How many ADHD symptoms are needed for a diagnosis?

Under DSM-5, children up to age 16 need six or more symptoms in either the inattention or hyperactivity-impulsivity list; adolescents 17 and older and adults need five or more. Symptoms must have been present for at least six months, several must have appeared before age 12, and they must show up in two or more settings and clearly interfere with functioning.

Is this ADHD checklist a diagnosis?

No. The checklist organizes the DSM-5 symptom criteria so you can prepare for an evaluation. Only a licensed clinician can diagnose ADHD, and a proper evaluation also rules out anxiety, depression, trauma, sleep disorders, and learning differences that produce the same symptoms.

Printable ADHD Symptom Checklist (DSM-5) for Adults & Children

This checklist lists the 18 symptoms clinicians use under the DSM-5 to evaluate ADHD, written in plain language. Check each one that has been true often over the past six months. Print it, or fill it in on screen and print the result, and bring it to your evaluation or your child’s pediatrician. It is a preparation tool, not a diagnosis.

Part 1: Inattention

Often misses details or makes careless mistakes at school, work, or in other activitiesOften has trouble keeping attention on tasks or play, including long reading or conversationsOften does not seem to listen when spoken to directly; mind seems elsewhereOften starts tasks but loses focus and fails to finish schoolwork, chores, or job dutiesOften has difficulty organizing tasks, materials, time, and deadlinesOften avoids or dislikes tasks that require sustained mental effort (homework, forms, reports)Often loses things needed for tasks: keys, phone, wallet, paperwork, glassesOften easily distracted by outside stimuli or, in adults, by unrelated thoughtsOften forgetful in daily activities: chores, errands, returning calls, paying bills, appointments

Part 2: Hyperactivity and impulsivity

In teens and adults, hyperactivity usually shows up as inner restlessness rather than running or climbing.

Often fidgets, taps hands or feet, or squirms in seatOften leaves seat when remaining seated is expectedOften runs or climbs where inappropriate; in teens and adults, feels restlessOften unable to play or do leisure activities quietlyOften "on the go," as if driven by a motor; uncomfortable being still for longOften talks excessivelyOften blurts out answers before a question is finished; finishes others’ sentencesOften has difficulty waiting for a turn, such as in lineOften interrupts or intrudes on others: conversations, games, or activities

Part 3: Context

Several symptoms were present before age 12Symptoms have lasted at least six monthsSymptoms appear in two or more settings (home, school, work, relationships)Symptoms clearly interfere with school, work, or relationshipsSymptoms are not better explained by anxiety, depression, trauma, a sleep disorder, a medical condition, or substance use

Your result

Inattention: 0 of 9 · Hyperactivity/impulsivity: 0 of 9 · Context: 0 of 5

Check the boxes above to see where you land.

Your count updates as you go. Nothing you check is saved or sent anywhere.

This checklist is an educational tool, not a diagnosis. It cannot tell ADHD apart from anxiety, depression, trauma, sleep problems, or other conditions that produce the same symptoms. Only a qualified clinician can diagnose ADHD after a full evaluation.

How to read your count

Children through age 16: six or more checks in Part 1, Part 2, or both, plus every item in Part 3, meets the symptom threshold. Age 17 and adults: five or more. Meeting the threshold does not mean you have ADHD; it means a full evaluation is warranted. Anxiety, depression, trauma, sleep apnea, thyroid problems, and learning disabilities all produce checks on this list, and telling them apart is the point of testing.

Bring to your appointment

This checklist. Report cards or performance reviews, especially older ones. A list of current medications and sleep habits. If you are a parent, a note from a teacher. If you are an adult, ask someone who knew you as a child to fill out a copy from memory; it is one of the most useful pieces of collateral information in an evaluation.

Symptom descriptions paraphrase the DSM-5-TR criteria for ADHD (American Psychiatric Association, 2022). Prepared by Dr. Andrew Wichterman, PhD, LPC. Educational content only; not a substitute for individual assessment. Last reviewed September 9, 2026.

Wondering whether it’s ADHD?

Take the free 5-minute screener, or learn about comprehensive ADHD testing in Grand Rapids and Byron Center, Michigan, and virtually statewide.

Free ADHD screener ADHD testing Printable symptom checklist

ADHD symptom checklist for adults, teens, and children

Part 1: Inattention

Part 2: Hyperactivity and impulsivity

Part 3: Context

How to read your count

Bring to your appointment