Diagnostic Criteria for

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity

Disorder*

A. Either (1--Inattention) or (2--Hyperactivity)...or both (1) and (2):

(1) Six (or more) of the following nine symptoms of inattention have persisted for at least 6 months to a degree that is maladaptive and inconsistent with developmental level:

Inattention

(a) Inattention to details or make careless mistakes

(b) Difficulty sustaining attention

(c) Tend not to listen when spoken to

(d) Fail to follow through on instructions; fail to complete tasks

(e) Difficulty organizing tasks and activities

(f) Avoid, dislike, or are reluctant to engage in tasks that require sustained mental effort

(g) Lose things

(h) Easily distracted

(i) Forgetful

(2) Six (or more) of the following symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity have persisted for at least 6 months to a degree that is maladaptive and inconsistent with developmental level:

Hyperactivity

 (a) Fidget with hands or feet, or squirm in seat

 (b) Leave seat in situations in which remaining seated is appropriate

(c) Run about or climb excessively in situations in which it is inappropriate (in adolescents or adults, may be limited to subjective feelings of restlessness)

(d) Difficulty engaging in leisure activities quietly

(e) Often "on the go" or often act as if "driven by a motor"

(f) Talk excessively

Impulsivity:

(g) Blurt out responses before questions have been completed

(h) Impatient

(i) Interrupt or intrude on others (e.g., butt into conversations)

B. If criteria for both of the prior categories are met, diagnosis may be ADHD Combined Type

C. Some hyperactive-impulsive or inattentive symptoms that caused impairment were present before age seven.

D. Also, some impairment from the symptoms is present in two or more settings.

E. There must be clear evidence of clinically significant impairment in functioning

 * Adapted from: American Psychiatric Association: DSM-IV-TR