ADHD Symptom Checklist

Diagnosing ADHD in children involves a thorough process encompassing the recognition of ADHD symptoms, consultation, assessment, and adherence to the diagnostic criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual. Children with ADHD may display inattention and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms, impacting their focus, organization, and daily tasks. If concerned, the initial step is consulting a healthcare provider to discuss symptoms and assess their alignment with ADHD criteria by the American Psychiatric Association. Mental health professionals or primary care providers can conduct a diagnosis.

The assessment involves gathering information from parents, teachers, and caregivers across different settings. The diagnostic criteria, guided by the DSM-5, require symptoms in two or more settings, causing impairment. Six or more symptoms must be present for children aged 4 to 17, while for those 17 and older, five or more symptoms are needed. Additionally, a physical and neurologic examination is conducted by the pediatrician.

ADHD, or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, typically persists throughout life. Although symptoms may change over time, especially in terms of hyperactivity and fidgetiness diminishing with age, ADHD does not generally go away.

Common challenges in ADHD diagnosis include:

• Misinterpreting symptoms, especially inattentive-type ADHD.
• Overlooking co-existing conditions like mood or anxiety disorders.
• Underestimating the lifelong impact of ADHD, extending beyond childhood
• Relying solely on self-reported symptoms, especially in adults who can brush off specific symptoms as careless mistakes
• Not meeting full ADHD criteria may lead to misdiagnosis.