try this checklist... it's easier to score.....
General Adult ADD Symptom Checklist
Copyright 1995, Daniel G. Amen, M.D.
All rights reserved.
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In conjunction with other diagnostic techniques, Daniel G. Amen, MD. (publisher of MindWorks Press) says he "uses the [following] general adult ADD checklist to help further define ADD symptoms. No ADD adult has all of the symptoms, but if you notice a strong presence of more than 20 of these symptoms, there is a strong likelihood of ADD." We gratefully acknowledge Dr. Amen for this valuable contribution to One ADD Place.
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After printing this page, 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
IMPORTANT: This is not a tool for self-diagnosis. Its purpose is simply to help you determine whether ADD may be a factor in the behavior of the person you are assessing using this checklist. An actual diagnosis can be made only by an experienced professional. If you need a referral to such a professional in your area, contact your local chapter of CH.A.D.D. (Children and Adults with Attention Deficit Disorder).
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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 bed wetting 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 hyper focused)
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 or 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 tests your mind tends to go blank
The harder you try, the worse it gets
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 awake)
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
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When you have completed the above checklist, calculate the following:
Total Score: _______
Total Number of Items with a score of three (3) or more: _______
Score for Item #1: _______
Score for Item #6: _______
Score for Item #7: _______
Dr. Amen suggests: "More than 20 items with a score of three or more indicates a strong tendency toward ADD. Items 1, 6, and 7 are essential to make the diagnosis."
He further adds: "One of the most common ways I diagnose ADD in adults is when parents reluctantly tell me that they have tried their child's medication and that they found it very helpful. They report it helped them concentrate for longer periods of time. They became more organized and were less impulsive. Trying your child's medication is not something I recommend!"