For ADHD, which combination best describes diagnostic criteria?

For ADHD, which combination best describes diagnostic criteria?

• A. Onset after age 18; single setting
• B. Symptoms before age 12 and in at least two settings for at least 6 months
• C. Symptoms only during school hours for 3 months
• D. Symptoms include mood swings and hallucinations

Answer: (B)

ADHD is defined by symptoms that begin in childhood, occur in more than one setting, and persist for a substantial period with clear impairment. The description that matches this is the one where symptoms start before age 12, are present in at least two settings, and endure for at least six months. This combination shows both early onset and cross-context pervasiveness, plus a chronic duration that supports a persistent disorder rather than a situational issue. The other descriptions miss key parts: onset after age 18 contradicts the childhood onset requirement; showing symptoms in only a single setting misses the cross-situational pervasiveness; symptoms confined to school hours for only 3 months fail the duration criterion; and including mood swings or hallucinations points to other types of disorders rather than ADHD.

ADHD is defined by symptoms that begin in childhood, occur in more than one setting, and persist for a substantial period with clear impairment. The description that matches this is the one where symptoms start before age 12, are present in at least two settings, and endure for at least six months. This combination shows both early onset and cross-context pervasiveness, plus a chronic duration that supports a persistent disorder rather than a situational issue.

The other descriptions miss key parts: onset after age 18 contradicts the childhood onset requirement; showing symptoms in only a single setting misses the cross-situational pervasiveness; symptoms confined to school hours for only 3 months fail the duration criterion; and including mood swings or hallucinations points to other types of disorders rather than ADHD.