What should you know about DSM-5 ADHD?

The framework groups ADHD symptoms into predominantly inattentive, predominantly hyperactive-impulsive, or combined presentations. A clinician looks for a persistent pattern that began during childhood, appears in more than one setting and interferes with school, work, relationships or everyday organisation. Difficulty concentrating, forgetfulness, restlessness, interrupting and acting without enough pause can have other explanations, including poor sleep, anxiety, learning difficulties, medication effects or physical illness.

A symptom checklist alone cannot confirm ADHD. The assessment usually includes a detailed history, examples from daily life and information from people who know the person well when available.

Write down examples of missed details, unfinished tasks, impulsive decisions, restlessness and time-management problems, noting where they occur and how they affect functioning. Bring school or work observations and a list of medicines and sleep concerns. A mental health assessment can separate ADHD from overlapping concerns such as feeling anxious or irritability and can guide support. Treatment may include skills-based strategies, environmental adjustments, therapy or prescribed medicine, depending on the assessment.

Arrange an assessment when attention or impulse-control difficulties repeatedly disrupt learning, work, relationships, driving or self-care. Seek urgent help for thoughts of self-harm, severe agitation, confusion, hallucinations or an immediate safety risk; these need prompt support regardless of whether ADHD is present.

Ask which symptoms are relevant to the assessment, what childhood evidence is useful, how sleep and anxiety will be considered, and which support options fit your daily difficulties.