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Attention Deficit Hyperactivity
Disorder (ADHD) Diagnosis
 An
attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
diagnosis may be apparent when you have at least some symptoms prior
to the age of seven years old, causing some level of impairment.
The impairment associated with an attention deficit hyperactivity
disorder (ADHD)
diagnosis is usually apparent in an individual's social, academic or
occupational functioning. It must be evident in more than one
setting in order to meet the diagnostic criteria. Attention
deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may be diagnosed in individuals
of any age, but it is usually easier to establish the childhood onset
criteria with younger individuals rather than for individuals at a
more advanced age. The three subtypes of attention deficit
hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are identified as follows: (1) a
predominantly hyperactive /impulsive type, (2) a predominantly
inattentive type, and (3) a combined type.
The following information is used to determine
if an individual would meet the criteria for an
attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
diagnosis.
Attention deficit
hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) diagnosis criteria:
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
-
Either (1) or
(2)
(1)
Six (or more) of
the following symptoms of "inattention" which have persisted for at
least six months to a degree that is maladaptive and inconsistent with
developmental level:
Inattention
(a)
Often fails to give close attention to details or makes
careless mistakes in school work, work, or other activities.
(b)
Often has difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or play
activities.
(c)
Often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly.
(d)
Often does not follow through on instructions and fails to
finish schoolwork, chores, or duties in the workplace.
(e)
Often has difficulty organizing tasks and activities.
(f)
Often avoids, dislikes, or is reluctant to engage in tasks that
require 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)
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:
Hyperactivity
(a)
Often fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in seat.
(b)
Often leaves seat in classroom or another situation in which
remaining seated is expected.
(c)
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).
(d)
Often has difficulty playing or engaging in leisure activities
quietly.
(e)
Is often "on the go" or often acts as if "driven by a motor".
(f)
Often talks excessively.
Impulsivity
(g)
Often blurts out answers before questions have been completed.
(h)
Often has difficulty awaiting turn.
(i)
Often interrupts or intrudes on others.
-
Some
hyperactive-impulsive or inattentive symptoms that caused impairment
were present before age 7 years.
-
Some impairment
from the symptoms is present in two or more settings (e.g. at
school, work or at home).
-
There must be
clear evidence of clinically significant impairment in social,
academic, or occupational functioning.
-
The symptoms do
not occur exclusively during the course of a Pervasive Developmental
Disorder, Schizophrenia, or other Psychotic Disorder and are not
better accounted for by another mental disorder (e.g. Mood Disorder,
Anxiety Disorder, Dissociative Disorder, or Personality Disorder).
Please see additional information related to Attention Deficit
Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) on page #2.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
(ADHD) Diagnosis: Page #2
Some information from
DSM-IV-TR Mental Disorders Diagnosis, Etiology & Treatment
Additional Information and webpage by
Paul Susic
MA
Licensed Psychologist Ph.D. Candidate
(Health and Geriatric Psychologist)
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