The primary symptoms of ADHD are classified and set by the American Psychiatric Association and published in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV-TR).

DSM-IV-TR diagnosis is based on the presence of six or more symptoms of inattention and/or six or more symptoms of hyperactivity/impulsivity that have persisted for at least six months.¹

Individuals with ADHD tend to develop the primary symptoms early, though it is important to note that these symptoms might manifest differently in different patients.¹

In order to support a clear diagnosis of ADHD, other symptom-related criteria must also be considered.

• Some symptoms (inattention and/or hyperactivity/impulsivity) causing impairment were present before seven years of age.
• Symptom-related impairment is present in two or more settings (at school/work and at home).
• There must be clear evidence of clinically significant impairment in social, school, or work functioning.
• The symptoms do not happen only during the course of a pervasive developmental disorder, schizophrenia, or other psychotic disorder. The symptoms are not better attributed to another mental disorder (e.g. mood disorder, anxiety disorder, dissociative disorder, or a personality disorder).¹