ADD / ADHD CRITERIA - DSM IV
INATTENTION (need 6 of 9)
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 instructions and fails to finish
schoolwork, chores, or duties in the workplace (no
if oppositional behavior or doesn't understand instructions)
e) often has difficulty organizing tasks and activities
f) often avoids, dislikes, or is reluctant to engage in tasks or
activities 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
HYPERACTIVITY-IMPULSIVITY (need 6 of 9)
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
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)
REQUIREMENTS:
1) Present at least 6 months, maladaptive and inconsistent with
development level
2) Some symptoms that caused impairment were present before age 7
3) Some impairment from the symptoms is present in two or more settings
(e.g., at school {or work} and at home)
4) There must be clear evidence of clinically significant
impairment in social, academic or occupational functioning