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Page 1 of 3 Suggested Diagnostic Criteria For Attention Deficit Disorder In Children
The two most common documents used for the diagnosis of ADD/ADHD are the DSM IV and ICD 10. The DSM IV is used mostly in the United States though it has been used elsewhere, including the U.K., whereas the ICD 10 is more commonly used in Europe. We have included the descriptions of both, as below.
Note: Consider a criterion met only if the behaviour is considerably more frequent than that of most people of the same mental age.
DSM IV (Diagnostic & Statistical Manual) ATTENTION DEFICIT HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER Diagnostic Criteria:
A. Either (1) OR (2)
(1). Six (or more) of the following symptoms of inattention have persisted for at least six months to a degree that is maladaptive and inconsistent with developmental level.
INATTENTION
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(a) Often fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork, work or other activities.
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(b) Often has difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or play activities.
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(c) Often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly.
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(d) Often does not seem to follow through on instructions and fails to finish schoolwork, chores or duties in the workplace (not due to oppositional behaviour or failure to understand instructions).
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(e) Often has difficulty organising tasks and activities.
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(f) Often avoids, dislikes or is reluctant to engage in tasks that require sustained mental effort (such as schoolwork or homework).
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(g) Often loses things necessary to tasks or activities (e.g. toys, school assignments, pencils, books, or tools).
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(h) Is often distracted by extraneous stimuli.
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(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
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(a) Often fidgets with hands or feet, or squirms in seat.
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(b) Often leaves seat in classroom or other situation where it is inappropriate (In adolescents or adults, this may be limited to subjective feelings of restlessness).
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(c) Often has difficulty playing or engaging in leisure activities quietly.
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(d) Is often 'on the go' or often acts as if 'driven by a motor'
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(e) Often talks excessively.
IMPULSIVITY
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(f) Often blurts out answers before questions have been completed.
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(g) Often has difficulty awaiting turn.
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(h) Often interrupts or intrudes on others (e.g. butts into conversations or games)
B. Some hyperactive-impulsive or inattentive symptoms that caused impairment were present before the age of 7 years.
C. Some impairment from the symptoms is present in two or more settings (e.g. at school (or work) and at home).
D. There must be clear evidence of clinically significant impairment in social, academic or occupational functioning.
E. 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 a Personality Disorder).
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