
The number of symptoms required for an ADHD diagnosis (by age group) are as follows:​
Six or more symptoms of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity for children up to age 16 years, OR
Five or more symptoms of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity for adolescents ages 17 years and older and adults.
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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.
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Often fidgets with or taps hands or feet, or squirms in seat.
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Often leaves seat in situations when remaining seated is expected.
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Often runs about or climbs in situations where it is not appropriate (adolescents or adults may be limited to feeling restless).
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Often unable to play or take part in leisure activities quietly.
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Is often “on the go” acting as if “driven by a motor.”
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Often talks excessively.
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Often blurts out an answer before a question has been completed.
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Often has trouble waiting their turn.
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Often interrupts or intrudes on others (e.g., butts into conversations or games).
In addition to the above criteria, the following conditions must also be met:
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Several inattentive or hyperactive-impulsive symptoms were present before age 12 years.
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Several symptoms are present in two or more settings, (such as at home, school or work; with friends or relatives; in other activities).
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There is clear evidence that the symptoms interfere with, or reduce the quality of, social, school, or work functioning.
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The symptoms are not better explained by another mental disorder (such as a mood disorder, anxiety disorder, dissociative disorder, or a personality disorder). The symptoms do not happen only during the course of schizophrenia or another psychotic disorder.

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