Accuracy of Adult Recall of Childhood ADHD Symptoms

A study by Mannuzza et al. (2002) found that adults with ADHD have difficulty accurately recalling their ADHD symptoms. Adults with ADHD (N=176) who had all received a previous diagnosis of ADHD in childhood were then interviewed by clinicians who were not aware of the subjects’ ADHD diagnosis. When the adults with ADHD were interviewed regarding their childhood symptoms, the clinicians were able to accurately diagnose ADHD in only 27% of the subjects. It was concluded that clinicians need to use additional information to evaluate childhood ADHD symptoms than primarily self-report.

Article:

Mannuzza, S. et al. (2002). Accuracy of Adult Recall of Childhood Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. American Journal of Psychiatry, 159:1882-1888.

Article abstract:
http://ajp.psychiatryonline.org/cgi/content/abstract/159/11/1882

By Stephanie Sarkis|2016-10-05T06:46:14-04:00April 1st, 2008|Categories: ADHD, Research|Tags: ADD, ADHD, adult, child, recall, remember, symptoms|Comments Off

About the Author: Stephanie Sarkis

Dr. Stephanie Sarkis is a National Certified Counselor (NCC), Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), and AMHCA Diplomate and Clinical Specialist in Child and Adolescent Counseling based in Tampa Bay, Florida, where she specializes in the treatment of ADD/ADHD. Dr. Sarkis conducts evaluations, testing, diagnosis, and counseling services. She also is a public speaker, consultant, coach, and is a facilitator in collaborative law.