## DSM-5 ADHD Diagnostic Criteria — Symptom Threshold **Key Point:** DSM-5 requires a minimum of **6 inattention symptoms** (out of 9 listed) for children aged 17 years and younger to meet the inattentive presentation of ADHD. ### DSM-5 Diagnostic Thresholds by Age | Criterion | Children ≤17 years | Adults ≥18 years | | --- | --- | --- | | **Inattention symptoms** | ≥6 of 9 | ≥5 of 9 | | **Hyperactivity-Impulsivity symptoms** | ≥6 of 9 | ≥5 of 9 | | **Duration** | ≥6 months | ≥6 months | | **Onset** | Before age 12 | Before age 12 | | **Functional impairment** | Present in ≥2 settings | Present in ≥2 settings | **High-Yield:** The threshold is **lower for adults (5 symptoms) than for children (6 symptoms)** — this reflects developmental normalization of ADHD symptoms with age and the need for stricter criteria in children to avoid overdiagnosis. ### The Nine Inattention Symptoms (DSM-5) 1. Fails to give close attention to details 2. Difficulty sustaining attention 3. Does not seem to listen 4. Fails to follow through on instructions 5. Difficulty organizing tasks 6. Avoids tasks requiring sustained mental effort 7. Loses things necessary for tasks 8. Easily distracted 9. Forgetful in daily activities **Clinical Pearl:** A child with only 5 inattention symptoms does NOT meet criteria for ADHD, even if symptoms are severe and cause significant impairment — the threshold is categorical, not dimensional. [cite:DSM-5 Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition]
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