ADHD Diagnostics and Pharmacotherapy – A Clinical Approach

The article analyzes the process of diagnosing ADHD in adults, emphasizing the fundamental difference between self-recognition and a formal clinical diagnosis. The author points out that self-identification is merely an interpretative hypothesis, while a reliable diagnosis requires a detailed reconstruction of the patient's biography and an analysis of functioning patterns across different environments. In accordance with UK Adult ADHD Network standards and DSM-5-TR criteria, a diagnosis is not based on single tests or biomarkers, but on a structured clinical interview. It is crucial to confirm the presence of symptoms before the age of 12 and demonstrate significant impairment in life functions, which allows for the differentiation of ADHD from other mental disorders or transient organizational difficulties.