Cognitive abnormalities in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

1 COGNITIVE ABNORMALITIES IN ATTENTION DEFICIT HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER 

The DSM-IV (APA, 1994), which distinguishes three subtypes of ADHD a predominantly inattentive type, a predominantly hyperactive impulsive type and a combined type lists nine behavioral criteria of which six must be fulfilled for the diagnostic label of inattention  

In the context of tests of cognitive function, most or all of these behavioral characteristics are likely to interfere with optimal performance. However, poor performance on tests of cognitive function are neither necessary nor sufficient for a diagnosis of ADHD the DSM-IV stipulates that clinically significant impairment in social, academic or occupational functioning (due to the above symptoms) must be notable in two or more settings for a diagnosis of ADHD to be made. 

---