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Klaus Vedfelt / Getty ImagesAttention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects around 9.8% of children.ADHD symptoms in kidsinclude inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. This condition is not always easy to diagnose, however, as many of the symptoms are commonly mistaken for “normal” childhood rambunctiousness.Even physicians can have difficulty with diagnosis given that there is no single test that can diagnose ADHD. Ultimately, to make the distinction, pediatricians run through a checklist of characteristic symptoms to determine whether the child meets the criteria for ADHD as outlined in the American Psychiatric Association’sDiagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5).Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) Overview
Klaus Vedfelt / Getty Images
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects around 9.8% of children.ADHD symptoms in kidsinclude inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. This condition is not always easy to diagnose, however, as many of the symptoms are commonly mistaken for “normal” childhood rambunctiousness.
Even physicians can have difficulty with diagnosis given that there is no single test that can diagnose ADHD. Ultimately, to make the distinction, pediatricians run through a checklist of characteristic symptoms to determine whether the child meets the criteria for ADHD as outlined in the American Psychiatric Association’sDiagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5).
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) Overview
Distinguishing Between the Types of ADHDADHD 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 behaviors in these categories are appropriate for the child’s developmental age.The range of symptoms can vary from child to child and lead to a variety of diagnoses broadly classified as follows:Inattentive type ADHDdescribes a child who has trouble paying attention but isn’t hyperactive or impulsive.Hyperactive-impulsive type ADHDis defined as excessive restlessness, rashness, and fidgetiness without the characteristic lack of focus.Combined type ADHDhas characteristics of both.
Distinguishing Between the Types of ADHD
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 behaviors in these categories are appropriate for the child’s developmental age.
The range of symptoms can vary from child to child and lead to a variety of diagnoses broadly classified as follows:
Checklist for ADHD Inattention SymptomsAccording to the DSM-5, inattention can be diagnosed in children under age 16 if they exhibit six or more of the following symptoms (diagnosis only requires five or more symptoms for adolescents 17 and older):Often fails to pay attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork or other activitiesOften has trouble holding attention on tasks or during play activitiesOften does not seem to listen when spoken to directlyOften does not follow through on instructions orfails to finish schoolwork or choresOften has trouble organizing tasks and activitiesOften avoids, dislikes, or is reluctant to do tasks that require mental effort over long periods of timeOften loses things needed to complete tasks or activitiesIs easily distractedIs oftenforgetful in daily activities
Checklist for ADHD Inattention Symptoms
According to the DSM-5, inattention can be diagnosed in children under age 16 if they exhibit six or more of the following symptoms (diagnosis only requires five or more symptoms for adolescents 17 and older):
Checklist for ADHD Hyperactivity SymptomsSimilarly, hyperactivity and impulsivity can be diagnosed in children if they exhibit six or more of the following symptoms (or five or more symptoms for individuals 17 and older):Often blurts out an answer before a question has been completedOften fidgetswith their hands or feet or squirms whenever seatedOften leave their seat despite being told to 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 drivenOftentalks excessivelyOften have trouble waiting for their turnOften interruptsor intrudes on other’s conversations or activitiesHow Are ADHD Symptoms in Adults Different?ADHD often first appears in childhood and may persist into adulthood, although research suggests that only 17% of kids with ADHD still have the disorder as adults.Symptoms may also be different in adulthood. Hyperactivity is more common in children, for example, but more likely to present as restlessness in adulthood.Are ADD and ADHD the Same Condition?
Checklist for ADHD Hyperactivity Symptoms
Similarly, hyperactivity and impulsivity can be diagnosed in children if they exhibit six or more of the following symptoms (or five or more symptoms for individuals 17 and older):
How Are ADHD Symptoms in Adults Different?ADHD often first appears in childhood and may persist into adulthood, although research suggests that only 17% of kids with ADHD still have the disorder as adults.Symptoms may also be different in adulthood. Hyperactivity is more common in children, for example, but more likely to present as restlessness in adulthood.
How Are ADHD Symptoms in Adults Different?
ADHD often first appears in childhood and may persist into adulthood, although research suggests that only 17% of kids with ADHD still have the disorder as adults.Symptoms may also be different in adulthood. Hyperactivity is more common in children, for example, but more likely to present as restlessness in adulthood.
Are ADD and ADHD the Same Condition?
