Enhancing ADHD and LD Diagnostic Accuracy Using Career Instruments

Abstract

Individuals diagnosed with mental health disorders may have work-related difficulties that impact functioning in all life domains. With limited research on the integration of career and mental health counseling, authors used a discriminant function analysis to assess the predictability of accurately identifying diagnostic categories among 258 adolescents with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and learning disabilities (LDs) through the use of constructs derived from three career development inventories. Results showed that using an appropriate interpretive T-score from individuals with the same diagnosis enhanced the ability to discriminate between diagnoses of LD and ADHD in young adults. Implications for the practice of career counseling and development are provided.