Assessment; Forensic Evaluation; Human; Medical diagnosis; Psychodiagnosis; Psychological Assessment; Stimulants
• ISSN: 0735-7028; 1939-1323
• DOI: 10.1037/pro0000159

Initial diagnoses of ADHD in adulthood have increased tremendously in recent years. Making such diagnoses accurately is challenging because ADHD is a childhood-onset disorder and because many adults have an incentive for obtaining a diagnosis (e.g., access to stimulant medication or disability accommodations). Certain elements of a forensic perspective can lead to more accurate ADHD diagnoses in adults and targeted treatment for clients who genuinely need it, and more appropriate alternative clinical responses to those who do not. This article describes the research base for integrating forensic principles into clinical assessments of adults presenting with ADHD-related concerns, and provides a scientific model for such assessments, from referral through conclusions. Public Significance Statement This article presents a practical model for increasing the accuracy of ADHD diagnoses in adults. Making more accurate diagnoses not only increases the efficient use of treatment resources, but also reduces unnecessary problems such as medication side effects and stigma from a diagnostic label.