Table 1 DSM-5 symptom criteria for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder [5]
Inattentive symptoms | Hyperactivity symptoms |
|---|---|
• Fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork, work, or during other activities • Has difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or play activities • Does not seem to listen when spoken to directly • Does not follow through on instructions and fails to finish schoolwork, chores, or duties in the workplace | • Fidgets with or taps hands or feet or squirms in seat • Leaves seat in situations when remaining seated is expected • Runs about or climbs, or is restless in situations where it is inappropriate • Unable to play or engage in leisure activities quietly • “On the go” acting as if “driven by a motor” • Talks excessively Impulsivity symptoms • Blurts out answers before questions have been completed • Has difficulty waiting turn • Interrupts or intrudes on others |
• Has difficulty organising tasks and activities | |
• Avoids, dislikes, or is reluctant to engage in tasks that require sustained mental effort • Often loses things necessary for tasks or activities • Easily distracted by extraneous stimuli • Forgetful in daily activities | |
Associated features supporting the diagnosis | |
- Emotional dysregulation (low frustration tolerance, emotional over-reactivity, or mood lability, as featured in the Wender-Utah adult ADHD criteria)a - Mild delays in language, motor, or social development - Impaired academic or work performancea - Increased risk of suicide attempts by early adulthood, primarily when comorbid with mood, conduct or substance use disordersa | |