- F90
- Childhood & Adolescent Disorders
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 RangeF90-F98
- Subcodes4 subcodes
- Australian PrevalenceADHD 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 PrevalenceWorldwide pooled prevalence approximately 5-7% in children and 2.5-4% in adults.
- Duration RequirementSymptoms 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
- Disturbance of activity and attention (F90.0): combined inattention and hyperactivity
- Hyperkinetic conduct disorder (F90.1): hyperkinetic disorder with conduct disorder
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 | Attention deficit disorder or syndrome with hyperactivity. Corresponds to ADHD, Combined presentation in DSM-5-TR (as ICD-10 requires both inattention and hyperactivity). |
| F90.1 | Hyperkinetic conduct disorder | Hyperkinetic disorder associated with conduct disorder. |
| F90.8 | Other hyperkinetic disorders | Other specified hyperkinetic presentations. |
| F90.9 | Hyperkinetic disorder, unspecified | Hyperkinetic disorder where the specific type is 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.
10 individual + 10 group sessions per calendar year
| 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 |
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.
Grounded Scribe suggests the right MBS item codes from your recording so you can claim accurately without re-keying.
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.
Related Assessment Tools
Other validated instruments commonly used alongside the Hyperkinetic Disorders / ADHD (F90).
Related Diagnostic Codes
ICD-10-AM diagnostic codes commonly associated with the Hyperkinetic Disorders / ADHD (F90).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between hyperkinetic disorder and ADHD?
Hyperkinetic disorder (ICD-10-AM) has stricter criteria than ADHD (DSM-5-TR). Hyperkinetic disorder requires both inattention AND hyperactivity/impulsivity to be present across multiple settings. DSM-5-TR ADHD allows for predominantly inattentive, predominantly hyperactive-impulsive, or combined presentations. Many Australian clinicians diagnose using DSM-5-TR criteria but code using ICD-10-AM.
Can adults be diagnosed with F90?
Yes. While F90 traditionally focused on childhood onset, ADHD/hyperkinetic disorders are increasingly recognised as persisting into adulthood. Adult ADHD diagnosis in Australia typically requires retrospective evidence of childhood symptoms and current functional impairment. The ASRS-6 is a validated adult screening tool.
How is stimulant prescribing regulated in Australia?
Stimulant medications for ADHD require specialist initiation in most Australian states and territories (typically a psychiatrist or paediatrician). Some states require authority prescriptions. After initial stabilisation, GPs may continue prescribing under shared care arrangements, depending on state regulations.
References
- World Health Organization. ICD-10-AM.
- AADPA. Australian Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guideline for ADHD.
- American Psychiatric Association. DSM-5-TR. 2022.
This tool calculates scores based on published guidelines for professional reference. It does not provide clinical diagnoses. Scores are provided as reference information only and should be interpreted by a qualified practitioner in the context of a comprehensive assessment.
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