Does My Child Have Inattentive ADHD?
Posted on iadhd.org
How is ADHD Diagnosed?
Healthcare providers use the guidelines in the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) to help diagnose ADHD. Here are the criteria in shortened form. Please note that they are presented just for your information. Only trained healthcare providers can diagnose or treat ADHD.
DSM-5 Criteria for Inattentive ADHD
Six or more symptoms of inattention for children up to age 16 years, or five or more for adolescents age 17 years and older and adults; symptoms of inattention have been present for at least 6 months, and they are inappropriate for developmental level:
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Often fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork, at work, or with other activities.
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Often has trouble holding attention on tasks or play activities.
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Often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly.
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Often does not follow through on instructions and fails to finish schoolwork, chores, or duties in the workplace (e.g., loses focus, side-tracked).
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Often has trouble organizing tasks and activities.
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Often avoids, dislikes, or is reluctant to do tasks that require mental effort over a long period of time (such as schoolwork or homework).
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Often loses things necessary for tasks and activities (e.g. school materials, pencils, books, tools, wallets, keys, paperwork, eyeglasses, mobile telephones).
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Is often easily distracted
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Is often forgetful in daily activities.