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3/2025 vol. 41
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REVIEW PAPER
Psychological diagnosis of ADHD symptoms in adults: a review of selected diagnostic tools
Monika E. Talarowska 1
 
 
 
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1
Institute of Psychology, Faculty of Educational Sciences, University of Lodz, Poland
 
 
Submission date: 2024-07-26
 
 
Final revision date: 2024-10-08
 
 
Acceptance date: 2024-11-20
 
 
Publication date: 2025-09-30
 
 
Corresponding author
Monika E. Talarowska
Monika E. Talarowska Institute of Psychology Faculty of Educational Sciences University of Lodz Lodz, Poland
 
 
Medical Studies 2025;41(3):189-200
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5114/ms.2025.155346
 
 
Article (PDF)
References (69)
 
KEYWORDS
adults
attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
differential diagnosis
diagnostic interview
self-report scales
 
TOPICS
ABSTRACT
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that has its onset in childhood and whose symptoms can persist into adulthood. On the one hand, ADHD symptoms in adults often go untreated, while on the other hand, there is a risk of overdiagnosis of the disorder. One of the reasons for this phenomenon is the lack of accurate and reliable diagnostic tools. The purpose of this article is to provide an introduction to the available scales, interviews, and psychological diagnostic tools that can be used to diagnose ADHD in adults. An accurate psychological diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is not an easy task. It requires not only specialized knowledge based on the latest classifications of disorders, but also the expertise and ability to appropriately apply a range of diagnostic tools that allow a holistic assessment of the subject’s functioning. A holistic psychological diagnosis that includes the areas of patient mental functioning covered in this paper seems to be a necessity.
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