The following 5 criteria must be met to diagnose ADHD. (1) Symptomatologic criteria: see Table 1. where attention deficit symptoms meet at least 6 of Table 1 and last for at least 6 months, to the degree of maladjustment and are not commensurate with the level of development; hyperactivity and impulsivity symptoms meet at least 6 of Table 1, to the degree of maladjustment and are not commensurate with the level of development. (2) Onset and duration: symptoms appear before age 7 and last at least 6 months. (3) Impairment due to certain symptoms occurs in at least two settings (e.g., school and home). (4) Severity criteria: evidence of clinically significant impairment in social, academic, or occupational functioning in adulthood. (5) The following disorders must be excluded: mental retardation, pervasive developmental disorders, childhood schizophrenia, manic episodes and bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, developmental disorders of specific learning skills, various organic disorders (e.g., hyperthyroidism), and symptoms of hyperactivity due to various medication side effects. Table 1 Symptomatic criteria for diagnosing ADHD Attention deficit symptoms Hyperactivity and impulsivity 1. Often do not pay attention to details in study, work or other activities and are prone to errors caused by carelessness 2. Often move their arms and legs or twist around in their seats 3. Often have difficulty in maintaining attention during study or play 4. Often leave their seats without authorization in the classroom or in other situations where they are required to sit properly 5. Inattentive (often distracted when talking, seems to be listening) 6. Often runs around or climbs up and down excessively in inappropriate situations (in adolescents or adults there may be only a subjective feeling of fidgeting) 7. Often fails to complete homework, daily chores, or tasks as instructed (not due to antagonistic behavior or failure to understand) 8. Often fails to play or participate in leisure activities in a quiet manner 9. Often has difficulty in completing Organized, sequential tasks or other activities 10. Often moves constantly, as if driven by a motor 11. Dislikes and is reluctant to engage in things that require sustained energy (e.g., homework or chores), and often tries to avoid them 12. Often talks too much 13. Often loses things that are necessary for learning and activities (e.g., toys, textbooks, pencils, books, or tools) 14. Often rushes to answer questions before they are finished 15. 15. is easily distracted by external stimuli 16. is often unable to wait patiently in line for a turn in an activity 17. often loses track of daily activities 18. often interrupts or interferes with others (e.g., cuts in when others are talking or interferes with other children’s play)