ADHD: According to the DSM 5
Predominately inattentive presentation:
6 out of 9 of the following symptoms
Often fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork, at work, or during other activities
Often has difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or play activities
Often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly
Often does not follow through on instructions and fails to finish schoolwork, chores, or duties in the workplace
Often has difficulty organizing tasks and activities
Difficulty managing sequential tasks; difficulty keeping materials and belongings in order; messy, disorganized work; has poor time management; fails to meet deadlines.
Often avoids, dislikes, or is reluctant to engage in tasks that require sustained mental effort
Often avoids, dislikes, or is reluctant to engage in tasks that require sustained mental effort
Is often easily distracted by extraneous stimuli
Is often forgetful in daily activities
Predominately hyperactive presentation:
6 out of 9 of the following symptoms
Often fidgets with or taps hands or feet or squirms in seat.
Often leaves seat in situations when remaining seated is expected.
Often runs about or climbs in situations where it is inappropriate.
Often unable to play or take part in leisure activities quietly.
Is often “on the go” acting as if “driven by a motor”
Is unable to be or uncomfortable being still for extended time, as in restaurants, meetings.
May be experienced by others as being restless or difficult to keep up with).
Often talks excessively.
Often blurts out an answer before a question has been completed.
Completes people’s sentences; cannot wait for turn in conversation.
Often has trouble waiting his/her turn.
Often interrupts or intrudes on others
Butts into conversations, games, or activities.
May start using other people’s things without asking or receiving permission.
Combined presentation:
Meets criteria for both types.
Criteria:
Several inattentive or hyperactive-impulsive symptoms were present before age 12 years.
Several inattentive or hyperactive-impulsive symptoms are present in two or more settings.
At home, school or work; with friends or relatives; in other activities.
There is clear evidence that the symptoms interfere with, or reduce the quality of, social, school, or work functioning.
Severity:
Mild: Few, if any, symptoms in excess of those required to make the diagnosis are present, and symptoms result in no more than minor impairments in social or occupational functioning.
Moderate: Symptoms or functional impairment between “mild” and “severe” are present.
Severe: Many symptoms in excess of those required to make the diagnosis, or several symptoms that are particularly severe, are present, or the symptoms result in marked impairment in social or occupational functioning.