A 7-year-old boy has significant difficulty sustaining attention in class, frequently loses items needed for tasks, is easily distracted by extraneous stimuli, often interrupts conversations, runs excessively in inappropriate situations, and has had symptoms since age 4. Symptoms impair academic and social functioning. Which statement best describes the diagnostic criteria for ADHD?

• A Symptoms must be present only in school settings for diagnosis
• B Diagnosis requires neuropsychological testing showing processing speed deficit
• C At least 6 inattention or hyperactivity-impulsivity symptoms present in ≥2 settings for ≥6 months ✓
• D EEG abnormality (excess theta waves) must be demonstrated

Explanation

DSM-5 criteria for ADHD require at least 6 symptoms of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity in children <17 years (5 symptoms for adolescents ≥17), present for ≥6 months, present in ≥2 settings (home, school, social), causing impairment, with symptom onset before age 12. ADHD is a clinical diagnosis; neuropsychological testing and EEG are not required. The pervasiveness criterion (≥2 settings) distinguishes ADHD from situational behavioral problems. This child meets all criteria: early onset, multiple symptoms, two-setting impairment, >6 months duration.

Reference: Ghai Essential Pediatrics, 10th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.