ABSTRACT
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is probably not a single discrete syndrome and is best not viewed as a categorical diagnosis. There could be a number of forms and spectra of ADHD, with much overlap and comorbidity with other conditions. To diagnose ADHD, the symptoms must not be better accounted for by another mental disorder, including schizophrenia. One change in the DSM-V, compared to the earlier version, is that ADHD may be diagnosed alongside autistic spectrum disorders. Chronic conflictual difficulties in relationships, characteristic of those associated with borderline personality disorder, are a frequent feature of the problems presented by adults with ADHD. Psychotherapist Gabor Mate describes a patient, Trevor, who had many brief sexual liaisons, never maintaining these for any length of time. Adults with ADHD might report that they were recipients of anger, criticism, or even violence as a child. The naive observer might conclude that ADHD results from dysfunctional families.
