ADHD Symptoms

LEARN TO RECOGNIZE ADHD

THE SYMPTOMS OF ADHD FALL UNDER THREE MAIN CATEGORIES:

  • 1

    Inattentiveness 

    Trouble paying attention, focusing, or organizing.

  • 2

    Hyperactivity 

    Highly or excessively active behaviour.

  • 3

    Impulsivity 

    The tendency to act or do things without thinking or caring about the consequences.

These core symptoms of ADHD can occur in everyone occasionally—for example, forgetting or losing items.

However, people with ADHD tend to experience more of these symptoms—much more often. This has a significant impact on their ability to function from the time they get up in the morning until they go to bed at night, every single day. 

For ADHD to be diagnosed, at least 6 symptoms of inattention or 6 symptoms of hyperactivity/​impulsivity must:

  • Be present for at least 6 months
  • Be present in 2 or more settings (e.g., at school/work, at home, and/or while socializing)
  • Impair (cause problems in) daily functioning

In addition, several inattentive or hyperactive-impulsive symptoms must have been present during childhood (before age 12 years).

In older adolescents and adults (17 and older), at least5 symptoms of either type must be present.

ADHD HAS MANY FACES:

  • Not every person with ADHD shows all of the symptoms.
  • Some people have mild symptoms, while others have severe ADHD that results in significant impairments.
  • Symptoms of ADHD can show up differently in children, teens, and adults.

Childhood ADHD Symptoms

Children with ADHD face many challenges and frustrations, as their behaviours are often misunderstood.

Learn more about ADHD in children

Teen ADHD Symptoms

The teenage years are demanding, even for the most well-adjusted adolescents. Teens with ADHD (and their caregivers) face a whole extra set of challenges.

Learn more about ADHD in teens

Adult ADHD Symptoms

Symptoms of ADHD start at an early age, but they may not be noticed until adulthood. Even then, adults who have lived with undiagnosed ADHD may not recognize lifelong challenges as symptoms of ADHD.

Learn more about ADHD in adults