Evolution of the Diagnosis

Below are the updates to the diagnosis as outlined in the DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual) during its revisions. These updates reflect clinical descriptors, where ADHD continues to be classified as a disorder. However, it’s important to recognize that terminology matters, as the way we label and frame diagnoses can shape how they are understood and accepted. For example, while some may refer to ADHD as an "impairment," others may view it as a "difference," "variation," or "condition." These alternate perspectives represent different ways of understanding the same diagnosis and highlight the importance of language in shaping perceptions. For more information on these alternate viewpoints and the importance of terminology, please refer to the “Neurodivergent Labels” page.

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​Source: ​https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3955126/  

 

​Here’s a breakdown of the key updates to how ADHD is diagnosed in the DSM-5, explained in simpler terms.

 

Overall Changes:

• ADHD categories are now called "presentations" instead of "types" to reflect that symptoms can change over time.

• New descriptors were added to indicate the severity of ADHD: mild, moderate, or severe.

• ADHD can now be labeled as "in partial remission" if symptoms have improved but still exist.

 

Changes to Symptom Rules:

• Core ADHD symptoms stayed the same, but more examples were added to show how symptoms appear in teens and adults.

• Teens and adults now need only five symptoms (instead of six) to qualify for a diagnosis.

 

Age Requirement Changes:

• Symptoms no longer need to appear before age 7; the new cutoff is before age 12.

 

How ADHD is Evaluated:

• Symptoms need to occur in at least two settings, such as home and school.

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  A diagnosis no longer requires significant impairment; it only has to reduce the quality of functioning.

• ADHD can now be diagnosed even if someone has Autism Spectrum Disorder.

 

Severity Levels and Partial Remission Added:

• Doctors can now describe ADHD as mild, moderate, or severe.

• If someone doesn’t fully meet the criteria but still has symptoms, it can be noted as "in partial remission."
   

These changes make the ADHD diagnosis more flexible, especially for older teens and adults, while still keeping the main symptoms and criteria consistent. It also makes it easier to account for how ADHD symptoms look in different stages of life.

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