Attention Deficit Disorder DSM IV Criteria

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DSM IV Criteria

INATTENTION
(need 6 of 9)

often fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork, work or other activities
often has difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or play activities
often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly
often does not follow through on instructions and fails to finish schoolwork, chores, or duties in the workplace (no if oppositional behavior or doesn�t understand instructions)
often has difficulty organizing tasks and activities
often avoids, dislikes, or is reluctant to engage in tasks or activities that require sustained mental effort (such as schoolwork or homework)
often loses things necessary for tasks or activities (e.g., toys, school assignments, pencils, books, or tools)
often easily distracted by extraneous stimuli
often forgetful in daily activities

HYPERACTIVITY-IMPULSIVITY
(need 6 of 9)

often fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in seat
often leaves seat in classroom or in other situations in which remaining seated is expected
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)
often has difficulty playing or engaging in leisure activities quietly
is often "on the go" or often acts as if "driven by a motor"
often talks excessively
often blurts out answers before questions have been completed
often has difficulty awaiting turn
often interrupts or intrudes on others (e.g., butts into conversations or games)

REQUIREMENTS

Present at least 6 months, maladaptive and inconsistent with development level
Some symptoms that caused impairment were present before age 7
Some impairment from the symptoms is present in two or more settings (e.g., at school {or work} and at home)
There must be clear evidence of clinically significant impairment in social, academic or occupational functioning
DSM IV