Defining ADHD Combined Type
ADHD Symptoms in Girls vs. BoysResearch suggests that ADHD often presents differently in girls and boys. Whileboys with ADHDare more likely to have hyperactive/impulsive or combined-type presentations, girls are more likely to have inattentive ADHD.Boys are also more likely to exhibit externalizing symptoms associated with ADHD such as acting out and being aggressive. They may also have hyperactive or impulsive symptoms such as constantly moving, interrupting others, and engaging in physical actions at inappropriate times.Conversely, girls with ADHD are more likely to experience inattentive symptoms such as not paying attention, not listening, being easily distracted, and losing focus. Other symptomsof ADHD in girlscan include being withdrawn, disorganized, unmotivated, shy, and getting easily upset.Because boys' symptoms tend to be more disruptive, they are often diagnosed with the condition more frequently than girls.Girls' symptoms such as shyness and daydreaming are often seen as personality characteristics, so they are often missed, making them less likely to get help.If left untreated, ADHD can create issues later in life. For instance, one study found that when childhood ADHD persisted over time, females were more likely toengage in self-harmand faced impairments both socially and in their work.When ADHD Goes Untreated
ADHD Symptoms in Girls vs. Boys
Research suggests that ADHD often presents differently in girls and boys. Whileboys with ADHDare more likely to have hyperactive/impulsive or combined-type presentations, girls are more likely to have inattentive ADHD.
Boys are also more likely to exhibit externalizing symptoms associated with ADHD such as acting out and being aggressive. They may also have hyperactive or impulsive symptoms such as constantly moving, interrupting others, and engaging in physical actions at inappropriate times.
Conversely, girls with ADHD are more likely to experience inattentive symptoms such as not paying attention, not listening, being easily distracted, and losing focus. Other symptomsof ADHD in girlscan include being withdrawn, disorganized, unmotivated, shy, and getting easily upset.
Because boys' symptoms tend to be more disruptive, they are often diagnosed with the condition more frequently than girls.Girls' symptoms such as shyness and daydreaming are often seen as personality characteristics, so they are often missed, making them less likely to get help.
If left untreated, ADHD can create issues later in life. For instance, one study found that when childhood ADHD persisted over time, females were more likely toengage in self-harmand faced impairments both socially and in their work.
When ADHD Goes Untreated
Getting an ADHD Diagnosis
For ADHD to be definitively diagnosed, symptoms must meet four key criteria:
Testing for ADHD
Additional Help for ADHDIf a child is diagnosed with ADHD, their healthcare provider can determine atreatment planthat is right for their needs. This treatment may include medication, psychotherapy, or a combination of the two. Other strategies can also be helpful, including behavioral approaches, parent training, and social skills training.Parents may also find it beneficial to join asupport group for parents of children with ADHD. It’s also important to help the child learn more about their diagnosis and treatment plan.Working with the child’s physician or therapist, having conversations with the child, and looking for positive role models can be helpful. The child may find it helpful to know that there are many famous people with this condition, including celebrities and athletes. Help them recognize thestrengths of people with ADHD.Going through a checklist for ADHD can help us better understand some of the symptoms of ADHD in children. However, if ADHD is suspected, the next step is to talk to a healthcare professional for further evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment.Living With ADHD: Strategies for Well-Being
Additional Help for ADHD
If a child is diagnosed with ADHD, their healthcare provider can determine atreatment planthat is right for their needs. This treatment may include medication, psychotherapy, or a combination of the two. Other strategies can also be helpful, including behavioral approaches, parent training, and social skills training.
Parents may also find it beneficial to join asupport group for parents of children with ADHD. It’s also important to help the child learn more about their diagnosis and treatment plan.
Working with the child’s physician or therapist, having conversations with the child, and looking for positive role models can be helpful. The child may find it helpful to know that there are many famous people with this condition, including celebrities and athletes. Help them recognize thestrengths of people with ADHD.
Going through a checklist for ADHD can help us better understand some of the symptoms of ADHD in children. However, if ADHD is suspected, the next step is to talk to a healthcare professional for further evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment.
Living With ADHD: Strategies for Well-Being
7 Sources
Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): Data and statistics.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): Symptoms and diagnosis.
National Institute of Mental Health.Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.
Cleveland Clinic.Are adult and childhood ADHD different conditions?
Leahy LG.Diagnosis and treatment of ADHD in children vs adults: What nurses should know.Arch Psychiatr Nurs. 2018;32(6):890-895. doi:10.1016/j.apnu.2018.06.013
Mowlem F, Angew-Blais J, Taylor E, Asherson P.Do different factors influence whether girls versus boys meet ADHD diagnostic criteria? Sex differences among children with high ADHD symptoms.Psychiatry Res. 2019;272:765-773. doi:10.1016/j.psychres.2018.12.128
American Psychiatric Association.Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders:DSM-5-TR.
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