ADHD Definition.
The Best Place to Start

With so many places to get the ADHD definition, there is a lot confusion about what to call it. ADHD, ADD, Attention Deficit Disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder?

Rather than getting stuck on a name I will refer to it as ADHD as much as I can on this website. Letting us focus on the important stuff that helps us all understand and deal with ADHD.
That's the reason you're here right?
For those interested check out ADD vs ADHD for a direct comparison.

This can get a little thick so take your time and read it in stages if you get bogged down by doctor speak. It is a good place to start the discussion of the condition.
This ADHD definition is meant to be used as a reference to become familiar with what the doctors use to make an ADHD diagnosis. When looking through ADHDaction.com if you find an area that is not quite clear.
Click over to the ADHD definition page to more get familiar, then pop back into what you're reading.

Using the DSM-IV (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) as a guide. I pulled out this definition.

Take a deep breath.
Here we go!

ADHD, Combined Type.
This subtypes should be used is six (or more) symptoms of inattention and six (or more) symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity have persisted for the six months. Most children and adolescents with the disorder have the combined type. It is not known whether the same is true for adults with the disorder.

ADHD, Predominantly Inattentive Type.
This subtypes should be used if six (or more) symptoms of inattention (but fewer than six symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity) have persisted for the six months. Hyperactivity may still be a significant clinical feature in many such cases, whereas other cases are more purely inattentive.

ADHD, Predominantly Hyperactive-Compulsive Type.
This subtype should be used if six (or more) symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity (but fewer than six symptoms of inattention) have persisted for at least six months. Inattention may often still be a significant clinical feature in such cases.

Now might be a good time to take a breather and look at some of the other sections of this website. Like famous people with ADHD or read some of my story.
These pages are much easier to read and more fun to!
Hopefully?!?
Then come back to the ADHD definition and read more.

If you're ready for more.
I will go on to describe the criteria for each type of ADHD.

Inattention
(a) often fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes      in school work, work, or other activities
(b) often have difficulty sustaining attention and tasks or play activities
(c) often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly
(d) often does not follow through on instructions and fails to finish school      work, chores, or duties in the workplace (not due to oppositional      behavior or failure to understand instructions)
(e) often have difficulty organizing tasks and activities
(f) often avoids, dislikes, or is reluctant to engage in tasks that require      sustained mental effort (such as schoolwork or homework)
(g) often loses things necessary for tasks or activities (e.g., toys, school      assignments, pencils, books, or tools)
(h) is often easily distracted by extraneous stimuli
(i)  is often forgetful in daily activities

(2) six(or more) of the following symptoms of Hyperactivity-Impulsivity have persisted for the six months to a degree that is maladaptive and inconsistent with developmental level:

Hyperactivity
(a) often fidgets with hands or feet or squirmed in seat
(b) often leaves seat and classroom or in other situations in which      remaining seated is expected
(c) often runs about or climbs excessively in situations in which it is      inappropriate (in adolescents or adults, may be limited to subjective      feelings of restlessness)
(d) often has difficulty playing or engaging in leisure activities quietly
(e) is often “on the go” or often acts as if “driven by a motor”
(f) often talks excessively

Impulsivity
(g) often blurt out answers before questions have been completed
(h) often has difficulty awaiting turn
(i)  often interrupts or intrudes on others (e.g., but into conversations or      games).

C. some impairment from the symptoms is present in two or more settings (e.g., at school [or work] and that home).

D. there must be clear evidence of clinically significant impairment in social, academic, or occupational functioning.

E. the symptoms do not occur exclusively during the course of a Pervasive Developmental Disorder, Schizophrenia, or other Psychotic Disorder and are not better accounted for by another mental disorder (e.g., Mood Disorder, Anxiety Disorder, Disassociative Disorder, or Personality Disorder).

Special note: adolescents and adults who currently have symptoms that no longer meet full criteria,
"In Partial Remission” should be specified.
ADHD Not Otherwise Specified
this category is for disorders with predominant symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity-impulsivity that do not meet criteria for ADHD.
Examples include
1. Individuals who symptoms and impairment meet the criteria for ADHD Predominantly Inattentive Type but whose age at onset is seven years or after.
2. Individuals with clinically significant impairment who present with inattention and whose symptoms pattern does not meet the full criteria for the disorder but have a behavioral pattern marked by sluggishness, daydreaming, and hypoactivity.

In summary:
To fit the ADHD definition you must have this set of symptoms and they must be causing you serious problems with all parts of your life.
If this sounds like you then talking to a doctor about an ADHD diagnosis might be a good idea.

Now let's all go take a nap,
just kidding.

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