According to the DSM-5 criteria for ADHD, how many symptoms of inattention must be present for diagnosis?

For a diagnosis of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) according to the DSM-5 criteria, an individual must exhibit at least six symptoms of inattention. This threshold is established to ensure that the diagnosis is made for individuals who experience significant difficulties in maintaining attention across different contexts.

These symptoms include, but are not limited to, difficulty sustaining attention in tasks, making careless mistakes, not following through on instructions, and being easily distracted by extraneous stimuli. The requirement for six or more symptoms reflects the understanding that ADHD often results in substantial active impairment in social, academic, or occupational functioning.

This specific number aids in differentiating ADHD from other conditions that may present with attentional issues but may not meet the necessary criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD as defined by the DSM-5. The specification of symptoms also varies by age; for children, the six symptoms must be present for maladaptive functioning, while for adults, the required number of symptoms can be reduced to five for diagnostic consideration.