Abstract

SKOUNTI, Maria; MPITZARAKI, Katerina; PHILALITHIS, Anastas  and  GALANAKIS, Emmanouil. Clinical evaluation of children testing positive in screening tests for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: A preliminary report. Eur. J. Psychiat. [online]. 2009, vol.23, n.2, pp.115-120. ISSN 0213-6163.

Background and Objectives: Screening tests are of great diagnostic value in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), however final diagnosis relies on a clinical examination by an expert. The objective of the present study was to clinically evaluate children who had been screened positive for ADHD through both a parent and a teacher questionnaire. Methods: Parent interview and child behavior checklist and clinical assessment were used to confirm the preliminary diagnosis in 42 children aged 8 years, who have been screened positive for ADHD out of 1,708 children, in a large, two-setting screening study conducted in Crete, Greece. Results: The diagnosis of ADHD was confirmed for 31 children (74%). In the remaining 11 children, ADHD manifestations were attributed to other primary disorders. None of the 42 children was classified as lacking symptoms suggesting ADHD. Among the 31 children with confirmed ADHD, only 2 had been diagnosed prior to the screening test. Conclusions: Although clinical evaluation is the golden standard for diagnosis of ADHD, two-setting screening questionnaires by parent and teacher are useful tools in identifying children who need further investigation and intervention.

Keywords : Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder; Diagnosis; Psychiatric assessment; Screening tests.

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