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Overdiagnosis of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in Children and Adolescents
170 Citations•2021•
Luise Kazda, Katy Bell, Rae Thomas
This systematic scoping review evaluates the multidecade pattern of diagnosis in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in young people using a framework for identifying overdiagnosis for noncancer conditions.
Abstract
This review found evidence of ADHD overdiagnosis and overtreatment in children and adolescents. Evidence gaps remain and future research is needed, in particular research on the long-term benefits and harms of diagnosing and treating ADHD in youths with milder symptoms; therefore, practitioners should be mindful of these knowledge gaps, especially when identifying these individuals and to ensure safe and equitable practice and policy.