Independent medical expert answers
on psychiatry and psychology

ADHD Symptoms ADHD Diagnosis - Diagnostic Criteria of ADHD

Written by: Martin Winkler
First version: 22 Jul 2008. Latest version: 08 Dec 2008.

Abstract:

To meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD, a certain combination of symptoms is required.

Question:

What are the diagnostic criteria of ADHD?
How can I get an adhd diagnosis?
How is diagnosis of ADHD done?
What does ADHD symptoms look like?

Answer:

To meet the diagnostic criteria according to the DSM-IV (Diagnostic and statistical Manual of psychiatric disorders) a couple of aspects have to be considered to meet a diagnosis of adhd:

A. Six (or more) of either 1) Inattention, or 2) Hyperactivity/Impulsivity Symptoms must have persisted for at least 6 months to a degree that is maladaptive and inconsistent with developmental level:

1) Inattention

2) Hyperactivity/Impulsivity

Hyperactivity

Impulsivity

B) Some symptoms causing impairment were present before age 7 More.

C) Some impairment from the symptoms is present in two or more settings (e.g. at school and at home) More.

D) There must be clear evidence of clinically significant impairment in social, academic or occupational functioning More.

E) Occurrence is not exclusively during the course of a Pervasive Developmental Disorder, Schizophrenia or other Psychotic Disorder

The asessment of whether a person has ADHD or not must be done by a psychiatrist who is an expert on ADHD.

More information
Pages of interest from other web sites
Sources, references: http://web4health.info/en/answers/source/adhd-diagn-dsm.htm
http://web4health.info/en/answers/adhd-diagn-dsm.htm separator Copyright 2003-2015 Web4Health