Diagnosis in Children
Diagnostic Criteria for ADHD
As specified by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV), six or more of the following symptoms of inattention must have existed for
(a) at least six months;
(b) to a degree that is maladaptive, and;
(c) inconsistent with developmental level.
Inattention
(a) Often fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork, 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 instruction and fails to finish schoolwork, chores, or duties in the workplace (not due to oppositional behaviour or failure to understand instructions)
(e) Often has difficulty organising tasks and activities
(f) Often avoids, dislikes, or is reluctant to engage in tasks that require sustained mental effort (such as schoolwork or homework)
(g) Often loses things necessary for tasks or activities (.e.g., toys, school assignments, pencils, books, or tools)
(h) Is often easily distracted by extraneous stimuli
(i) Is often forgetful in daily activities
OR
Six or more of the following symptoms of hyperactivity/impulsivity have existed for
(a) at least six months;
(b) to a degree that is maladaptive, and;
(c) inconsistent with developmental level.
Hyperactivity
(a) Often fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in seat
(b) Often leaves seat in classroom or in other situations 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 (e.g., butts into conversations or games)
In addition:
(A) Some of the symptoms must have been present before the age of 7 years.
(B) Some impairment from the symptoms is present in two or more settings
(C) There must be clinically significant impairments in social, academic or occupational functioning
(D) The symptoms do not occur as a result of other disorders such as Pervasive Developmental Disorder, Schizophrenia, or other psychotic disorder. The symptoms must not be better accounted for by another mental disorder such as Mood Disorder, Anxiety Disorder, Dissociative Disorder or a Personality Disorder.
There are three possible diagnoses relating to Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
1. Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Combined Type
2. Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Predominantly Inattentive Type
3. Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Type
Warning: It is unwise to self-diagnose since the symptoms of ADHD are similar to those applicable to a number of other learning or behavioural difficulties. If ADHD is suspected, it is suggested that a thorough assessment should be conducted by a professional so that a reliable diagnosis is reached and appropriate treatment strategies are implemented.
This article is based very largely on the information to be found in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV)
