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Abstract
This paper briefly discusses the history of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) before proceeding to review and critique the recently published DSM-IV criteria for ADHD as well as the draft ICD-10 criteria proposed for its counterpart, the hyperkinetic disorder. In addition to covering the similarities and differences between these two systems, this paper critically discusses continuing limitations in these approaches to clinical diagnosis. Despite these ongoing diagnostic limitations, substantial research in both Great Britain and North America exists to show that ADHD is a valid condition that is separable from yet often associated with conduct disorder and hostile-defiant behaviour. Further research will no doubt help to resolve the current problems with diagnostic criteria to yield even greater separation of the construct of ADHD from other childhood psychological disorders.