ADHD Diagnosis and Symptoms in Children

Introduction to ADHD Symptoms

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children with ADHD exhibit a persistent pattern of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that interferes with functioning or development across multiple settings, such as home, school, and social environments 1, 2

Children with ADHD often exhibit poor attention to detail, making careless mistakes in schoolwork and other activities, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics 1
The American Academy of Pediatrics notes that children with ADHD may have difficulty concentrating or sustaining attention on tasks or play activities 1

The American Academy of Pediatrics states that children with ADHD often exhibit frequent fidgeting, tapping, or squirming when seated 1
Children with ADHD may have difficulty remaining seated in situations where staying seated is expected, as noted by the American Academy of Pediatrics 1

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children must have at least 6 symptoms from either the inattentive or hyperactive-impulsive categories (5 symptoms for those 17 years or older) to be diagnosed with ADHD 1, 2
Symptoms must be present for at least 6 months, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics 1
The American Academy of Pediatrics notes that several symptoms must be present before age 12 2

The American Academy of Pediatrics defines Predominantly Inattentive Type as 5 or more symptoms of inattention but fewer than 5 symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity 1
The American Academy of Pediatrics defines Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Type as 5 or more symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity but fewer than 5 symptoms of inattention 1
The American Academy of Pediatrics defines Combined Type as 5 or more symptoms of both inattention AND hyperactivity-impulsivity 1

Hyperactive symptoms are often more prominent than inattentive symptoms in preschool children, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics 3
The American Academy of Pediatrics notes that excessive motor activity, difficulty sitting still during activities, and impulsive behaviors are common in preschool children 3

The American Academy of Pediatrics states that learning disabilities and language disorders are common comorbid conditions with ADHD 5
Anxiety and depression are also common comorbid conditions with ADHD, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics 7

Boys are more than twice as likely as girls to receive an ADHD diagnosis, possibly because hyperactive behaviors are more easily observable, as noted by the American Academy of Pediatrics 5
The American Academy of Pediatrics states that girls with ADHD are more likely than boys to have comorbid anxiety or depression 5

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends not relying solely on parent or teacher reports without obtaining information from multiple sources 2
Failing to screen for common comorbid conditions that may alter treatment approach is a diagnostic pitfall to avoid, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics 6