Diagnostic Criteria for Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder  

A. Either 1 or 2:

1. Should have 6 or more of the following symptoms of inattention, persisting for at least 6 months to a degree that is maladaptive and inconsistent with developmental level.

a. Often fails to give close attention to detail, makes careless mistakes.
b. Often has difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or play.
c. Often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly.
d. Often does not follow through and fails to finish tasks.
e. Has difficulty organizing tasks and activities.
f. Avoids or dislikes tasks requiring sustained mental effort.
g. Often loses things necessary for tasks or activities.
h. Is often easily distracted by extraneous stimuli.
i. Is often forgetful in daily activities.

2. Should have 6 or more of the following symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity persisting for at least 6 months to a degree that is maladaptive and inconsistent with developmental level.

a. Often fidgets or squirms when sitting.
b. Has difficulty remaining seated when required to do so.
c. Often runs about or climbs excessively in inappropriate situations.
d. Has difficulty playing quietly
e. Is often "on the go," acts as if "driven by a motor"
f. Often talks excessively
g. Often blurts out answers to questions before they have been completed.
h. Has difficulty awaiting turn.
i. Often interrupts or intrudes on others
B. Onset of some symptoms before the age of seven.
C. Symptoms occur in two or more settings (for example home and school).
D. Clear evidence of significant impairment in social or academic functioning.
E. Not caused by a pervasive development disorder or any other psychologic disorder, including anxiety or depression.

In addition, there are three subtypes:

  1. Predominantly inattentive type (A1 is met but not A2 for the past six months)
  2. Predominantly hyperactive-impulsive type (A2 is met but not A1 for the past six months)
  3. Combined type (both A1 and A2 are met for past 6 months).

Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders: 4th Rev., Washington, DC., American Psychiatric Association.

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