According to DSM-5 criteria, what is the minimum number of inattention symptoms required for a diagnosis of ADHD in a child aged 6–11 years?

Explanation

## DSM-5 Diagnostic Criteria for ADHD ### Symptom Threshold and Duration **Key Point:** DSM-5 requires **at least 6 inattention symptoms** (or 6 hyperactivity-impulsivity symptoms, or both) present for **at least 6 months** in children aged 6–11 years. ### Age-Based Symptom Thresholds | Age Group | Inattention Symptoms | Hyperactivity-Impulsivity Symptoms | Duration | |-----------|----------------------|------------------------------------|-----------| | Children (6–11 years) | ≥6 | ≥6 | ≥6 months | | Adolescents (12–17 years) | ≥5 | ≥5 | ≥6 months | | Adults (≥18 years) | ≥5 | ≥5 | ≥6 months | **High-Yield:** The threshold is LOWER for adolescents and adults (5 symptoms) compared to children (6 symptoms). This reflects developmental differences in symptom manifestation and recognition. ### Additional DSM-5 Criteria (Beyond Symptom Count) 1. **Onset:** Symptoms must be present before age 12 years. 2. **Impairment:** Clear evidence of functional impairment in ≥2 settings (home, school, work, social, etc.). 3. **Exclusion:** Symptoms are not better explained by another mental disorder, medical condition, or substance use. 4. **Subtypes:** - **Predominantly Inattentive Type** — ≥6 inattention symptoms; <6 hyperactivity-impulsivity symptoms. - **Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Type** — ≥6 hyperactivity-impulsivity symptoms; <6 inattention symptoms. - **Combined Type** — ≥6 of each symptom category. **Mnemonic:** **6-6-6 Rule for Children** — 6 symptoms, 6 months duration, age of onset before 6 (actually age 12, but the "6" helps recall the first two criteria). **Clinical Pearl:** The 6-month duration requirement is crucial to distinguish ADHD from transient attention difficulties due to stress, sleep deprivation, or recent life changes. Teachers and parents must report symptoms across multiple contexts. [cite:DSM-5 (American Psychiatric Association, 2013)]