I was disappointed to have been selectively quoted on the issue of over and under diagnosis of ADHD.

What I said was that I am less convinced by the research that detects previously undiagnosed adults with ADHD de novo, as opposed to those known to have ADHD in childhood.

Because the diagnosis of ADHD relies on clinical judgement without an objective test that can confirm it (in contrast to, say pneumonia confirmed on chest x-ray), there is a risk of both over-diagnosis and under-diagnosis of the condition, depending on the clinician's beliefs about ADHD.

Historically, ADHD in children has been divisive of opinion, with strong views supporting and denying its existence. I expect the same will unfold in the world of Adult ADHD.

Also, I am a Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist, rather than a Child & Adult Psychiatrist

Competing interests: None declared