## DSM-5 Diagnostic Criteria for ADHD ### Symptom Threshold by Age Group | Age Group | Inattention Symptoms | Hyperactivity-Impulsivity Symptoms | Total Symptoms Required | |-----------|----------------------|------------------------------------|---------| | Children (< 17 years) | **6 or more** | 6 or more | At least 6 in each domain (or combined) | | Adolescents/Adults (≥ 17 years) | **5 or more** | 5 or more | At least 5 in each domain (or combined) | **Key Point:** The DSM-5 lowered the threshold for adolescents and adults (from 6 to 5 symptoms) to account for symptom maturation and masking in older individuals, but children require 6 symptoms for diagnosis. ### For a 10-Year-Old Child Specifically - **Minimum 6 inattention symptoms** must be present - **Minimum 6 hyperactivity-impulsivity symptoms** must be present - Symptoms must persist for ≥ 6 months - Symptoms must be present in ≥ 2 settings (home, school, work) - Clear evidence that symptoms impair functioning - Symptoms not better explained by another mental disorder **High-Yield:** The 6-symptom threshold for children is a frequently tested fact in NEET PG exams. Remember: children need 6, adolescents/adults need 5. **Mnemonic:** **SIX for Kids, FIVE for Adults** — children require 6 symptoms in each domain; adolescents and adults require only 5. ### Inattention Symptoms Include - Difficulty sustaining attention - Careless mistakes - Difficulty organizing tasks - Forgetfulness in daily activities - Easily distracted - Difficulty following instructions **Clinical Pearl:** A child with only 5 inattention symptoms does not meet diagnostic criteria, even if other symptoms are severe. The threshold is a hard cutoff in DSM-5.
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