ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the psychological mechanisms empirically associated with functional somatic syndromes and somatization and applies them to attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It outlines a model for the development and reinforcement of an illness identity based on health psychology and social psychology research findings. The chapter then presents the individual difference and developmental factors that may be involved in differential vulnerability to development of an ADHD illness identity. Finally, it discusses the implications of the illness identity model for neuropsychological evaluation of adults who refer themselves for ADHD evaluation. In order to explore the various origins and contributions of a particular patient's noncredible presentation, a comprehensive, developmentally focused biopsychosocial assessment must be conducted. With regard to treatment issues, a difficult aspect of clinical care in such cases is provision of feedback about the factors that are potentially contributing to a patient's noncredible illness presentation in a way that is accurate, ethical, and therapeutic.
