TABLE 1

Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders diagnostic criteria for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in adults4,5

Symptom criteria (minimum 5/9) for inattention
  • Makes careless mistakes when working on boring or difficult tasks

  • Difficulty sustaining attention while working on boring or repetitive tasks

  • Difficulty concentrating on what people say even when spoken to directly

  • Difficulty wrapping-up final details; fails to complete tasks

  • Difficulty with organization and getting tasks in order

  • Avoids or delays tasks requiring sustained mental effort

  • Loses or misplaces personal possessions; difficulty finding things

  • Easily distracted by surrounding activity or noise

  • Forgetful; difficulty remembering appointments or obligations

Symptom criteria (minimum 5/9) for hyperactivity/impulsivity
  • Fidgets or squirms with hands or feet

  • Leaves the seat in meetings or situations where sitting is expected

  • Feels restless or needs to be chronically active

  • Difficulty unwinding, relaxing, or engaging in leisure activities quietly

  • Feels compelled to stay active ("on the go" or "driven by a motor")

  • Talks excessively in social situations

  • Blurts out or finishes sentences of others who are talking

  • Difficulty awaiting turn; has to have demands met immediately

  • Interrupts or intrudes on others when they are busy