DSM-5 further inflates attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

J Nerv Ment Dis. 2012 Jun;200(6):486-8. doi: 10.1097/NMD.0b013e318257c4b6.

Abstract

Since the publication of DSM-IV in 1994, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) prevalence and medication use unexpectedly increased significantly. In this article, we explore the DSM-5 proposals for ADHD that are likely to further increase its prevalence. We also address the possible harmful consequences of further expansion of this already broad, defined, and inflated DSM category.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Age Factors
  • Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / classification*
  • Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / diagnosis*
  • Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / drug therapy
  • Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / epidemiology
  • Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / psychology
  • Central Nervous System Stimulants / therapeutic use
  • Child
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders*
  • Drug Industry
  • Drug Utilization / statistics & numerical data
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Social Marketing
  • United States

Substances

  • Central Nervous System Stimulants