ADHD symptoms checklist — understanding the signs

If you think you or someone you know might have attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), an ADHD symptom checklist can help you figure out if your symptoms match those of ADHD. A checklist can also help you recognize common symptoms like trouble focusing, being too active, or making impulsive decisions. 

Learn about the types of ADHD, what the symptoms look like in children and adults, and how it’s diagnosed and treated. Use the checklists to understand your symptoms. 

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Symptoms of each type of ADHD

The hallmarks of ADHD are inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Each has unique symptoms. 

Inattentive ADHD symptoms

People with inattentive symptoms of any of the types of ADHD often have trouble focusing and staying organized. Here are some common inattentive symptoms of ADHD:

• Difficulty paying attention to details
• Trouble staying focused on tasks or activities
• Difficulty organizing tasks and activities
• Avoiding tasks that need a lot of mental effort
• Losing things needed for tasks
• Easily distracted
• Forgetful with daily activities

Hyperactive ADHD symptoms

A person with hyperactive ADHD has a lot of energy and moves a lot. They might notice these signs:

• Fidgeting or tapping hands and feet
• Difficulty staying seated when needed
• Running or climbing in inappropriate situations
• Trouble playing or working quietly
• Excessive talking
• Interrupting others’ conversations or activities
• Feeling like they’re always “on the go”

Impulsive ADHD symptoms

If you have impulsive ADHD symptoms, you might have the following behaviors:

• Blurting out answers before a question is finished
• Difficulty waiting for your turn
• Interrupting others during conversations or games
• Making quick decisions without thinking of the consequences

Combined ADHD symptoms

People who have combined ADHD can have the following symptoms:

Inattention symptoms of combined ADHD

• Trouble focusing on tasks or activities
• Being easily distracted, often losing focus quickly
• Frequently makes careless mistakes in schoolwork or other activities
• Often forgetful during daily routines, like missing appointments or losing things
• Difficulty organizing tasks and managing time
• Avoiding or disliking tasks that require sustained mental effort (like work)
• Frequently not following through on instructions or completing tasks

Hyperactivity symptoms of combined ADHD

• Fidgeting or tapping hands and feet
• Difficulty staying seated in situations where it’s expected (like at work)
• Feeling restless or constantly needing to be on the move
• Often talking excessively
• Frequently interrupting others or having trouble waiting their turn
• Impulsively blurting out answers or thoughts before others finish speaking
• Difficulty playing or engaging in activities quietly

Unique ADHD symptoms in women

Women may have different ADHD symptoms than men because society expects them to be more organized and in control. This can cause women to hide their ADHD symptoms, making it harder to notice. Since ADHD is often thought of as a boys’ disorder, women’s ADHD symptoms might get overlooked, which can delay their diagnosis.

In women, ADHD can look like: 

• Difficulty handling many tasks at once
• Mood swings or emotional struggles
• Time management and organization problems
• Underestimating their ADHD symptoms
• Experiencing anxiety or depression along with ADHD (more likely than men)

Learn more in the ADHD in women checklist. 

ADHD symptoms in men

Symptoms of ADHD in men can include more noticeable signs of hyperactivity and impulsiveness, such as:

• Difficulty focusing, especially at school or work
• Struggling with impulse control, which may affect relationships
• Difficulty keeping attention for long periods
• Restlessness

Specific ADHD symptoms in children

ADHD can look different in children compared to adults. Kids with ADHD often show more hyperactive behaviors like running around or fidgeting, while adults may struggle more with staying organized, managing time, or focusing on tasks. Specific ADHD symptoms found in children include: 

• Trouble staying seated in class
• Talking a lot and not playing quietly
• Difficulty following instructions or finishing tasks
• Easily distracted by things around them
• Impulsive actions, like grabbing things or interrupting others

ADHD symptom checklist

Here is a comprehensive checklist to help you assess whether you might be experiencing symptoms of ADHD. It includes symptoms from all types of ADHD: inattentive, hyperactive, and impulsive, as well as symptoms unique to different groups like adults and children.

Note: These checklists aren’t intended to diagnose ADHD. Please consult a licensed ADHD healthcare professional for a comprehensive evaluation and professional diagnosis.

ADHD symptom checklist for adults

Download and print a PDF version of the ADHD symptom checklist for adults.

ADHD checklist for children

Download and print a PDF version of the ADHD checklist for children.

Diagnosing ADHD

To diagnose ADHD, a licensed provider will review your or your child’s medical history and ask questions about your symptoms and how they affect your life. They might also talk to family members or teachers to understand more. Sometimes, a psychologist may give more detailed tests to confirm ADHD or rule out other conditions like anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder, which can have similar symptoms.

When it’s not ADHD or is ADHD +1

ADHD is often diagnosed in children, but it’s also one of the most misdiagnosed conditions. This happens because its symptoms, like trouble focusing or sitting still, can look like other issues such as anxiety, depression, or even normal childhood behavior. Without a careful evaluation, it’s easy to mistake these signs for something else.

There’s no single test that can confirm ADHD. Because its symptoms can be similar to other mental health conditions, it can be hard to get the right diagnosis. Without an accurate diagnosis, you could get the wrong treatment.  

Sometimes, what looks like ADHD could actually be another condition, like ADHD vs depression, or a mix of ADHD and something else. For example, depression or learning disabilities can have symptoms that appear like ADHD. 

It’s also possible to have ADHD vs anxiety or another condition (comorbid disorder). For instance, someone with ADHD might also have oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) or anxiety. You may be wondering which is which or if you have both. 

Knowing whether it’s just ADHD or ADHD and something else helps you get the right treatment. Getting a thorough evaluation from a licensed healthcare professional is the best way to get an accurate diagnosis and talk about your treatment options. 

Treating ADHD

ADHD treatment often includes a combination of therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) not only helps people with ADHD stay organized, manage time, and reduce impulsive behavior, but it also helps challenge negative thoughts related to ADHD and self-worth. For children, parent training or family therapy can also be effective in supporting their needs and helping families manage ADHD together.

Find time management tools for ADHD. 

Stimulant ADHD medications like Adderall or Ritalin are commonly prescribed because they can improve focus and attention. Non-stimulant options, such as Strattera or Intuniv, are available for those who can’t take stimulants or prefer a different option. Both types of medication can be combined with therapy for the best results. 

Learn more about stimulants vs non-stimulants for ADHD.

In addition to therapy and medication, lifestyle changes — such as regular exercise, a structured routine, and good sleep — can make a big difference in managing ADHD symptoms for both adults and children.

Key takeaways

• ADHD is characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Each hallmark has unique symptoms. 
• Men and women experience ADHD differently. Men exhibit more external symptoms, while women often have more subtle and internal symptoms.
• An ADHD checklist can help you spot symptoms, but a licensed healthcare professional can provide an accurate ADHD diagnosis and talk about treatment options. 
• ADHD treatment often includes therapy, medication, a combination of both, and lifestyle changes.

Check into your ADHD symptoms with a licensed provider 

If you think you might have ADHD, the first step is getting a diagnosis from a licensed provider. 

Take control of your ADHD. Find a provider on Klarity Health today and connect with an experienced board-certified professional who can assess your symptoms and create a personalized treatment plan.