## DSM-5 Diagnostic Criteria for ADHD: Inattention Threshold **Key Point:** DSM-5 specifies different symptom thresholds for ADHD diagnosis based on age group. For children aged 5–11 years, **at least 6 inattention symptoms** must be present for a minimum of 6 months. ### Age-Based Symptom Thresholds | Age Group | Inattention Symptoms | Hyperactivity-Impulsivity Symptoms | Duration | Onset | |---|---|---|---|---| | **Children 5–11 years** | ≥6 | ≥6 | ≥6 months | Before age 12 | | **Adolescents 12+ and Adults** | ≥5 | ≥5 | ≥6 months | Before age 12 | **High-Yield:** The threshold is **lower for adolescents and adults (5 symptoms each)** compared to younger children (6 symptoms each). This reflects the developmental appropriateness of symptom expression — older individuals may have fewer observable symptoms due to compensatory strategies and maturation. ### Inattention Symptom Pool (9 Total) At least 6 of the following must be present in children 5–11 years: 1. Fails to give close attention to details 2. Difficulty sustaining attention 3. Does not seem to listen when spoken to directly 4. Fails to follow through on instructions 5. Difficulty organizing tasks/activities 6. Avoids tasks requiring sustained mental effort 7. Loses things necessary for tasks 8. Easily distracted by extraneous stimuli 9. Forgetful in daily activities **Clinical Pearl:** The distinction between age groups is clinically important — a 7-year-old with 5 inattention symptoms does NOT meet criteria, but a 13-year-old with the same 5 symptoms DOES meet criteria. **Mnemonic — DSM-5 ADHD Thresholds:** **"Six for the Small, Five for the Tall"** — 6 symptoms for children 5–11 years; 5 symptoms for adolescents/adults. [cite:DSM-5 Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition]
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