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Diagnosis of activity and attention disorders
Last reviewed: 06.07.2025
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Currently, standardized diagnostic criteria have been developed, which are lists of the most characteristic and clearly traceable signs of this disorder.
- Behavior problems must have an early onset (before age 6) and be of long duration.
- The disorders require abnormal levels of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.
- Symptoms must be present in more than one setting (home, school, clinic).
- Symptoms are detected through direct observation and are not caused by other disorders such as autism, affective disorder, etc.
Inattention
At least six symptoms of inattention are identified in a degree of severity that indicates poor adaptability and is inconsistent with the child's level of development.
- Frequently showing an inability to follow details or making careless mistakes in schoolwork or work.
- Often unable to maintain attention on tasks or in play activities.
- Often the child does not listen to what is said to him.
- The child is frequently unable to follow instructions or complete routine tasks and duties at work (not due to opposition or failure to understand instructions).
- The organization of tasks and activities is often disrupted.
- The child often avoids or strongly dislikes tasks that require constant mental effort.
- Often loses things needed to complete tasks.
- Easily distracted by extraneous stimuli.
- Forgetful in daily activities.
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Hyperactivity
At least three symptoms of hyperactivity persist to a degree that indicates poor adaptability of the child and is inconsistent with his or her level of development.
- The child often moves his arms or legs restlessly or fidgets in place.
- Leaves his/her seat in class or in other situations when it is necessary to remain seated.
- Often starts running or climbing where it is inappropriate.
- Often inappropriately noisy during games or has difficulty spending leisure time quietly.
- Reveals a persistent pattern of excessive motor activity that is not significantly influenced by the social situation and demands.
Impulsiveness
At least one symptom of impulsivity persists for at least 6 months to a degree that indicates poor adaptation and is inconsistent with the child's developmental level.
- The child often gives answers before the questions are completed.
- Often unable to wait in lines, wait for his turn in games or group situations.
- Often talks too much without adequately responding to social restrictions.
It should be borne in mind that many children do not exhibit their characteristic hyperactivity during their first visit to the doctor. Therefore, diagnosis should be based not only on the general clinical impression, but also on the analysis of information received from parents, teachers, educators, and the results of psychological research.