According to Barkley et. al. as well as Wicks-Nelson and Israel, ADHD occurs in 3-7% of the childhood population. While, that is not an extensive percentage, it is still staggering when remembering how young these diagnosed children are. When considering ADHD as a whole as well as the subtypes, it is important to recognize how to distinguish each subtype. ADHD is considered predominately hyperactive-impulse, ADHD-I is predominantly inattentive type and ADHD-C is combined hyperactive, inattention and impulsivity. In the case of children, it is especially difficult to diagnose ADHD as well as the subtypes of ADHD. This is due to the fact that most of the criteria can be identified in children at some point developmentally. However, in order …show more content…
al.’s discussion concerning Nigg et. al.’s study found that there was a deficit in the children with ADHD-C with behavior inhibition while controlling for ODD/CD symptoms – while there was no deficit for the inattentive group. This brings the idea that there are more than just superficial symptoms that are different. If this is the case, and the debate continues, there will be distinct changes made to the DSM-6 on ADHD criteria as well as another diagnosis created. While, the symptoms are varying across ADHD, this also can be considered helpful to place a child into an ADHD subtype. Another point to be made, is that the criteria are all symptoms of a deficit in a child’s attention. This is shown in every single symptom of ADHD and the subtypes. These symptoms may all eventually lead to a deficit in attention.
If this secondary diagnosis is made, there will be a lot of positive as well as negative consequences on the mental health professional’s behalf in addition to parents and schools. While the Department of Education does not have to change their language to that of the DSM, it is crucial that some modification is made. If there is no change in their information, there will be extreme misunderstandings when communicating with the parents and referring them to