ADHDSYMPTOMS

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.

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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.

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Inattention

9 DSM-5 criteria

Inattention 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

Strong criterion

Difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or play activities

صعوبة في الحفاظ على الانتباه في المهام أو أنشطة اللعب

Strong criterion

Often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly

يبدو أنه لا يستمع عندما يتحدث إليه مباشرة

Moderate criterion

Fails to follow through on instructions and finish tasks

لا يتبع التعليمات ولا يكمل المهام

Strong criterion

Difficulty organizing tasks and activities

صعوبة في تنظيم أنشطته ومهامه

Strong criterion

Avoids or dislikes tasks requiring sustained mental effort

يتجنب أو يؤدي بإكراه المهام التي تتطلب جهدًا ذهنيًا مستمرًا

Moderate criterion

Loses items necessary for tasks or activities (keys, phone, glasses)

يفقد الأشياء الضرورية لأنشطته (مفاتيح، هاتف، نظارات)

Moderate criterion

Easily distracted by external stimuli

ينشغل بسهولة بالمثيرات الخارجية

Strong criterion

Frequently forgetful in daily activities (appointments, chores)

ينسى كثيرًا الأنشطة اليومية (المواعيد، الالتزامات)

Moderate criterion

Hyperactivity & Impulsivity

9 DSM-5 criteria

In 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

Moderate criterion

Often leaves seat in situations when remaining seated is expected

كثيرًا ما يغادر مقعده في مواقف يُفترض أن يبقى فيها جالسًا

Moderate criterion

Runs or climbs in inappropriate situations (in adults: feelings of restlessness)

يجري أو يتسلق في مواقف غير ملائمة (لدى البالغين: الشعور بالإثارة)

Mild criterion

Unable to play or engage in leisure activities quietly

عاجز عن الانخراط بهدوء في أنشطة ترفيهية

Moderate criterion

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"

Moderate criterion

Often talks excessively

كثيرًا ما يتكلم بإفراط

Mild criterion

Blurs out answers before questions have been completed

يُفلت بإجابة قبل أن تُكمل السؤال

Strong criterion

Often has difficulty waiting for their turn

كثيرًا ما يجد صعوبة في انتظار دوره

Strong criterion

Often interrupts or intrudes on others (butts into conversations)

كثيرًا ما يقاطع الآخرين أو يقتحم (يتدخل في المحادثات)

Strong criterion
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Executive Dysfunction

Very common in adults

Not 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

Strong criterion

Chaotic time management (consistently underestimating task duration)

إدارة الوقت الفوضوية (يقلل دائمًا من تقدير مدة المهام)

Strong criterion

Difficulty initiating tasks (even desired ones)

صعوبة في البدء بالمهام (حتى تلك المرغوبة)

Strong criterion

Paradoxical hyperfocus on topics of interest

التركيز المفرط المتناقض على موضوعات الاهتمام

Moderate criterion

Poor working memory (forgetting what was just said or read)

ضعف الذاكرة العاملة (ينسى ما قيل أو قُرئ للتو)

Strong criterion

Difficulty with planning and prioritization

صعوبات في التخطيط وترتيب الأولويات

Strong criterion

Emotional dysregulation (disproportionate reactions)

تنظيم عاطفي مضطرب (ردود فعل غير متناسبة)

Moderate criterion

Low frustration tolerance

تحمل منخفض للإحباط

Moderate criterion

Common Comorbidities

ADHD rarely presents alone. Comorbidities can mask or amplify symptoms.

50%
Anxiety
30%
Depression
70%
Sleep disorders
Very frequent
Burnout
40%
Learning disorders (dys-)
25%
Addictions

Natural Support by Symptom

Which dietary supplements target specific symptoms.

Inattention & distractibility
Lack of motivation & procrastination
Poor working memory
Mental fatigue & lack of brain energy
Hyperactivity & mental restlessness

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.