TABLE 1: DSM - IV ADHD CRITERIA

DIAGNOSTIC CRITERIA FOR ATTENTION DEFICIT HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER (ADHD):

A. Either (1) or (2);

(1) six (or more) of the following symptoms of inattention have persisted for a least 6 months to a degree that is maladaptive and consistent with developmental level.

Inattention

(A) Often fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork, work or other activities.

(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 seem to follow through on instructions and fails to finish schoolwork, chores or duties in the workplace (not due to oppositional behaviour 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 to tasks or activities (eg toys, school assignments, pencils, books, or tools).

(H) Is often 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 inconsistent with developmental level.

HYPERACTIVITY

(A) Often fidgets with hands or feet, or squirms in seat.

(B) Often leaves seat in classroom or other situation in which remaining seated is expected.

(C) Often runs about or climbs excessively in situations in which it is inappropriate (in adolescents or adults, may be limited to subjective feelings of restlessness)

(D) Often has difficulty playing or engaging in leisure activities quietly.

(E) Is often ‘on the go’ or often acts as if ‘driven by a motor’

(F) Often talks excessively.

lMPULSIVITY

(G) Often blurts out answers before questions have been completed.

(H) Often has difficulty awaiting turn.

(I) Often interrupts or intrudes on others (e.g butts into conversations or games).

B. Some hyperactive – impulse or inattentive symptoms that caused impairment were present before age 7 years.

C. Some impairment from the symptoms is present in two or more settings (e.g at school and at home)

D. There must be clear evidence of clinically significant impairment in social, academic, or occupational functioning.

E. The symptoms do not occur exclusively during the course of a Pervasive Developmental Disorder, Schizophrenia, or other psychotic disorder and are better accounted for by another mental disorder (e.g Mood Disorder, Anxiety Disorder, Dissociative Disorder or a Personality Disorder).

The Ryegate Children’s Centre (Sheffield Children’s Hospital NHS Trust)

The Ryegate Children’s Centre, Tapton Crescent Road, Sheffield SlO 5DD

Tel 0114 267 0237

Connors Parents Questionnaire