Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (314.0X

Attention disorders, anxiety, and depression tend to be diagnosed more frequently in these

patients.

ATTENTION DEFICIT HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER (314.0X)

A child can be diagnosed with ADHD when they have elements of either inattention and/or hyperactivity/impulsivity. The symptoms need to last at least six months before the diagnosis

can be made. The symptoms must also be inconsistent with the individual’s developmental

level and should negatively affect social relationships, academic achievement, or occupational

proficiency. They cannot be a phenomenon of oppositional behavior, hostility, defiance, or an

inability to understand instructions. Older adolescents and adults must have at least five

symptoms to make the diagnosis.

With inattention, six or more symptoms must be present, including the following:

I. Fails to pay attention to details and makes careless mistakes at work or school.

J. Has difficulty sustaining attention in both work and play (especially reading, lectures,

and conversations).

K. Does not seem to listen when spoken to directly (seems distracted without any

obvious distractions).

L. Doesn’t follow through on instructions or fails to finish duties or schoolwork.

M. Difficulty managing sequential tasks and cannot keep belongings in order or is

disorganized.

N. Avoids or dislikes tasks that involve a sustained mental effort.

O. Often loses things necessary for tasks and activities (and is prone to losing about

anything).

P. Is easily distracted by external stimuli or internal unrelated thoughts.

Q. Is highly forgetful when it comes to daily activities (like appointments, chores,

returning calls, and bill-paying).

When it comes to hyperactivity and impulsivity, a child needs to have at least six symptoms,

while an adult must have at least five symptoms to qualify for the disorder. Again, they cannot

be secondary to opposition or inability to understand instructions. These include the following:

A. Frequently fidgets or squirms in their seat.

B. Frequently leaves their seat when seating is expected of them.

C. Runs or climbs when this is inappropriate (or is restless as an older adolescent and

adult).

D. Unable to play or engage in quiet leisure activities.

E. Is unable to be or uncomfortable being still for an extended period of time (on the

go all the time).

F. Talks excessively when this is inappropriate.

G. Blurts out answers before they have been completed or cannot wait turns in

conversations.

H. Has difficulty waiting for his or her turn.

I. Interrupts or intrudes on others.

In addition, several of the symptoms must be present prior to 12 years of age and the

symptoms should be present in two or more settings. There should be clear evidence that

these symptoms interfere with or reduce the quality of social, occupational, or academic

functioning. They should not be a part of another disorder, such as a mood disorder,

dissociative disorder, or anxiety disorder. They should not be part of substance abuse or a

personality disorder.

There are several subclassifications under 314.0X. These include 314.02 (with a combined

presentation and elements of both criteria are present), 314.00 (with primarily inattention and

not hyperactivity present), and 314.01 (with primarily hyperactivity present). One should also

state if the person is in partial remission and if the symptoms or mild, moderate, or severe.