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What Are the Main Diagnostic Criteria for ADHD Combined Type? 

PostedJuly 24, 2025
UpdatedSeptember 17, 2025
ByMy Patient Advice

People are diagnosed with ADHD Combined Type if they display a combination of inattentive and hyperactive impulsive symptoms. The most common presentation of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) reflects challenges with focus, organisation, restlessness, and impulsivity among other traits. The DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) specifies that ADHD Combined Type must have mandatory criteria for each symptom category. 

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What Does ‘Combined Type’ Mean? 

To meet the diagnostic criteria for combined type ADHD, a person must show: 

  • Children: At least six signs of hyperactivity-impulsivity and six signs of inattention. 
  • Adults (17+): Every category should include at least five symptoms. 

It is necessary that these symptoms have been present for at least six months and noticeably affect a person’s daily life or development in several contexts such as home, work, or school. This classification ensures that both inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive traits are evaluated in diagnosis. 

How Is It Diagnosed? 

When a person is diagnosed with ADHD Combined Type, the following is involved: 

  • Carrying out interviews that follow a set structure with the individual and their caregivers. 
  • Using questionnaires and checklists for behavior. 
  • Feedback from family, work, or educational environments. 

Additionally, medical professionals will rule out other conditions like anxiety or learning disorders that can mimic symptoms of ADHD. The NHS or private services like ADHD Certify, which provide specialised assessments, can be used to make the diagnosis. 

What To Do If You Recognise These Signs 

It is important to take the next step toward understanding symptoms if you or your child exhibit signs of ADHD Combined Type. To determine if ADHD is likely, you can begin by completing our free self-assessment tool. The best course of action is to seek a formal diagnosis from a specialist if the results indicate a strong match. To help you proceed with clarity and support, ADHD Certify provides some of the most reliable and reasonably priced private ADHD assessments in the UK for both adults and children as of the time this article was published. 

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Victoria Rowe, MSc, author for my patient advice - mypatientadvice.co.uk

Victoria Rowe, MSc

Author

Victoria Rowe is a health psychologist with a Master’s in Health Psychology and a BS in Applied Psychology. She has experience as a school psychologist, conducting behavioural assessments, developing individualized education plans (IEPs), and supporting children’s mental health. Dr. Rowe has contributed to peer-reviewed research on mental health, including studies on anxiety disorders and the impact of COVID-19 on healthcare systems. Skilled in SPSS, Minitab, and academic writing, she is committed to advancing psychological knowledge and promoting well-being through evidence-based practice.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the author's privacy. 

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS, author and a reviewer for my patient advice - mypatientadvice.co.uk

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

Reviewer

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez is a UK-trained physician with an MBBS and experience in general surgery, cardiology, internal medicine, gynecology, intensive care, and emergency medicine. She has managed critically ill patients, stabilised acute trauma cases, and provided comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care. In psychiatry, Dr. Fernandez has worked with psychotic, mood, anxiety, and substance use disorders, applying evidence-based approaches such as CBT, ACT, and mindfulness-based therapies. Her skills span patient assessment, treatment planning, and the integration of digital health solutions to support mental well-being.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the reviewer's privacy. 

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