Hyperkinetic Disorders / ADHD (F90)
DSM-5-TR: Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
ICD-10-AM and DSM-5-TR may classify conditions differently. Refer to APA and WHO for complete diagnostic criteria.
Key Facts
ICD-10 Range
F90-F98
Subcodes
4 subcodes
Australian Prevalence
ADHD affects approximately 6-10% of Australian children and 2-5% of adults. Increasingly diagnosed in adults, with growing recognition that symptoms persist beyond childhood.
Global Prevalence
Worldwide pooled prevalence approximately 5-7% in children and 2.5-4% in adults.
Duration Requirement
Symptoms present before age 7 (ICD-10) or 12 (DSM-5-TR). Must be pervasive across multiple settings.
Overview
Hyperkinetic disorders (corresponding to ADHD in DSM-5-TR) are characterised by early onset (usually in the first five years of life), lack of persistence in activities that require cognitive involvement, and a tendency to move from one activity to another without completing any, together with disorganised, ill-regulated, and excessive activity. Several associated abnormalities may exist, including impulsiveness, difficulty waiting turns, and social disinhibition.
Diagnostic Criteria (ICD-10)
Core Features
- Early onset, usually in first five years of life
- Lack of persistence in activities requiring cognitive involvement
- Tendency to move between activities without completion
- Disorganised, ill-regulated, and excessive activity
- Impulsiveness and difficulty waiting turns
- Social disinhibition
Duration
Symptoms present before age 7 (ICD-10) or 12 (DSM-5-TR). Must be pervasive across multiple settings.
Severity Specifiers
Exclusion Criteria
- Anxiety disorders (F41)
- Mood disorders (F30-F39)
- Pervasive developmental disorders (F84)
ICD-10-AM Subcodes
| Code | Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| F90.0 | Disturbance of activity and attention | |
| F90.1 | Hyperkinetic conduct disorder | |
| F90.8 | Other hyperkinetic disorders | |
| F90.9 | Hyperkinetic disorder, unspecified |
Classification Boundaries
Includes
- Attention deficit disorder with hyperactivity
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
- Hyperkinetic syndrome
Excludes1 (coded elsewhere)
- Hyperkinetic disorder associated with conduct disorder (F90.1 — use when both present)
- Anxiety disorders (F41)
- Mood disorders (F30-F39)
- Pervasive developmental disorders (F84)
Australian Clinical Context
ADHD is increasingly recognised and diagnosed in Australia, including in adults. Prescribing of stimulant medications (methylphenidate, dexamphetamine, lisdexamfetamine) is regulated by state/territory health authorities and requires specialist initiation in most jurisdictions. RANZCP and AADPA (Australian ADHD Professionals Association) provide clinical guidance. The ASRS-6 is recommended for adult screening.
Medicare (MBS) Pathways
Better Access to Mental Health Care
The primary Medicare pathway for mental health treatment in Australia. Requires a GP Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP) referral. Available for any clinically diagnosed mental disorder.
| Provider Type | MBS Items | Session Type |
|---|---|---|
| Clinical Psychologist | 80000–80025 | Psychological therapy (higher rebate) |
| Registered Psychologist | 80100–80123 | Focused psychological strategies |
| Occupational Therapist | 80125–80145 | Focused psychological strategies |
| Social Worker | 80150–80175 | Focused psychological strategies |
| Psychiatrist | 291, 296–299, 300–308 | Psychiatric consultation |
Clinical Psychologist
Registered Psychologist
Occupational Therapist
Social Worker
GP referral items: 2700, 2701, 2715, 2717
Eligibility: Any clinically diagnosed mental disorder as defined by WHO ICD-10 Chapter V. Requires a GP or psychiatrist referral.
Exclusions:
- Intellectual disability (use Complex Neurodevelopmental Disorder pathway or specialist referral)
- Dementia and organic mental disorders (use specialist referral pathway)
- Tobacco use disorder
ADHD is excluded from CND items (82000 series). Standard Better Access pathway applies for psychological treatment. Medication management is through paediatrician or psychiatrist consultation items.
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Reference information sourced from MBS Online (mbsonline.gov.au). Item availability, rebates, and eligibility criteria may change. This is not billing advice — always verify current items before claiming. Last verified: April 2026.
Clinical Documentation Notes
ICD-10-AM "Hyperkinetic disorders" have stricter criteria than DSM-5-TR ADHD — ICD-10-AM requires both inattention AND hyperactivity, while DSM-5-TR allows predominantly inattentive presentation. In Australian practice, clinicians commonly use DSM-5-TR criteria for diagnosis while using ICD-10-AM codes for hospital and billing records. The ASRS-6 is a useful adult screening tool.
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Related Diagnostic Codes
ICD-10-AM diagnostic codes commonly associated with the Hyperkinetic Disorders / ADHD (F90).
Frequently Asked Questions
References
- World Health Organization. ICD-10-AM.
- AADPA. Australian Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guideline for ADHD.
- American Psychiatric Association. DSM-5-TR. 2022.
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