ADHD Diagnostic Criteria and Specifiers

32 question-and-answer flashcards covering ADHD diagnostic criteria, individual symptoms, presentation types, course and severity specifiers.

How many inattention symptoms must individuals under 17 display for at least 6 months to meet Criterion A1?

To meet Criterion A1 for an ADHD diagnosis, individuals under 17 years of age must display six or more identifiable inattention symptoms for at least 6 months.

How many inattention symptoms are required for individuals aged 17 or older under Criterion A1?

For individuals aged 17 years or older, only five or more inattention symptoms are required under Criterion A1 for an ADHD diagnosis, persisting for at least 6 months.

Which symptom involves failing to give close attention to details or making careless mistakes?

This is the first inattention symptom, indicated by frequent errors in schoolwork or other activities due to lack of carefulness on tasks.

Which inattention symptom describes difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or play?

This second inattention symptom describes a struggle to maintain focus during prolonged activities, whether academic, work-related, or recreational.

Which inattention symptom involves not seeming to listen when spoken to directly?

This is the third inattention symptom, often observed as appearing distracted or 'elsewhere' even when someone is speaking directly to them.

Which inattention symptom is characterized by not following through on instructions and failing to finish tasks?

The fourth inattention symptom describes a pattern of starting tasks but not completing them, often due to difficulty adhering to given instructions.

Difficulty organizing tasks and activities corresponds to which inattention symptom?

This fifth inattention symptom involves challenges in structuring tasks, managing sequential activities, or keeping materials in order.

Avoiding or being reluctant to engage in tasks requiring sustained mental effort refers to which inattention symptom?

This is the sixth inattention symptom, characterized by an aversion to activities that demand prolonged concentration, such as homework or lengthy reports.

Losing things necessary for tasks or activities is which inattention symptom?

The seventh inattention symptom refers to frequently misplacing items critical for daily tasks, such as school supplies, keys, or mobile phones.

Being easily distracted by extraneous stimuli is which inattention symptom?

This eighth inattention symptom is marked by a tendency to be drawn away from a task by unrelated thoughts or external environmental factors.

Being often forgetful in daily activities is which inattention symptom?

This ninth and final inattention symptom describes a common forgetfulness in routine daily activities, like remembering appointments or chores.

How many hyperactivity-impulsivity symptoms must individuals under 17 display for at least 6 months to meet Criterion A2?

To meet Criterion A2, individuals under 17 years must exhibit six or more hyperactivity and impulsivity symptoms for at least 6 months.

How many hyperactivity-impulsivity symptoms are required for individuals aged 17 or older under Criterion A2?

Individuals aged 17 years or older are required to display five or more hyperactivity and impulsivity symptoms under Criterion A2, persisting for at least 6 months.

Which hyperactivity symptom involves fidgeting with or tapping hands or feet or squirming in seat?

This first hyperactivity symptom involves noticeable restless movements, such as tapping limbs or excessive squirming, even when seated.

Leaving one’s seat in situations when remaining seated is expected is which hyperactivity symptom?

This second hyperactivity symptom describes a tendency to get up and move around in situations where remaining seated is socially or contextually appropriate, such as in a classroom or meeting.

Running about or climbing in inappropriate situations (restlessness in adults) corresponds to which hyperactivity symptom?

This third hyperactivity symptom is characterized by excessive and inappropriate physical activity, such as running or climbing, which may manifest as persistent restlessness or an urge to be 'on the go' in adults.

Being unable to play or engage in leisure activities quietly is which hyperactivity symptom?

This fourth hyperactivity symptom means an individual struggles to participate in quiet, calm recreational activities, often making noise or being overly active during leisure time.

Acting as if “driven by a motor” or being often “on the go” is which hyperactivity symptom?

This fifth hyperactivity symptom indicates a persistent state of high energy and activity, as if constantly propelled, finding it difficult to stay still for extended periods.

Talking excessively refers to which hyperactivity symptom?

This sixth hyperactivity symptom describes a pattern of speaking much more than is typical, often without interruption or awareness of others' conversational turns.

Blurting out answers before a question is completed is which impulsivity symptom?

This first impulsivity symptom is characterized by speaking or responding quickly without thinking, often interrupting others or answering before a question is fully posed.

Having difficulty waiting one’s turn corresponds to which impulsivity symptom?

This second impulsivity symptom involves significant challenges in patiently waiting for their turn in games, conversations, or queues.

Interrupting or intruding on others is which impulsivity symptom?

This third impulsivity symptom refers to frequently breaking into conversations, games, or activities of others, or taking over without permission.

At what age must several ADHD symptoms be present to satisfy Criterion B?

According to Criterion B for ADHD diagnosis, several inattentive or hyperactive-impulsive symptoms must have been present prior to the age of 12 years, even if not formally diagnosed then.

According to Criterion C, in how many settings must symptoms be present?

Criterion C requires observation of ADHD symptoms in two or more distinct settings, such as at home, school, work, or in social situations, to indicate pervasive impairment.

What does Criterion D require regarding symptoms and functioning?

Criterion D mandates clear and compelling evidence that the ADHD symptoms significantly interfere with or reduce the quality of social, academic, or occupational functioning.

What is the main requirement of Criterion E?

Criterion E requires that the ADHD symptoms are not primarily attributable to another mental disorder, such as a mood disorder or anxiety disorder, and do not occur solely within the context of schizophrenia or another psychotic disorder.

Which presentation specifier requires that criteria for both inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity are met?

This presentation specifier, known as Combined Presentation, is assigned when an individual meets the diagnostic criteria for both the inattention and the hyperactivity-impulsivity symptom clusters over the past 6 months.

Which presentation specifier is assigned when only inattention criteria are met?

The Predominantly Inattentive Presentation specifier is used when an individual meets the full criteria for inattention but not for hyperactivity-impulsivity, for the past 6 months.

Which presentation specifier applies when only hyperactivity-impulsivity criteria are met?

The Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Presentation specifier is applied when an individual meets the full criteria for hyperactivity-impulsivity but not for inattention, for the past 6 months.

What does the course specifier "In Partial Remission" indicate?

The 'In Partial Remission' course specifier for ADHD indicates that while full diagnostic criteria were previously met, fewer than the full number of symptoms have been present for the past 6 months, but these remaining symptoms still cause clinically significant impairment.

How is Mild severity defined for ADHD?

Mild severity in ADHD is characterized by the presence of minimal symptoms beyond the number required for diagnosis, resulting in only minor impairment in social, academic, or occupational functioning.

How is Moderate severity characterized in ADHD?

Moderate severity in ADHD describes symptoms and functional impairment that fall between the definitions of mild and severe, indicating noticeable difficulties in everyday life.

What constitutes Severe severity in ADHD?

Severe severity in ADHD is diagnosed when an individual exhibits many symptoms significantly in excess of the diagnostic requirements, or numerous particularly severe symptoms, leading to pronounced and widespread impairment in multiple areas of functioning.