Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder in which there is a “persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that interferes with functioning or development” (American Psychiatric Association, 2013, p. 59). ADHD is often diagnosed in childhood. For an individual to be diagnosed with the disorder, there is a requirement that several symptoms be present before age 12.. Although the presence of several symptoms is required prior to age 12, an earlier age of onset is not indicated due to the difficulties in determining the exact age of childhood onset (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). Typically ADHD is diagnosed in childhood and can continue into adulthood (CDC-Facts, 2016). According
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Category B requires “several inattentive or hyperactive-impulsive symptoms must be present prior to age 12”; category C states “several symptoms must be present in two or more settings (i.e., home, school, work, with friends/relatives, etc.); category D requires “there must be clear evidence that symptoms interfere with or reduce the quality of social/academic/occupational functions”; category E states “the symptoms do not occur exclusively during the course of schizophrenia or another psychotic disorder, and are not better explained by another mental disorder” (American Psychiatric Association, 2013, p. …show more content…
For the diagnosis to be considered “predominantly inattentive presentation,” criteria from category A1 – Inattention has been met for the past six months, but criteria from A2 – Hyperactivity/Impulsivity has not been met (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). The severity of the disorder can be mild, moderate, or severe. Mild severity is when the required number of symptoms are present and there are no more than minor impairments in daily functioning (American Psychiatric Association). Severe ADHD occurs when there are more than the required number of symptoms present, OR many of the symptoms present are severe, OR the symptoms result in significant impairment in daily functioning (American Psychiatric Association). ADHD severity is considered “moderate” when symptoms and daily functional impairment are between “mild” and “severe.” In addition to specifying the type and current severity, the healthcare provider must also specify whether or not the individual is in partial remission. An individual is considered to be in partial remission when fewer than full criteria have been met for the past six months, but there is still an impairment in daily functioning (American Psychiatric
Category B requires “several inattentive or hyperactive-impulsive symptoms must be present prior to age 12”; category C states “several symptoms must be present in two or more settings (i.e., home, school, work, with friends/relatives, etc.); category D requires “there must be clear evidence that symptoms interfere with or reduce the quality of social/academic/occupational functions”; category E states “the symptoms do not occur exclusively during the course of schizophrenia or another psychotic disorder, and are not better explained by another mental disorder” (American Psychiatric Association, 2013, p. …show more content…
For the diagnosis to be considered “predominantly inattentive presentation,” criteria from category A1 – Inattention has been met for the past six months, but criteria from A2 – Hyperactivity/Impulsivity has not been met (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). The severity of the disorder can be mild, moderate, or severe. Mild severity is when the required number of symptoms are present and there are no more than minor impairments in daily functioning (American Psychiatric Association). Severe ADHD occurs when there are more than the required number of symptoms present, OR many of the symptoms present are severe, OR the symptoms result in significant impairment in daily functioning (American Psychiatric Association). ADHD severity is considered “moderate” when symptoms and daily functional impairment are between “mild” and “severe.” In addition to specifying the type and current severity, the healthcare provider must also specify whether or not the individual is in partial remission. An individual is considered to be in partial remission when fewer than full criteria have been met for the past six months, but there is still an impairment in daily functioning (American Psychiatric