The doctor will check to see if you meet the DSM-IV criteria. Either the criteria for inattention or the criteria for hyperactivity/impulsivity must be met.
+ Inattention: At least 6 of the following 9 symptoms of inattention have persisted for at least 6 months to a degree that is maladaptive and inconsistent with developmental level:
1. Often does not give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork, work, or other activities
2. Often has difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or play activities
3. Often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly
4. Often does not follow through with instructions and does not finish schoolwork, chores, or duties in the workplace (not because of oppositional behavior or failure to understand instructions)
5. Often has difficulties with organizing tasks and activities
6. Often avoids, dislikes, or is reluctant to engage in homework that requires sustained mental effort
7. Often loses things necessary for tasks or activities (eg, school assignments, pencils, books, tools, toys)
8. Often is easily distracted by extraneous stimuli
9. Often is forgetful in daily activities
+ Hyperactivity/impulsivity: At least 6 of the following 9 symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity have persisted for at least 6 months to a degree that is maladaptive and inconsistent with developmental level:
1. Often fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in seat
2. Often leaves seat in classroom or in other situations in which remaining seated is expected
3. Often runs about or climbs excessively in situations in which this behavior is inappropriate (adolescents or adults may be limited to subjective feelings of restlessness)
4. Often has difficulty playing or engaging in leisure activities quietly
5. Often on the go or often acts as if driven by a motor
6. Often talks excessively
7. Often blurts out answers to questions before questions are completed
8. Often has difficulty awaiting turns
9. Often interrupts or intrudes on others (eg, butts into conversations or games)
o Onset occurs no later than age 7 years.
o Symptoms must be present in 2 or more situations (eg, school, work, home).
o The disturbance causes clinically significant distress or impairment in social, academic, or occupational function.
o Behavior does not occur exclusively during the course of pervasive developmental disorder, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, schizophrenia, or other psychotic disorder. Behavior is not better accounted for by mood, anxiety dissociative, or personality disorder.
Then he will review your past medical history and give you a complete physical examination.
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