F90.0ICD-10-CMAttention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Predominantly Inattentive Type

Official ICD-10-CM descriptor: Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, predominantly inattentive type · Category header, not billable: use a more specific code

Persistent pattern of inattention symptoms, careless mistakes, sustained-attention difficulty, organization problems, distractibility, present for at least six months across two or more settings, without prominent hyperactivity-impulsivity.

Recommended screener

  • Validated screener
    Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS)
    View scale

DSM-5-TR diagnostic criteria summary

F90.0 requires:

  • At least 6 of 9 inattention symptoms (5 for adolescents 17+ and adults), persisting ≥6 months at a level inconsistent with developmental level: failing to attend to detail, difficulty sustaining attention, not listening when spoken to directly, not following through on instructions, organization difficulties, avoiding sustained mental effort, losing things, distractibility, forgetfulness.
  • Hyperactivity-impulsivity criteria NOT met (fewer than 6 hyperactive-impulsive symptoms in past 6 months).
  • Several symptoms present before age 12, supports the developmental nature of ADHD.
  • Symptoms in two or more settings (work, home, school, social).
  • Clear evidence of clinically significant impairment in social, academic, or occupational functioning.
  • Not better explained by another mental disorder (mood, anxiety, dissociative, personality disorder, substance intoxication/withdrawal).

Source: American Psychiatric Association. (2022). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-5-TR), p. 68–76.

Differential diagnosis

  • F90.1 / F90.2, Hyperactive-Impulsive or Combined ADHD; differentiated by symptom cluster predominance.
  • Major Depressive Disorder (F33, F32), concentration difficulty in depression mimics inattention; usually time-limited to depressive episodes.
  • Generalized Anxiety Disorder (F41.1), worry-driven distractibility; differential rests on whether attention deficits exist outside of anxious states.
  • Bipolar Disorder (F31.x), manic/hypomanic episodes can mimic hyperactivity; episodic vs persistent course differentiates.
  • Substance Use Disorders (F10–F19), particularly stimulant use disorder; chronologic relationship between substance use and symptom onset matters.
  • Sleep disorders (sleep apnea, restless legs), chronic sleep deprivation produces ADHD-like inattention.
  • Specific Learning Disorder (F81.x), domain-specific academic difficulties without pervasive attentional problems.

Common comorbidities

Adult ADHD has high lifetime comorbidity. Common co-occurring conditions: Major Depressive Disorder (F33, F32), Generalized Anxiety Disorder (F41.1), Substance Use Disorders (F10–F19, especially alcohol and cannabis), Specific Learning Disorder (F81.x), and Oppositional Defiant Disorder (F91.3) in pediatric presentations. Co-administer PHQ-9, GAD-7, and AUDIT alongside ASRS for comprehensive screening.

Sources

  • American Psychiatric Association. (2022). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-5-TR), F90.0, p. 68–76.
  • Kessler, R. C., et al. (2007). Validity of the World Health Organization Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS) Screener in a representative sample of health plan members. International Journal of Methods in Psychiatric Research, 16(2), 52–65.
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. ICD-10-CM Official Coding Guidelines.

Measurement-based care

…starts with what we measure, and how long.

Frequently asked questions

  • What is ICD-10 code F90.0?

    F90.0 is the ICD-10-CM code for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Predominantly Inattentive Type, the presentation in which six or more inattention symptoms (e.g., careless mistakes, sustained-attention difficulty, organization problems) have persisted for at least six months without prominent hyperactivity-impulsivity.

  • What are the diagnostic criteria for F90.0?

    DSM-5-TR criteria require at least 6 of 9 inattention symptoms (5 in adults age 17+) persisting for ≥6 months, with several symptoms present before age 12, occurring in two or more settings, causing clinically significant impairment, and not better explained by another disorder. F90.0 specifically requires that hyperactivity-impulsivity criteria are NOT met.

  • What scale is used to screen for F90.0 in adults?

    The Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS) Part A is the standard 6-item screener for adult ADHD, with 68.7% sensitivity and 99.5% specificity (Kessler et al., 2007). For retrospective childhood symptoms (required by DSM-5-TR), the Wender Utah Rating Scale (WURS-25) is co-administered.

  • What is the difference between F90.0, F90.1, and F90.2?

    F90.0 is Predominantly Inattentive Type. F90.1 is Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Type. F90.2 is Combined Type (most common in children). Selection depends on which symptom cluster currently predominates over the past six months. Many adults shift from Combined to Inattentive presentation over time as overt hyperactivity decreases.