Ask the Experts

What’s New About ADHD?

“Will 2013’s update to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders change the diagnostic criteria and symptom profile of attention deficit?”

The diagnostic criteria and symptom profile for ADHD will be the same in DSM-V as they were in DSM-IV. However, another type of ADHD has been added. In addition to ADHD, Combined Type; ADHD, Predominantly Inattentive; and ADHD, Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Type, there is now Inattentive Presentation (Restrictive).

To qualify for this diagnosis, a child must meet the symptoms for Predominantly Inattentive ADHD, but have no more than two of 12 symptoms from the criteria list for hyperactivity-impulsivity. The symptoms have to be present for six months.