*Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) - DSM Summary

Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) - DSM Overview

  • A persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that interferes with functioning or development is characterized by the following:

Criteria for Diagnosis

  

1. Inattention (requires at least 6 symptoms for a duration of 6 months)

  - Difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or play activities.
  - Difficulty organizing tasks and activities.
  - Often loses things necessary for tasks.
  - Easily distracted by extraneous stimuli.
  - Forgets daily activities, including important tasks.
  - Fails to follow through on instructions, leading to incomplete work assignments.

2. Hyperactivity-Impulsivity (requires at least 6 symptoms for a duration of 6 months)

  - Often fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in their seat.
  - Often leaves seat in situations when remaining seated is expected.
  - Frequently runs or climbs in inappropriate situations.
  - Often talks excessively without much purpose.
  - Blurts out answers before questions have been completed.
  - Exhibits difficulty waiting their turn (e.g., in conversations or games).

Additional Diagnostic Criteria

  • B. Several inattentive or hyperactive-impulsive symptoms must have been present before the age of 12.

  • C. Symptoms must be present in two or more settings (e.g., at home, school, or work) to demonstrate the pervasive nature of the disorder.

  • D. There must be clear evidence that the symptoms interfere with, or reduce the quality of, social, academic, or occupational functioning.

  • E. The symptoms do not occur exclusively during the course of schizophrenia or another psychotic disorder and are not better explained by another mental disorder.

Implications of ADHD

  • Academic Performance: Academic performance often suffers in individuals with ADHD, particularly when there is comorbidity with learning disabilities, suggesting these conditions may share a common biological cause.

  • Social Challenges: Individuals with ADHD are more likely to experience social difficulties, including being unpopular and rejected by peers.