Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: the differential diagnosis.

Children and adolescents doing poorly in school or at home or both are often labelled as suffering from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Frequently the referred child is not examined systematically for the presence of other disorders. This paper presents the diagnostic criteria and management of disorders that may be wrongly identified as ADHD or may coexist with ADHD, thus complicating identification and treatment. The disorders discussed are depression, mania, primary disorder of vigilance, narcolepsy, developmental specific learning disorders, conduct disorders, and acquired neurologic deficits.