DSM-5 Diagnoses

Question 1

What are the diagnostic criteria for Intellectual Disabilities?

Answer 1

A: Deficits in intellectual functioning
B: Deficits in adaptive functioning that result in failure to meet developmental and sociocultural standards for personal independence and social responsibility
C: Onset of intellectual and adaptive deficits occur during the developmental period (i.e. before age 18)

Question 2

What instruments are used to assess for intellectual disabilities?

Answer 2

Cognitive Abilities: Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scale
Wechsler Intelligence Scales
Test of Nonverbal Intelligence

Adaptive Behaviors:
Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales
Scale of Independent Behavior
AACAP practice parameters

Question 3

What are the diagnostic criteria for ADHD?

Answer 3

A:
1: Intattention: Six or more of the following symptoms have persisted for at least 6 months
A: Often fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes
B: Often has difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or play
C: Often doesn’t seem to listen when spoken to directly
D: Often does not follow through on instructions and fails to finish tasks
E: Often has difficulty organizing tasks and activities
F: Often avoids, dislikes or is reluctant to engage in tasks that require sustained mental effort
G: Often loses things required for tasks or activities
H: Is often easily distracted by extraneous stimuli
I: Is often forgetful in daily activities

2: Hyperactivity and impulsivity: Six or more of the following symptoms have persisted for at least 6 months:
A: Often fidgets with or taps hands or feet or squirms in seat
B: Often leaves seat in situations when remaining seated is expected
C: Often runs about or climbs in situations where it is inappropriate
D: Often unable to play or engage in leisure activities quietly
E: Is often “On the go”, acting as if “driven by a motor”
F: Often talks excessively
G: Often blurts out an answer before a question has been completed
H: Often has difficulty waiting his or her turn
I: Often interrupts or intrudes on others

B: Several inattentive or hyperactive-impulsive symptoms were present prior to age 12 years
C: Several inattentive or hyperactive-impulsive symptoms are present in 2 or more settings
D: There is clear evidence that the symptoms interfere with or reduce the quality of function
E: The symptoms do not occur exclusively during the course of schizophrenia or another psychotic disorder and aren’t better explained by another disorder (e.g. Mood disorder, anxiety disorder, dissociative disorder, personality disorder, substance intoxication or withdrawal)

Question 4

Which instruments are used to assess for ADHD?

Answer 4

Cognitive assessments:
Wechsler IQ test (WPPSI-R, WISC-III, WAIS-R)
WJ-R or WIAT (Wechsler individual achievement test)

Behavioral assessments:
Disruptive Behavior Disorders Rating Scale
Child Behavior Checklist
IMpairment Rating Scale
Conners Rating Scale-Revised

Continuous Performance Test

Question 5

What treatments are used for ADD/ADHD?

Answer 5

Medication and counseling

Education about ADHD
Attention management training
Behavioral management training
Social skills training
Stress management training
Anger management training
Problem-solving training