For a diagnosis of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, a child's symptoms need to be present for how long across different settings?

A diagnosis of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) requires that symptoms be present in multiple settings, which typically include both home and school environments. This reflects the nature of ADHD as a pervasive disorder that affects a child in various aspects of their life, leading to significant functional impairment.

The requirement for symptoms to be present for at least six months aligns with established diagnostic criteria. This duration ensures that the behaviors are not temporary or situational, but rather indicative of a consistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity.

Symptoms being observed in both school and home settings is critical because ADHD is characterized by challenges that extend beyond one specific context. If a child exhibits symptoms only in one setting, such as school or home, it raises questions about whether the behaviors are truly symptomatic of ADHD or if they may be related to other factors or stressors present in that specific environment.

The other scenarios presented either do not capture the need for symptoms to be evident across multiple settings, do not meet the six-month duration requirement, or are not related to the diagnostic criteria of ADHD. Therefore, the correct answer emphasizes the necessity for a comprehensive evaluation that confirms the disorder is affecting the child's functioning in various environments over an adequate period of time.