ADHD Symptoms Checklist of ADHD Symptoms in Children Diagnosis is made based on types, impact, and duration of problematic behavior By Vincent Iannelli, MD facebook Vincent Iannelli, MD, is a board-certified pediatrician and fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics. Dr. Iannelli has cared for children for more than 20 years. Learn about our editorial process Vincent Iannelli, MD Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD on December 18, 2015 Steven Gans, MD is board-certified in psychiatry and is an active supervisor, teacher, and mentor at Massachusetts General Hospital. Learn about our Review Board Steven Gans, MD Updated on February 04, 2020 Print Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a condition that people discuss a lot these days, often ascribing the term casually to persons who seem unusually frenetic, "flaky," or scattered. But, as a medical condition, it is not so easily ascribed. Parents will often struggle to distinguish between what might be considered "normal" rambunctiousness and inattention and the genuine inability to sit still and focus. Even untrained physicians can have difficulty with this given that there is no single test that can diagnose ADHD or similar behavioral or learning disorders. Ultimately, to make the distinction, pediatricians will run through a checklist of characteristic symptoms to determine whether the child meets the criteria for ADHD as outlined in the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). Distinguishing Between the Types of ADHD Andrew Olney / Getty Images ADHD symptoms are typically grouped into two major categories: inattention (the inability to stay focused) and hyperactivity-impulsivity (impulsive behaviors that are excessive and disruptive). The determination of ADHD is largely based on whether the behaviors are appropriate or inappropriate for the child's developmental age. The range of symptoms can vary from child to child and lead to a variety of different diagnoses broadly classified as follows: Predominantly inattentive type ADHD describes a child who has trouble paying attention but isn't hyperactive or impulsive.Predominantly hyperactive-impulsive type ADHD defined as excessive restlessness, rashness, and fidgetiness without the characteristic lack of focus.Combined type ADHD which has characteristics of both. How ADHD Combined Type Has Both Inattention and Hyperactivity Checklist of Inattention Symptoms Brad Wilson/Image Bank/Getty Images According to the DSM-5, inattention can be diagnosed if there are six or more characteristic symptoms in children up to the age of 16 or five or more symptoms for adolescents 17 and older, as follows: Often fails to pay attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork or other activitiesOften has trouble holding attention on tasks or play activitiesOften does not seem to listen when spoken to directlyOften does not follow through on instructions or fails to finish schoolwork or choresOften has trouble organizing tasks and activitiesOften avoids, dislikes, or is reluctant to do tasks that require mental effort over a long period of timeOften loses things needed to complete tasks or activitiesIs easily distractedIs often forgetful in daily activities. Checklist for Hyperactivity Symptoms CaiaImage/Getty Images According to the DSM-5, hyperactivity and impulsivity can be diagnosed if there are six or more symptoms in children up to the age of 16 or five or more symptoms for adolescents 17 and older, as follows: Often blurts out an answer before a question has been completedOften fidgets with the hands or feet or squirms whenever seatedOften leaves his or her seat despite being told sit stillOften runs or climbs in situations where it is not appropriateOften unable to play or take part in leisure activities quietlyIs often “on the go" as if unnaturally drivenOften talks excessivelyOften has trouble waiting for his or her turnOften interrupts or intrudes on other's conversations or activities Is ADD the Same Thing as ADHD? Completing the Diagnosis Hero Images/Getty Images In order for ADHD to be definitely definitively diagnosis, the symptoms must meet four key criteria outlined in the DSM-5: The inattentive or hyperactive-impulsive symptoms must have been present before the age of 12.The symptoms must be present in two or more settings, such as at home, with friends, or in school.The symptoms must interfere with or reduce the quality of the child's ability to function at school, in social situations, or when performing normal, everyday tasksThe symptoms cannot be explained any other mental condition (such as a mood disorder) or occur as part of a schizophrenic or psychotic episode. How Is ADHD Diagnosed? Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Learn the best ways to manage stress and negativity in your life. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit Article Sources Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. National Institute of Mental Health. Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. September 2019. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th Ed). Washington DC: American Psychiatric Association; 2013.