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Criterion A1

• Six or more symptoms of inattention persist for at least 6 months, or 5 or more if age 17 or older.
• The symptoms are inconsistent with developmental level and negatively affect functioning.
• Inattention symptoms include careless mistakes, difficulty sustaining attention, seeming not to listen, not following through on instructions, difficulty organizing tasks, avoiding sustained mental effort, losing necessary items, distractibility, and forgetfulness.

Criterion A2

• Six or more symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity persist for at least 6 months, or 5 or more if age 17 or older.
• Hyperactivity-impulsivity symptoms include fidgeting, leaving seat when expected to remain seated, running or climbing in inappropriate situations or inner restlessness, difficulty engaging quietly, acting as if driven by a motor, excessive talking, blurting out answers, trouble waiting, and interrupting or intruding on others.

Criterion B

• Several symptoms were present before age 12.

Criterion C

• Several symptoms are present in two or more settings.

Criterion D

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

Criterion E

• Symptoms interfere with social, academic, or occupational functioning and are not better explained by another mental disorder.

Related Guides

• Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Symptoms and Signs
• ADHD Symptoms in Adults
• ADHD vs Anxiety
• Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Scales and Assessment Tools
• Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Treatments and Medications
• When to Seek Professional Help for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder