Identifying ADHD in adults using the international personality disorder examination screening questionnaire

Abstract

Background: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is frequently diagnosed concurrently with a personality disorder (PD) in adulthood. Both are trait-like chronic disorders with substantial similarities.

Aim: To measure the accuracy of the International Personality Disorder Examination screening questionnaire (IPDE-SQ) in identifying ADHD in adults from a psychiatric population.

Method: Participants (n = 119) from mental health services completed an ADHD interview and the IPDE-SQ.

Main results: Although many IPDE-SQ subscales demonstrated good sensitivity in identifying ADHD, a potential 11-item scale from IPDE-SQ components had excellent sensitivity (84%) and specificity (82%).

Conclusions: An 11-item subscale from the IPDE-SQ shows potential as a screening instrument for ADHD in an adult psychiatric population.

• Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
• personality disorder examination
• screening instrument

Declaration of interest

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of this article.