Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder:: review of ADHD in learning disability:: the Diagnostic Criteria for Psychiatric Disorders for Use with Adults with Learning Disabilities/Mental Retardation [DC-LD] criteria for diagnosis

Background Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder [ADHD)] is believed to be common among people with learning disabilities. Classification systems in current use have presented diagnostic difficulties in this area, when used for people with learning disability ( particularly adults). Methods A literature search using electronic databases was undertaken, and journals were hand-searched for articles relevant to the diagnosis of mental disorders in adults with intellectual disabilities. Results There is preliminary evidence that ADHD is more common in this population than among the non-learning-disabled population, and indeed that rates of hyperactivity increase with increasing severity of learning disability. There are also associations between ADHD and certain causal syndromes of learning disability. Conclusion While available evidence suggests that ADHD may be common among children and adults with learning disabilities, research has been hindered by deficits in currently used diagnostic classification systems. With the recent development of criteria for the diagnosis of ADHD in learning-disabled adults, and the publication of these in Diagnostic Criteria for Learning Disabilities/ Mental Retardation [DC-LD] there is scope for an increase in the level of interest in the study of ADHD among adults with learning disabilities.