{"h1":"ICD-11 Classification of ADHD (6A05)","faq":[{"a":"ADHD is coded 6A05 in ICD-11-MMS, within the Neurodevelopmental disorders grouping.","q":"What is the ICD-11 code for ADHD?"},{"a":"ICD-10 used the category 'hyperkinetic disorders' (F90). ICD-11 reclassifies the condition as ADHD (6A05) under neurodevelopmental disorders, aligning conceptually with the DSM-5 presentation model and explicitly allowing diagnosis across the lifespan.","q":"How does ICD-11 differ from ICD-10 for ADHD?"},{"a":"ICD-11 defines presentations: predominantly inattentive (6A05.0), predominantly hyperactive-impulsive (6A05.1), combined (6A05.2), and unspecified (6A05.Z).","q":"What are the ICD-11 subtypes of ADHD?"},{"a":"Yes. ICD-11 requires inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity to be directly observable across more than one situation, persistent, developmentally excessive, and functionally impairing.","q":"Does ICD-11 require symptoms in more than one setting?"}],"lang":"en","slug":"what-is-the-icd-11-classification-for-adhd","title":"ICD-11 Classification of ADHD (6A05)","entity":{"key":"adhd","kind":"condition","name":"ADHD","slug":null},"lenses":[{"kind":"stakeholder","label":"Doctor","value":"doctor"},{"kind":"domain","label":"Cognitive","value":"cognitive"},{"kind":"intent","label":"Definition","value":"definition"},{"kind":"lifecycle","label":"Screen","value":"screen"},{"kind":"route","label":"Behaviour-Therapy","value":"behaviour-therapy"},{"kind":"empowerment","label":"Early Clarity","value":"early_clarity"}],"parent":{"key":"conditions","label":"Conditions"},"related":[{"lang":"en","slug":"what-is-adhd","title":"What is ADHD?"},{"lang":"en","slug":"what-is-adhd-and-what-are-its-icd-11-features-in-early-childhood","title":"What is ADHD, and what are its ICD-11 features in early childhood?"},{"lang":"en","slug":"what-early-indicators-of-adhd-should-a-paediatrician-watch-for","title":"Early ADHD Indicators for Paediatricians"},{"lang":"en","slug":"what-is-the-snomed-ct-concept-for-adhd","title":"What is the SNOMED CT concept for ADHD?"},{"lang":"en","slug":"which-icf-functioning-domains-does-adhd-affect-in-early-childhood","title":"Which ICF functioning domains does ADHD affect in early childhood?"},{"lang":"en","slug":"which-ichi-health-interventions-apply-to-adhd-in-young-children","title":"ICHI Interventions for ADHD in Young Children"}],"summary":"In ICD-11-MMS, ADHD is classified under code 6A05 within Neurodevelopmental disorders, replacing the ICD-10 F90 hyperkinetic disorders category. It resolves into inattentive (6A05.0), hyperactive-impulsive (6A05.1), combined (6A05.2) and unspecified (6A05.Z) presentations, defined by cross-situational, developmentally excessive, impairing symptoms.","answer_md":"*Coding ADHD correctly starts with knowing where WHO placed it in ICD-11 — and how that shifted from the older ICD-10 frame.*\n\n## In short\nIn ICD-11-MMS, **Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is classified under code 6A05**, within the grouping of **Neurodevelopmental disorders**. This replaces the ICD-10 category of \"hyperkinetic disorders\" (F90) and aligns conceptually with the DSM-5 presentation model. ICD-11 defines it by a persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that emerges in the developmental period, is excessive for age and developmental level, and impairs functioning across multiple settings.\n\n## The classification, briefly\nADHD (6A05) sits in the ICD-11 chapter on **mental, behavioural and neurodevelopmental disorders**, reflecting its reconceptualisation as a neurodevelopmental condition rather than a disorder \"usually arising in childhood\". The category resolves into recognised presentations:\n\n- **6A05.0** — predominantly inattentive presentation\n- **6A05.1** — predominantly hyperactive-impulsive presentation\n- **6A05.2** — combined presentation\n- **6A05.Z** — presentation unspecified\n\nKey diagnostic principles under ICD-11: symptoms must be **directly observable across more than one situation** (home, school, clinic), present for an extended period (typically several months), and not better accounted for by another condition. Onset is in the developmental period, though ICD-11 — like DSM-5 — explicitly accommodates diagnosis in adolescence and adulthood where the pattern persists.\n\n## When to refer\nRefer for structured developmental and behavioural assessment when inattention, hyperactivity or impulsivity is cross-situational, persistent, and functionally impairing beyond what age and context explain. Corroborate with multi-informant report (caregiver and school), screen for the common comorbidities — specific learning disorder, ASD, anxiety, sleep disturbance — and rule out hearing, vision and absence-seizure mimics before attributing presentation to ADHD alone.\n\n## The Pinnacle way\nA clinical [AbilityScore®](/ask/what-is-the-abilityscore-and-how-is-it-calculated) and any formal diagnosis are established **only at a Pinnacle Blooms Network centre, under qualified clinician care** — never from a code, a form or an app. Our [behavioural therapy](/behavioural-therapy) pathways translate an ICD-11-aligned profile into a measurable, function-first support plan. Explore how [Pinnacle](/) supports neurodevelopmental presentations across 70+ centres.\n\n## Trusted sources\nWHO ICD-11 (entry 6A05, Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder); NICE NG87 on ADHD diagnosis and management; the American Academy of Pediatrics via HealthyChildren.org; and CDC developmental milestone guidance.\n\n**Next step —** Refer a child with a suspected ADHD presentation for a clinician-led developmental assessment at [your nearest Pinnacle centre](/behavioural-therapy).\n\nThis is general information, not a diagnosis — individual assessment and diagnosis require an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.","canonical":"https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-is-the-icd-11-classification-for-adhd","editorial":{"reviewed_at":"2026-06-11T20:12:18.613642+00:00","reviewed_by":null,"developed_by":"SETU Consortium · Pinnacle Blooms Network"},"alternates":[{"href":"https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-is-the-icd-11-classification-for-adhd","lang":"en","indexable":true},{"href":"https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-is-the-icd-11-classification-for-adhd-te","lang":"te","indexable":true}],"dimensions":[{"key":"conditions","label":"Conditions"}],"meta_title":"ICD-11 Classification of ADHD: Code 6A05","meta_robots":"index, follow, max-image-preview:large","everyday_tip":"When coding or referring, gather multi-informant report (caregiver plus school) before attributing presentation to ADHD — single-setting observations are insufficient under ICD-11.","published_at":"2026-06-10T10:52:00.07543+00:00","reading_paths":[{"key":"understand","items":[{"lang":"en","slug":"what-is-adhd-and-what-are-its-icd-11-features-in-early-childhood","title":"What is ADHD, and what are its ICD-11 features in early childhood?","reason":"Linked from this answer"},{"lang":"en","slug":"what-is-the-snomed-ct-concept-for-adhd","title":"What is the 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Act Early."}],"last_reviewed_at":"2026-06-10T10:52:00.07543+00:00","meta_description":"ADHD is coded 6A05 under Neurodevelopmental disorders in ICD-11-MMS, with inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive, combined and unspecified presentations.","related_materials":[],"related_techniques":[]}