When learning about attention deficit hyperactivity disorder this is primarily the diagnostic criteria for what this disorder is.

There’s three types 1) Inattentive type or predominantly inattentive type 2) hyperactive type and 3) the combined type.

Here we will list all the criteria and what symptoms would need to present in order to be diagnosed with ADHD.  This information is per the DSM-5TR this is not something to use to diagnose oneself but if you go through this and a lot of these are clicking it would be a good idea to see a clinician and see if you have this diagnosis.

A persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity, impulsivity that interferes with functioning or development can be classified by six or more of the following systems symptoms that have persisted for six months to a degree that is inconsistent with developmental level. These symptoms can negatively impact someone directly on social, academic, or occupational activities. If you only relate to a little bit of these, you don’t meet criteria. However, if you find you often answer yes it may be a good idea to get a diagnosis.

These are the six criteria for ADHD inattentive type.

1) Often fails to pay close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in school, at work, or during other activities. This means overlooking details, for example, turning in papers without your name on, skipping over questions or details when reading such as “which one of these is an example of” vs. “which one of these is NOT an example of?’

2) Has difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or play activities. This could be staying focused during a lecture or focusing on an uninteresting YouTube video. It often does not seem like the person is listening when being spoken to directly. If someone says something to you and it just doesn’t stick, or you say something to someone else and they reply “yeah” but it’s like you didn’t say anything at all due to lack of follow through.

3) Often has difficulty organizing tasks and activities. Difficulty keeping materials and belongings in order (messy). Poor time management that means often avoiding tasks they dislike or are reluctant to engage in tasks that require sustained mental effort. This includes things like schoolwork, homework, reading, reviewing lengthy papers, or preparing reports.

4) Frequently loses things necessary for tasks or activities. This can be pencils, glasses phone, wallet, or keys.

5) Easily distracted by extraneous stimuli such as thoughts unrelated to the tasks at hand, daydreaming, tapping a pencil which causes you to be too distracted to finish your own thought.

6) Often forgetful in daily activities, chores, errands, paying bills, or keeping appointments. These six things are associated with ADHD inattentive type.

Now let’s talk about the six criteria of ADHD hyperactivity and impulsivity. A person with all six of the following symptoms for adults and five for adolescents is required to be potentially diagnosed with this disorder.

1) often fidgets or taps with hands, or feet.

2) squirms in their seat or often leaves the seat in situations when remaining seated is expected. This could be classroom workplace, getting up and down during a movie.

3) difficulty just sitting down and relaxing, often on the go acting as if driven by a motor. This can be just being uncomfortable sitting still for long periods of time like at a restaurant, or meeting.

4) often talks excessively or blurts out an answer before a question has been completed.

5) often has difficulty waiting their turn

6) often interrupts and intrudes on others, such as butting into conversations, games, or activities.

To have ADHD you would need to have all six of these, or a combination of both symptoms from here and the prior listed that total to six or more.

There are several more inattentive or hyperactive impulsive symptoms that present prior to the age of 12 years old. Several of these inattentive or hyperactive impulsive symptoms were present in two or more settings, at home, school, work, with friends & relatives’ or other activities.  There is clear evidence that the symptoms interfere with or reduce the quality of social, academic, or occupational functioning.

The symptoms do not occur exclusively during the course of schizophrenia or other psychotic disorders that are better explained by another mental disorder mood disorder such as anxiety, dissociative personality disorder, substance intoxication, or withdrawal.

An interesting thing is ADHD can be in a partial remission. Someone may have it as a child but as they grow the brain adapts and learns how to function a little bit better making the symptoms not as severe when they’re an adult. Because of this one might not identify with six symptoms; they might not meet full criteria. ADHD is something that is biological, it does not go away but it can be in partial remission.

Another thing to take into consideration is whether the ADHD is mild, moderate, or severe. We hope this helps to know what clinicians are looking out for when diagnosing someone with ADHD and what type. If you are a clinician or if you are a student, I hope this is also helpful for you.