Essentials for TCM diagnosis 
According to the international standard diagnostic criteria, these children should have the three characteristics of distractibility, susceptibility to impetuosity and wilfulness as well as hyperkinesia.

Distractibility (at least with 3 of the following items): 1. The child often can start well but cannot end well; 2. The child often cannot focus on listening to a lecture; 3. The child readily shifts his or her attention as the environment changes; 4. The child has difficulty in concentrating his or her mind on homework and doing other things which need prolonged attention; 5. The child has difficulty in sticking to one game or play.

Susceptibility to impetuousness and wilfulness (at least with 3 of the following items) : 1. The child tends to do whatever he or she wants; 2. The child shifts from one activity to another extremely frequently; 3. The child fails to do everything methodically; 4. The child needs other people's supervision and care; 5. The child often shouts aloud suddenly in classroom; 6. The child cannot wait patiently for his turn when playing games or attending collective activities.

Hyperkinesia (with at least 3 of the following items): 1. The child sits and stands restlessly; 2. The child often runs; 3. The child has difficulty in staying in the seat in classroom; 4. The child often tosses and turns while lying in bed; 5. The child is always busy all day; 6. Hyperactive symptoms begin to appear below the age of 7; 7. The symptoms last at least for 6 months.