The DSM V Criteria For AD/HD

All of the criteria from A to E must be met for AD/HD to be diagnosed.

1. (1) or (2) must be present.
   1. Inattention: At least 6 of the 9 symptoms must be present; they must last at least 6 months and have a negative impact on social functioning, academics, or occupation
      1. often fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork, work, or other activities
      2. often has difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or play activities
      3. often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly
      4. often does not follow through on instructions and fails to finish schoolwork, chores, or duties in the workplace (not due to oppositional behavior or failure to understand instructions)
      5. often has difficulties organizing tasks and activities
      6. often avoids, dislikes, or is reluctant to engage in tasks that require sustained mental effort (such as schoolwork or homework)
      7. often loses things necessary for tasks or activities (e.g., school assignments, pencils, books, or tools)
      8. often easily distracted by extraneous stimuli
      9. often forgetful in daily activities
   2. Hyperactivity-impulsivity: Six (or more) of the following symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity have persisted for at least six months to a degree that is maladaptive and inconsistent with developmental level:
      1. Hyperactivity
         1. often fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in seat
         2. often leaves seat in classroom or in other situations in which remaining seated is expected
         3. often runs about or climbs excessively in situations in which it is inappropriate (in adolescents or adults, may be limited to subjective feelings of restlessness)
         4. often has difficulty playing or engaging in leisure activities quietly
         5. is often “on the go” or often acts as if “driven by a motor”
         6. often talks excessively
      2. Impulsivity
         1. often blurts out answers to questions before the questions have been completed
         2. often has difficulty awaiting turn
         3. often interrupts or intrudes on others (e.g., butts into conversations or games)
2. Some hyperactive-impulsive or inattentive symptoms that caused impairment were present before 12 years of age.
3. Some impairment from the symptoms is present in two or more settings (e.g., at school, or work, and at home).
4. There must be clear evidence of clinically significant impairment in social, academic, or occupational functioning.
5. The symptoms do not occur exclusively during the course of schizophrenia or other psychotic disorder, and are not better accounted for by another mental disorder (e.g., mood disorder, anxiety disorder, dissociative disorder, or a personality disorder).

The types of AD/HD are:

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, combined type: if both criteria A1 and A2 are met for the past 6 months.

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, predominantly inattentive type: if criterion A1 is met but criterion A2 is not met for the past 6 months.

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, predominantly hyperactive-impulsive type: if criterion A2 is met but criterion A1 is not met for the past 6 months.

Coding note: For individuals (especially adolescents and adults) who currently have symptoms that no longer meet full criteria, “in partial remission” should be specified. Severity: mild, moderate, severe.

Other Specified AD/HD: Impairment in function is present, yet not all criteria for AD/HD were met. One must specify why the criteria weren’t fully met.

Unspecified AD/HD: Impairment in function is present, yet not all criteria for AD/HD were met. The clinician chooses not to specify why criteria weren’t used, for instance, when insufficient information is available.