Evaluating the Accuracy of Childhood Mental Health Diagnosis in a Clinical Setting

Abstract

The objective of this study is to evaluate the symptoms and diagnoses of boys under the age of 17 with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in comparison with girls of the same age group who exhibit similar symptoms but are diagnosed differently. Much of the research that has been done shows significant gaps between male/female ratios of those diagnosed with ADHD. It is uncertain whether males are diagnosed more frequently with ADHD because of biological factors or social norms. Many researchers suggest that females are under diagnosed and exhibit internalizing symptoms of ADHD, and thus are diagnosed differently. The study is an archival study from 2009 and would be based on observations in a clinical setting. The researcher will compare the symptoms and primary diagnosis of boys diagnosed with ADHD and girls who exhibit ADHD symptoms but have been given an alternate primary diagnosis.