DSM criteria for ADHD (Specify: Combined Presentation, Predominantly Inattentive Presentation, or Predominantly Hyperactive/Impulsive Presentation), based on the following symptoms:
A. A persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that interferes with functioning or development, as characterized by (1) and/or (2).
- Inattention: six (or more) of the following symptoms have persisted for at least six months to a degree that is inconsistent with developmental level and that negatively impacts directly on social and academic/occupational activities:
Note: symptoms are not solely a manifestation of oppositional behavior, defiance, hostility, or failure to understand tasks or instructions. For older adolescents and adults (17+), at least five symptoms are required.
- Often fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork, at work, or during other activities (overlooks or misses details, work is inaccurate).
- Often has difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or play activities (has difficulty remaining focused during lectures, conversations, or lengthy, reading)
- Often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly (mind seems elsewhere, even in the absence of any obvious distraction).
- Often does not follow through on instructions and fails to finish schoolwork, chores, or duties in the workplace (starts tasks but quickly loses focus and he is easily sidetracked).
- Often has difficulty organizing tasks and activities (difficulty, managing, sequential tasks; difficulty keeping materials and belongings in order, messy, disorganized work; has part-time management; fails to meet deadlines).
- Often avoids, dislikes, or is reluctant to engage in tasks that require sustained mental effort (schoolwork or homework; for older adolescents and adult adults, preparing reports, completing forms, reviewing lengthy papers).
- Often loses things necessary for tasks or activities (school materials, pencils, books, tools, wallet, keys, paperwork, eyeglasses, mobile telephones).
- Is often easily distracted by extraneous stimuli (for older adolescents and adult adults, may include unrelated thoughts).
- Is often forgetful in daily activities (doing chores, running errands; for older adolescents and adult adults, returning calls, paying bills, keep appointments).
- Often fidgets with or taps hands or feet or squirms in seat.
- Often leaves seat in situations when remaining seated is expected (leaves place in the classroom, in the office or other workplace, or other situations that require remaining in place).
- Often runs about or climbs in situations where it's inappropriate (in adolescents or adults, may be limited to feeling restless).
- Often unable to play or engage in leisure activities quietly.
- Is often "on the go," acting as if "driven by motor" (is unable to be or uncomfortable being still for extended time, as in restaurants, meetings; may be experienced by others is being restless or difficult to keep up with).
- Often talks excessively.
- Often blurt out an answer before a question has been completed (completes people sentences; cannot wait for return in conversation).
- Often has difficulty waiting their turn.
- Often interrupts or intrudes on others (butts into conversations, games, or activities; may start using other people’s things without asking or receiving permission; for adolescence and adults, may intrude into or take over what others are doing).
2. Hyperactivity and Impulsivity: six (or more) of the following symptoms have persisted for at least six months to a degree that is inconsistent with developmental level and the negatively impacts directly on social and academic/occupational activities:
B: Several inattentive or hyperactive impulsive symptoms were present prior to age 12 years.
C. Several inattentive or hyperactive impulsive symptoms are present in two or more settings (at home, school, or work; with friends are relatives; in other activities).
D. There is clear evidence that the symptoms interfere with, or reduce the quality of, social, academic, or occupational functioning.
E. The symptoms do not occur exclusively during the course of schizophrenia or another psychotic disorder and are not better explained by another mental disorder (mood disorder, anxiety disorder, dissociative disorder, personality disorder, substance intoxication or withdrawal).
ICD or “F” Codes and Specifiers
F90.0 - Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, predominantly inattentive type
F90.1 - Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, predominantly hyperactive type
F90.2 - Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, combined type
F90.8 - Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, other type
F90.9 - Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, unspecified type