Childhood and adolescent attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder: Diagnosis, clinical practice guidelines, and social implications

Purpose To review the diagnostic criteria for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), present an overview of the effects that ADHD has on family dynamics, school performance, and substance abuse, and provide an overview of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) clinical practice and treatment guidelines. Data sources An extensive health science literature review was carried out using PubMed and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature. Other information was collected by searching reference lists of published reports. Conclusions The diagnostic criteria and guidelines are important to make an accurate clinical assessment and manage a child with ADHD. Early diagnosis and treatment of ADHD decreases academic failure, family conflict, social isolation, substance abuse, and occupational adversity in later years for these children. Implications for practice Often primary care nurse practitioners are the first healthcare provider a child with ADHD will see. Awareness of the diagnostic criteria and treatment for children with ADHD can assist with early identification and perhaps eliminate much impairment that accompanies this chronic disorder.