Either (1) or (2) or both
1. Six or more of the following symptoms of inattention for at least six months to a degree that is maladaptive and not consistent with developmental level:
Inattention
a. Often fails to give close attention to details, or makes careless errors
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 trough on instructions and fails to finish schoolwork, chores or duties (not due to oppositional behavior or failure to understand instructions)
e. Often has difficulty organizing tasks and activities
f. Often avoids, dislikes or is reluctant to engage in tasks 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
2. Six or more of the following symptoms of hyperactivity/impulsivity have persisted for at least six months to a degree that is maladaptive and not consistent with developmental level:
Hyperactivity
a. Often fidgets with hands or feet or squirms
b. Often leaves seat in classroom or in other situations where remaining seated is expected
c. Often inappropriately runs about or climbs excessively - older children may have feelings of restlessness
d. Often has difficulty playing or participating in leisure activities in a quiet manner
e. Often "on the go" or acts as if "driven by a motor"
f. Often talks excessively
Impulsivity
a. Often blurts out answers before questions have been completed
b. Often has difficulty awaiting turn
c. Often interrupts or intrudes on others
Most symptoms that caused impairment were present before 7 years of age. Impairment from the symptoms is present in two or more settings (i.e., school and home).
Clear evidence of clinically significant impairment in social, academic or occupational functioning. The symptoms do not occur exclusively due to a pervasive development disorder, schizophrenia or other psychotic disorder and are better accounted for by another disorder (depression, anxiety disorder, dissociative disorder, or a personality disorder).
Diagnosis must be made by a qualified clinician and can be:
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Combined Type: if both criteria 1 and 2 are met for the past 6 months
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Predominantly Inattentive Type: if 1 is met but not 2
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Type: if criteria 2 is met but 1 is not