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. Method: 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. Conclusion: 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. (J. of Att. Dis. 2008; 11(6), 677-688)