Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

According to the DSM-5 (2014):

ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is a persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that interferes with functioning or development, characterised by (1) and/or (2):

(1) Inattention:

Six (or more) of the following symptoms have been sustained for at least 6 months to a degree that is not consistent with developmental level and that directly affects social and academic/work activities: Note: Symptoms are not solely a manifestation of oppositional behaviour, defiance, hostility, or failure to understand tasks or instructions. For older adolescents and adults (17 and older), a minimum of five symptoms is required.

1. Frequently fails to pay adequate attention to details or carelessly makes mistakes in schoolwork, at work or during other activities (e.g. details are overlooked or missed, work is not carried out accurately).
2. Often has difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or recreational activities (e.g., has difficulty sustaining attention in lessons, conversations, or prolonged reading).
3. Often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly (e.g., seems to have his or her mind on other things, even in the absence of any apparent distraction).
4. Often does not follow instructions and does not complete schoolwork, chores, or work assignments (e.g., starts tasks but is quickly distracted and easily distracted).
5. Often has difficulty organising tasks and activities (e.g., difficulty managing sequential tasks; difficulty putting materials and belongings in order; carelessness and disorganisation at work; poor time management; does not meet deadlines).
6. Often avoids, dislikes, or is unenthusiastic about initiating tasks that require sustained mental effort (e.g., schoolwork or household chores; in older adolescents and adults, preparing reports, completing forms, reviewing long articles).
7. Frequently loses things needed for tasks or activities (e.g., school supplies, pencils, books, instruments, wallet, keys, work papers, glasses, mobile phone).
8. Often easily distracted by external stimuli (for older adolescents and adults, may include unrelated thoughts).
9. Frequently forgets daily activities (e.g., doing homework, running errands; for older adolescents and adults, returning phone calls, paying bills, keeping appointments).

2) Hyperactivity and impulsivity:

The criterion for these items is the sustaination of six (or more) of the following symptoms for at least 6 months to a degree that is not consistent with developmental level and directly affects social and academic/work activities.

1. Frequently fidgets with or bangs hands or feet or squirms in seat.
2. Frequently stands up in situations where he/she is required to remain seated (e.g., stands up in the classroom, in the office or other work place, or in other situations that require him/her to remain in place).
3. Often runs or climbs in situations where it is inappropriate (Note: In adolescents or adults, it may be limited to fidgeting).
4. Often unable to play or engage in quiet recreational activities.
5. Is often “busy,” acting as if “driven by a motor” (e.g., unable to sit still or uncomfortable sitting still for prolonged periods of time, such as in restaurants, meetings; others may think he/she is restless or difficult to follow).
6. Often talks excessively.
7. Often responds unexpectedly or before a question has been completed (e.g., finishes others’ sentences; does not respect turn-taking).
8. Often finds it difficult to wait his/her turn (e.g. while waiting in a queue).
9. Often interrupts or intrudes with others (e.g., butts into conversations, games, or activities; may start using other people’s things without waiting or receiving permission; in adolescents and adults, may intrude or get ahead of what others are doing).

> American Psychiatric Association (2014). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), 5th ed.