diagnosis

Attention Deficit Disorder Diagnosis

General ADDult Symptom Checklist:

Please read this list of behaviors and rate yourself (or the person who has
asked you to rate him or her) on each behavior listed. Use the following
scale and place the appropriate number next to the item

* 0 = never
* 1 = rarely
* 2 = occasionally
* 3 = frequently
* 4 = very frequently

Past History

History of ADD symptoms in childhood, such as distractibility, short attention span, impulsivity or restlessness. ADD doesn't start at age 30.History of not living up to potential in school or work (report cards with comments such as "not living up to potential") History of frequent behavior problems in school (mostly for males) History of bedwetting past age 5 Family history of ADD, learning problems, mood disorders or substance abuse problems

Short Attention Span/Distractibility

Short attention span, unless very interested in something Easily distracted, tendency to drift away (although at times can be hyperfocused) Lacks attention to detail, due to distractibility, Trouble listening carefully to directions, Frequently misplaces things, Skips around while reading, or goes to the end first, trouble staying on track, Difficulty learning new games, because it is hard to stay on track during directions, Easily distracted during sex, causing frequent breaks or turn-offs during lovemaking, Poor listening skills, Tendency to be easily bored (tunes out).

Restlessness

Restlessness, constant motion, legs moving, fidgetiness. Has to be moving in order to think. Trouble sitting still, such as trouble sitting in one place for too long, sitting at a desk job for long periods, sitting through a movie. An internal sense of anxiety or nervousness

Impulsivity

Impulsive, in words and/or actions (spending). Say just what comes to mind without considering its impact (tactless). Trouble going through established channels, trouble following proper procedure, an attitude of "read the directions when all else fails". Impatient, low frustration tolerance. A prisoner of the moment Frequent traffic violations Frequent, impulsive job changes Tendency to embarrass others Lying of stealing on impulse

Poor Organization

Poor organization and planning, trouble maintaining an organized work/living area Chronically late or chronically in a hurry. Often have piles of stuff. Easily overwhelmed by tasks of daily living. Poor financial management (late bills, check book a mess, spending unnecessary money on late fees). Some adults with ADD are very successful, but often only if they are surrounded with people who organize them. Problems Getting Started and Following Through Chronic procrastination or trouble getting started. Starting projects but not finishing them, poor follow through Enthusiastic beginnings but poor endings Spends excessive time at work because of inefficiencies. Inconsistent work performance Negative Internal Feelings. Chronic sense of underachievement, feeling you should be much further along in your life than you are Chronic problems with self-esteem Sense of impending doom. Mood swings, Negativity, Frequent feeling of demoralization or that things won't work out for you.

Relational Difficulties

Trouble sustaining friendships or intimate relationships, promiscuity. Trouble with intimacy. Tendency to be immature. Self-centered; immature interests Failure to see others' needs or activities as important. Lack of talking in a relationship. Verbally abusive to others. Proneness to hysterical outburst. Avoids group activities. Trouble with authority. Short Fuse. Quick responses to slights that are real or imagined. Rage outbursts, short fuse

Frequent Search For High Stimulation

Frequent search for high stimulation (bungee jumping, gambling, race track, high stress jobs, ER doctors, doing many things at once, etc.). Tendency to seek conflict, be argumentative or to start disagreements for the fun of it. Tendency To Get Stuck (thoughts or behaviors). Tendency to worry needlessly and endlessly Tendency toward addictions (food, alcohol, drugs, work). Switches Things Around. Switches around numbers, letters or words Turn words around in conversations. Writing/Fine Motor Coordination Difficulties Poor writing skills (hard to get information from brain to pen). Poor handwriting, often prints Coordination difficulties. The Harder I Try The Worse It Gets Performance becomes worse under pressure. Test anxiety, or during test you mind tends to go blank. Work or schoolwork deteriorates under pressure. Tendency to turn off or become stuck when asked questions in social situations. Falls asleep or becomes tired while reading

Sleep/Wake Difficulties

Difficulties falling asleep, may be due to too many thoughts at night Difficulty coming awake (may need coffee or other stimulant or activity before feeling fully away).

Low Energy

Periods of low energy, especially early in the morning and in the afternoon Frequently feeling tired Sensitive To Noise Or Touch Startles easily Sensitive to touch, clothes, noise and light

Scoring this questionnaire:

Total Score:______ (more than 20 with a score of three or more indicates a strong tendency toward ADD. Items 1, 6, and 7 are essential to make the diagnosis)

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