ADHD Symptom Checklist: Using DSM-5 Criteria to Identify ADHD in Children and Adults

Aug 19

5 min read

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder that affects both children and adults. However, recognizing the symptoms can be challenging, especially since they can vary widely from person to person. The DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition) provides clear criteria for diagnosing ADHD, which can be used as a foundation for identifying potential symptoms.

In this post, we’ll provide a comprehensive ADHD symptom checklist based on the DSM-5 criteria. This checklist can be a helpful tool for parents, teachers, and individuals to determine whether further evaluation for ADHD might be necessary. We’ll also include a link to our ADHD test, offering a more detailed assessment aligned with the DSM-5 guidelines.

Why Use an ADHD Symptom Checklist?

An ADHD symptom checklist serves as a preliminary tool to help identify potential signs of ADHD. While it is not a substitute for a professional diagnosis, it can provide valuable insights into whether you or someone you know might need further evaluation.

1. Early Identification:

Recognizing Patterns: The checklist can help you recognize patterns of behavior that align with ADHD symptoms. By identifying these patterns early, you can seek a professional evaluation sooner, which is crucial for effective treatment.
Facilitating Discussions: The checklist can also serve as a conversation starter with healthcare providers, teachers, or family members. It provides a structured way to discuss your concerns and observations.

2. Understanding the DSM-5 Criteria:

Consistency in Diagnosis: The DSM-5 criteria are the gold standard for diagnosing ADHD. By using a checklist based on these criteria, you ensure that the symptoms you’re identifying are consistent with those used by healthcare professionals.
Guiding Further Evaluation: If the checklist suggests the presence of ADHD symptoms, it can guide you toward seeking a comprehensive evaluation from a healthcare provider, who can confirm the diagnosis and recommend appropriate treatment.

ADHD Symptom Checklist for Children

The following checklist is based on the DSM-5 criteria for ADHD in children. If a child exhibits at least six of the symptoms in either the inattention or hyperactivity-impulsivity categories for at least six months, further evaluation by a healthcare professional is recommended.

1. Inattention Symptoms:

Often fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork or other activities.
Often has difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or play activities.
Often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly.
Often does not follow through on instructions and fails to finish schoolwork, chores, or duties.
Often has difficulty organizing tasks and activities.
Often avoids or is reluctant to engage in tasks that require sustained mental effort.
Often loses things necessary for tasks or activities (e.g., school materials, toys).
Is often easily distracted by extraneous stimuli.
Is often forgetful in daily activities.

2. Hyperactivity-Impulsivity Symptoms:

Often fidgets with or taps hands or feet or squirms in seat.
Often leaves seat in situations when remaining seated is expected.
Often runs about or climbs in situations where it is inappropriate.
Often unable to play or engage in leisure activities quietly.
Is often "on the go" or acts as if "driven by a motor."
Often talks excessively.
Often blurts out answers before a question has been completed.
Often has difficulty waiting their turn.
Often interrupts or intrudes on others (e.g., butts into conversations or games).

ADHD Symptom Checklist for Adults

For adults, the criteria are slightly adjusted, requiring at least five symptoms from either the inattention or hyperactivity-impulsivity categories to be present for at least six months.

1. Inattention Symptoms:

Often fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes at work or during other activities.
Often has difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or activities.
Often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly.
Often does not follow through on instructions and fails to finish work projects or chores.
Often has difficulty organizing tasks and activities.
Often avoids or is reluctant to engage in tasks that require sustained mental effort.
Often loses things necessary for tasks or activities (e.g., keys, wallet, paperwork).
Is often easily distracted by extraneous stimuli.
Is often forgetful in daily activities.

2. Hyperactivity-Impulsivity Symptoms:

Often fidgets with or taps hands or feet or squirms in seat.
Often leaves seat in situations when remaining seated is expected.
Often feels restless or has difficulty staying still in situations where it is appropriate.
Often unable to relax or engage in leisure activities quietly.
Is often "on the go" or feels uncomfortable being inactive for long periods.
Often talks excessively.
Often blurts out answers before a question has been completed.
Often has difficulty waiting in line or waiting their turn.
Often interrupts or intrudes on others (e.g., starts using others' belongings without permission).

Using the Checklist: Next Steps

If you or someone you know exhibits several of the symptoms on this checklist, it’s important to consider taking further steps to determine whether ADHD might be present.

1. Consider an ADHD Test:

Objective Assessment: Our ADHD test is designed to evaluate symptoms based on the DSM-5 criteria. Taking this test can provide a more comprehensive assessment and help you determine whether further evaluation by a healthcare provider is warranted.
Identify Areas of Concern: The test results can highlight specific areas of concern, guiding you in discussing these with a healthcare professional.

2. Seek Professional Evaluation:

Consult a Healthcare Provider: If the checklist or test results suggest the presence of ADHD symptoms, the next step is to consult a healthcare provider. They can conduct a thorough evaluation, which may include clinical interviews, behavioral assessments, and standardized tests.
Discuss Treatment Options: If ADHD is diagnosed, the healthcare provider can recommend treatment options tailored to the individual’s needs. This might include medication, behavioral therapy, or lifestyle adjustments.

Take the ADHD Test

If you recognize several of these symptoms in yourself or someone you know, taking our ADHD Test can help you further assess the situation. The test is based on the DSM-5 criteria and provides a detailed evaluation of symptoms, helping you decide whether to seek a professional diagnosis.

1. Begin the Journey:

ADHD Test: Consider taking our ADHD Test to explore whether the symptoms align with ADHD. This test is a helpful tool in understanding your condition and guiding you toward the next steps for diagnosis and treatment.

Conclusion

Recognizing the symptoms of ADHD is the first step toward obtaining an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. The DSM-5 criteria provide a reliable framework for identifying these symptoms, and using a checklist based on these criteria can help you determine whether further evaluation is needed. If you suspect that you or someone you know might have ADHD, taking our ADHD Test can provide valuable insights and guide you toward the appropriate next steps. Early identification and intervention are key to managing ADHD and improving quality of life.