# What is the SNOMED CT concept for ADHD?

Canonical: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-is-the-snomed-ct-concept-for-adhd
Publisher: Pinnacle Blooms Network / Bharath Healthcare Laboratories Private Limited

In SNOMED CT, ADHD is the concept 'Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (disorder)', SCTID 406506008, the terminology counterpart to WHO ICD-11 6A05 and ICD-10 F90, with subtype descendants for inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive and combined presentations. Always verify against the active national edition.

*A clean terminology crosswalk matters as much as the diagnosis itself — coding ADHD correctly is what makes records, referrals and research interoperable.*

## In short
In **SNOMED CT**, Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is represented by the concept **"Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (disorder)"**, SCTID **406506008**, a child of the disorder hierarchy. This is the clinical-terminology counterpart to **WHO ICD-11 6A05** ("Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder") and the legacy ICD-10 **F90** family. SNOMED CT additionally carries subtype descendants — predominantly inattentive, predominantly hyperactive-impulsive, and combined presentations — for finer-grained documentation. Always verify the active concept and any subtype mapping against your current national SNOMED CT edition, as descriptions and inactivations are revised at each release.

## How the coding fits together
SNOMED CT and ICD-11 serve complementary roles: SNOMED CT is the clinical **reference terminology** for capturing structured findings at the point of care, while ICD-11 (6A05) is the **statistical and reporting classification**. The WHO maintains an ICD-11–SNOMED CT mapping, and most EHRs use SNOMED CT for entry with downstream ICD mapping for claims and surveillance. For ADHD, note that the SNOMED hierarchy distinguishes presentation subtypes as separate descendant concepts rather than as post-coordinated qualifiers in most editions — so when documenting a combined presentation, select the specific child concept rather than the parent where your edition supports it.

Clinically, the code is downstream of the assessment, not a substitute for it: ICD-11 6A05 and NICE NG87 both require that the symptom pattern is pervasive across settings, developmentally inappropriate, and functionally impairing before the concept is applied.

## The Pinnacle way
Coding follows clinical formulation — never the reverse. At Pinnacle Blooms Network, a clinical [AbilityScore®](/ask/what-is-the-abilityscore-and-how-is-it-calculated) and any diagnosis are formed **only at a Pinnacle Blooms Network centre, under qualified clinician care**, never from a form or an app. From there, structured terminology supports clean referrals and a coordinated plan across our network of [70+ centres](/) and our [behavioural and developmental therapy](/behavioural-therapy) pathways.

## Trusted sources
WHO ICD-11 6A05 (Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder); NICE NG87 on ADHD diagnosis and management; American Academy of Pediatrics guidance via HealthyChildren.org; Indian Academy of Pediatrics. SNOMED CT identifiers should be confirmed against your active national edition.

**Next step —** Refer a child with suspected ADHD for structured clinician-led assessment — [partner with a 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 — 6A05 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
- ICD-11 Classification of ADHD (6A05): https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-is-the-icd-11-classification-for-adhd
- 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 ADHD?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-is-adhd
- 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
- Which ICF functioning domains does ADHD affect in early childhood?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/which-icf-functioning-domains-does-adhd-affect-in-early-childhood

### Recognise signs & concerns
- Early ADHD Indicators for Paediatricians: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-early-indicators-of-adhd-should-a-paediatrician-watch-for
- ADHD red flags warranting referral in young children: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-clinical-red-flags-for-adhd-warrant-referral-in-a-young-child
- When should a doctor refer a child with suspected ADHD for developmental therapy?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/when-should-a-doctor-refer-a-child-with-suspected-adhd-for-developmental-therapy
- Can ADHD be cured?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/can-adhd-be-cured
- Can ADHD be prevented?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/can-adhd-be-prevented
- Do boys show ADHD differently?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/do-boys-show-adhd-differently
- Do girls show ADHD differently?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/do-girls-show-adhd-differently
- How a Frontline Health Worker Can Spot Possible ADHD Early: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/how-can-a-frontline-health-worker-spot-a-child-with-possible-adhd-early
- What are the early signs of ADHD?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-are-the-early-signs-of-adhd
- Early Signs of ADHD in a 1-Year-Old Boy: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-are-the-early-signs-of-adhd-in-a-1-year-old-boy
- 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
- Standardised tools for assessing ADHD in early childhood: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/which-standardised-tools-are-used-to-assess-adhd-in-early-childhood
- 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

### 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
- How to Support Cognitive Development in a Child with ADHD: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/how-can-we-support-cognitive-development-in-a-child-with-adhd
- How does therapy help a child with ADHD make progress?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/how-does-therapy-help-a-child-with-adhd-make-progress
- How is ADHD diagnosed in a child?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/how-is-adhd-diagnosed-in-a-child
- How Is ADHD Supported Through Therapy?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/how-is-adhd-supported-through-therapy