Comparison of a norm-based versus criterion-based approach to measuring ADHD symptomatology in college students.
OBJECTIVE
The prevalence of ADHD symptomatology in college students is unclear because rates can vary depending on the methodology that is employed. Gender differences in college prevalence have also remained unexplored.


METHODS
Self-reported ADHD symptomatology was assessed in 1,096 college students using the College ADHD Response Evaluation, a measure that has been normed on college students and that also contains the 18 criteria currently used for diagnosis.


RESULTS
Almost 20% met the threshold for a modified diagnosis if the 97th percentile was used, whereas 7.48% reported the number of symptoms required for current diagnostic criteria. Few women reported extreme levels of impulsivity, whereas both men and women reported excessive inattention. However, men exceeded women in number and severity of inattentive symptoms.


CONCLUSIONS
These findings suggest that rates of ADHD symptomatology are higher when college students are compared to their peers, which has implications for using current diagnostic criteria with this population.
McKee
Tara E
TE
Hamilton College, Department of Psychology, Clinton, NY 13323, USA. tmckee@hamilton.edu
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D039721:Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D015995:Prevalence; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013334:Students / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D014495:Universities / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*