ADHD diagnosis criteria

Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders on ADHD

DSM V – ADHD Diagnostic Criteria

• ADHD, Combined Type: if both criteria 1A and 1B are met for the past 6 months
• ADHD Predominantly Inattentive Type: if criterion 1A is met but criterion 1B is not met for the past six months
• ADHD, Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Type: if Criterion 1B is met but Criterion 1A is not met for the past six months

DSM-IV criteria

I. Either A or B:

Inattentive

• Often does not give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork, work, or other activities.
• Often has trouble keeping attention on tasks or play activities.
• Often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly.
• Often does not follow instructions and fails to finish schoolwork, chores, or duties in the workplace (not due to oppositional behavior or failure to understand instructions).
• Often has trouble organizing activities.
• Often avoids, dislikes, or doesn’t want to do things that take a lot of mental effort for a long period of time (such as schoolwork or homework).
• Often loses things needed for tasks and activities (e.g. toys, school assignments, pencils, books, or tools).
• Is often easily distracted.
• Often forgetful in daily activities.

Hyperactivity:

• Often fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in seat
• Often gets up from seat when remaining in seat is expectedv
• Often runs about or climbs when and where it is not appropriate (adolescents or adults may feel very restless)
• Often has trouble playing or enjoying leisure activities quietly
• Is often “on the go” or often acts as if “driven by a motor”
• Often talks excessively

Impulsiveness

• Often blurts out answers before questions have been finished
• Often has trouble waiting one’s turn
• Often interrupts or intrudes on others (e.g., butts into conversations or games).