Final answer:
Four key themes re-examined for the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for ADHD were age of onset, symptom thresholds, comorbidity, and cross-situationality. These revisions aimed to modernize and improve the accuracy of diagnosing ADHD.
Step-by-step explanation:
When the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) was being developed, four key themes were re-examined for the diagnostic criteria of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). These themes included age of onset, symptom thresholds, the role of comorbidity, and cross-situationality.
- Age of onset: The age by which symptoms must appear was reconsidered, on the basis of research indicating that the original age of 7 might be too restrictive.
- Symptom thresholds: The necessary number of symptoms for a diagnosis, particularly as it pertains to different age groups, was scrutinized, as it was noted that symptoms might manifest differently across the lifespan.
- Comorbidity: There was a focus on how ADHD interacts with other conditions and whether the presence of comorbid conditions should influence ADHD diagnosis.
- Cross-situationality: The requirement that symptoms must be present in multiple settings was revisited, to determine if this was appropriate for accurate diagnoses.
These re-examinations were part of efforts to ensure that the diagnostic criteria for ADHD in DSM-5 are based on the most current and comprehensive understanding of the disorder.