ADHD
Symptoms
Complete list of symptoms recognized by DSM-5 and ICD-11, with Arabic versions and prevalence levels. These criteria apply to both adults and children, with variations in expression depending on age.
DSM-5 Diagnostic Criteria
For an ADHD diagnosis, at least 5 symptoms (6 under age 17) are required in at least one domain (inattention or hyperactivity/impulsivity), persisting for more than 6 months, present in at least 2 settings, and causing distress or impairment in functioning.
Inattention
9 DSM-5 criteriaInattention in ADHD is not a lack of willpower. It is a neurological inability to maintain brain activation on low-stimulation tasks.
Frequent careless mistakes in work or other activities
أخطاء متكررة بسبب قلة الانتباه في العمل أو الأنشطة
Difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or play activities
صعوبة في الحفاظ على الانتباه في المهام أو أنشطة اللعب
Often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly
يبدو أنه لا يستمع عندما يتحدث إليه مباشرة
Fails to follow through on instructions and finish tasks
لا يتبع التعليمات ولا يكمل المهام
Difficulty organizing tasks and activities
صعوبة في تنظيم أنشطته ومهامه
Avoids or dislikes tasks requiring sustained mental effort
يتجنب أو يؤدي بإكراه المهام التي تتطلب جهدًا ذهنيًا مستمرًا
Loses items necessary for tasks or activities (keys, phone, glasses)
يفقد الأشياء الضرورية لأنشطته (مفاتيح، هاتف، نظارات)
Easily distracted by external stimuli
ينشغل بسهولة بالمثيرات الخارجية
Frequently forgetful in daily activities (appointments, chores)
ينسى كثيرًا الأنشطة اليومية (المواعيد، الالتزامات)
Hyperactivity & Impulsivity
9 DSM-5 criteriaIn adults, motor hyperactivity often transforms into internal restlessness, an uncontrollable flow of thoughts, and an urgent need to act.
Often fidgets with or taps hands or feet, or squirms in seat
كثيرًا ما يحرك يديه أو قدميه، أو يتقلب في مقعده
Often leaves seat in situations when remaining seated is expected
كثيرًا ما يغادر مقعده في مواقف يُفترض أن يبقى فيها جالسًا
Runs or climbs in inappropriate situations (in adults: feelings of restlessness)
يجري أو يتسلق في مواقف غير ملائمة (لدى البالغين: الشعور بالإثارة)
Unable to play or engage in leisure activities quietly
عاجز عن الانخراط بهدوء في أنشطة ترفيهية
Often "on the go" or acts as if "driven by a motor"
كثيرًا ما يكون "على أهبة الاستعداد" أو يتصرف كما لو كان "محمولاً بنابض"
Often talks excessively
كثيرًا ما يتكلم بإفراط
Blurs out answers before questions have been completed
يُفلت بإجابة قبل أن تُكمل السؤال
Often has difficulty waiting for their turn
كثيرًا ما يجد صعوبة في انتظار دوره
Often interrupts or intrudes on others (butts into conversations)
كثيرًا ما يقاطع الآخرين أو يقتحم (يتدخل في المحادثات)
Executive Dysfunction
Very common in adultsNot listed as a DSM-5 criterion but central to adult ADHD: executive dysfunction affects planning, prioritization, and time management.
Chronic procrastination even on important tasks
التسويف المزمن حتى في المهام المهمة
Chaotic time management (consistently underestimating task duration)
إدارة الوقت الفوضوية (يقلل دائمًا من تقدير مدة المهام)
Difficulty initiating tasks (even desired ones)
صعوبة في البدء بالمهام (حتى تلك المرغوبة)
Paradoxical hyperfocus on topics of interest
التركيز المفرط المتناقض على موضوعات الاهتمام
Poor working memory (forgetting what was just said or read)
ضعف الذاكرة العاملة (ينسى ما قيل أو قُرئ للتو)
Difficulty with planning and prioritization
صعوبات في التخطيط وترتيب الأولويات
Emotional dysregulation (disproportionate reactions)
تنظيم عاطفي مضطرب (ردود فعل غير متناسبة)
Low frustration tolerance
تحمل منخفض للإحباط
Common Comorbidities
ADHD rarely presents alone. Comorbidities can mask or amplify symptoms.
Natural Support by Symptom
Which dietary supplements target specific symptoms.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main symptoms of ADHD?
The DSM-5 recognizes 18 symptoms divided into two categories: 9 for inattention and 9 for hyperactivity/impulsivity. A diagnosis requires at least 5-6 persistent symptoms in at least one domain. Executive dysfunction symptoms (procrastination, time management) are highly common in adults but are not formally part of the DSM-5 criteria.
How do you differentiate between ADHD and anxiety?
ADHD and anxiety share common symptoms (inattention, restlessness) but have different mechanisms. In ADHD, inattention stems from a deficit in brain activation (under-stimulation). In anxiety, the mind is overly occupied with intrusive thoughts or worries. Both coexist in about 50% of adults with ADHD.
Does ADHD manifest differently depending on biological sex?
Yes. Men tend to show more visible motor hyperactivity. Women often present with an inattentive-internalized profile, using compensation mechanisms (like perfectionism or social masking) that delay diagnosis. As a result, adult women with ADHD are frequently underdiagnosed or diagnosed much later in life.