# ICD-11 Classification of ADHD (6A05) Canonical: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-is-the-icd-11-classification-for-adhd Publisher: Pinnacle Blooms Network / Bharath Healthcare Laboratories Private Limited 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. *Coding ADHD correctly starts with knowing where WHO placed it in ICD-11 — and how that shifted from the older ICD-10 frame.* ## In short In 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. ## The classification, briefly ADHD (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: - **6A05.0** — predominantly inattentive presentation - **6A05.1** — predominantly hyperactive-impulsive presentation - **6A05.2** — combined presentation - **6A05.Z** — presentation unspecified Key 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. ## When to refer Refer 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. ## The Pinnacle way A 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. ## Trusted sources WHO 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. **Next step —** Refer a child with a suspected ADHD presentation for a clinician-led developmental assessment at [your nearest Pinnacle centre](/behavioural-therapy). This is general information, not a diagnosis — individual assessment and diagnosis require an appropriately qualified healthcare professional. ## Sources - WHO ICD-11 — Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: https://icd.who.int/browse11 - NICE NG87 — ADHD diagnosis and management: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng87 - American Academy of Pediatrics — HealthyChildren.org: https://www.healthychildren.org - CDC — Learn the Signs. Act Early.: https://www.cdc.gov/child-development ## Connected topics and perspectives - Conditions: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/conditions - Doctor: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/lens/stakeholder/doctor - Cognitive: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/lens/domain/cognitive - Definition: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/lens/intent/definition - Screen: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/lens/lifecycle/screen - Behaviour Therapy: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/lens/route/behaviour-therapy - Early Clarity: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/lens/empowerment/early_clarity ## Related question paths ### Understand the subject - What is ADHD, and what are its ICD-11 features in early childhood?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-is-adhd-and-what-are-its-icd-11-features-in-early-childhood - What is the SNOMED CT concept for ADHD?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-is-the-snomed-ct-concept-for-adhd - What is ADHD?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-is-adhd - Which ICF functioning domains does ADHD affect in early childhood?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/which-icf-functioning-domains-does-adhd-affect-in-early-childhood - How does ADHD affect a child's daily life?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/how-does-adhd-affect-a-child-s-daily-life - Is ADHD considered a disability?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/is-adhd-considered-a-disability - Is ADHD genetic or hereditary?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/is-adhd-genetic-or-hereditary - Common myths about ADHD: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-are-common-myths-about-adhd - What are the types or levels of ADHD?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-are-the-types-or-levels-of-adhd - What causes ADHD in children?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-causes-adhd-in-children - Early intervention outcomes for ADHD under 7: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-does-current-research-show-about-early-intervention-outcomes-for-adhd-in-children-under-7 - What other conditions often occur alongside ADHD?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-other-conditions-often-occur-alongside-adhd ### Recognise signs & concerns - Early ADHD Indicators for Paediatricians: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-early-indicators-of-adhd-should-a-paediatrician-watch-for - 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Early signs of ADHD in a 1-year-old girl: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-are-the-early-signs-of-adhd-in-a-1-year-old-girl - Early signs of ADHD in a 12-to-18-month-old: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-are-the-early-signs-of-adhd-in-a-12-to-18-month-old ### Explore causes & influences - Contributing factors for ADHD in early childhood: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-are-the-known-contributing-factors-for-adhd-in-early-childhood - Are boys more likely to have ADHD?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/are-boys-more-likely-to-have-adhd - Are girls more likely to have ADHD?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/are-girls-more-likely-to-have-adhd - Early ADHD Intervention, UN Child Rights & the SDGs: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/how-does-early-intervention-for-adhd-advance-un-child-rights-uncrpd-and-the-sdgs - What causes ADHD in young children?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-causes-adhd-in-young-children - Cost-effectiveness of early therapy for ADHD in young children: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-is-the-cost-effectiveness-of-early-therapy-for-adhd-in-young-children - ADHD prevalence and public-health burden among young children in India: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-is-the-prevalence-and-public-health-burden-of-adhd-among-young-children-in-india ### Understand assessment - ADHD screening and diagnostic pathway in children under 7: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-is-the-recommended-screening-and-diagnostic-pathway-for-adhd-in-children-under-7 - How does AbilityScore track progress in a child with ADHD?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/how-does-abilityscore-track-progress-in-a-child-with-adhd - How is ADHD assessed in a young child?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/how-is-adhd-assessed-in-a-young-child - What an AbilityScore® of 0–100 Means for a Child with ADHD: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-does-an-abilityscore-of-0-100-mean-for-a-child-with-adhd - What does an AbilityScore of 100–200 mean for a child with ADHD?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-does-an-abilityscore-of-100-200-mean-for-a-child-with-adhd - What does an AbilityScore® of 200–300 mean for a child with ADHD?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-does-an-abilityscore-of-200-300-mean-for-a-child-with-adhd - What does an AbilityScore of 300–400 mean for a child with ADHD?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-does-an-abilityscore-of-300-400-mean-for-a-child-with-adhd - What does an AbilityScore of 400–500 mean for a child with ADHD?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-does-an-abilityscore-of-400-500-mean-for-a-child-with-adhd - What does an AbilityScore of 500–600 mean for a child with ADHD?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-does-an-abilityscore-of-500-600-mean-for-a-child-with-adhd - What an AbilityScore of 600–700 Means for a Child with ADHD: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-does-an-abilityscore-of-600-700-mean-for-a-child-with-adhd - AbilityScore 700–800 for a child with ADHD: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-does-an-abilityscore-of-700-800-mean-for-a-child-with-adhd - What does an AbilityScore of 800–900 mean for a child with ADHD?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-does-an-abilityscore-of-800-900-mean-for-a-child-with-adhd ### Explore therapy & support - ICHI Interventions for ADHD in Young Children: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/which-ichi-health-interventions-apply-to-adhd-in-young-children - How Caregivers Can Support a Child with ADHD: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/as-a-grandparent-or-caregiver-how-can-i-support-a-child-with-adhd-day-to-day - Can a child with ADHD attend a mainstream school?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/can-a-child-with-adhd-attend-a-mainstream-school - Can a child with ADHD attend a regular school?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/can-a-child-with-adhd-attend-a-regular-school - Can a child with ADHD grow up to live independently?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/can-a-child-with-adhd-grow-up-to-live-independently - How a classroom teacher can help a child with ADHD learn: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/how-can-a-classroom-teacher-help-a-child-with-adhd-take-part-and-learn - District early intervention for ADHD in under-7s: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/how-can-a-district-early-intervention-programme-identify-and-support-children-under-7-with-adhd - How can a teacher include and support a young child with ADHD in a mainstream classroom?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/how-can-a-teacher-include-and-support-a-young-child-with-adhd-in-a-mainstream-classroom - 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