ADHD: Symptoms and Self Screening

Several studies indicate that Attention Deficit Disorder/Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADD/ADHD) affect anywhere from three to eight percent of school age children. ADD/ADHD can have serious negative effects on a child's learning, relationships and emotional development.

Research suggests that the symptoms of ADHD usually persist into adulthood, having a significant impact on the relationships, careers, and even the personal safety of those affected by it. Because this disorder is often misunderstood, many people who have it do not receive appropriate treatment and, as a result, may never reach their full potential.

ADD /ADHD Self Assessment (Based on the Standard Diagnostic Criteria for Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in Children and Adults)

IMPORTANT: This is not a tool for self-diagnosis. Its purpose is simply to help you determine whether ADD/ADHD may be a factor in the behavior of the person (adult or child) you are assessing using this checklist.

Only an experienced professional can make a valid diagnosis.

A. Inattention (short attention span or distractibility)

The following symptoms of inattention have persisted for at least six months to a degree that causes difficulties in relationships, school, work, or family life. The behaviors are not appropriate for the person's age.

A score of six or more for children and four or more for adults may indicate ADD/ADHD.

  1. Often fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork or other activities.
  2. Often has difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or play activities.
  3. Often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly.
  4. Often does not follow through on instruction and fails to finish schoolwork, chores or duties in the workplace (not due to oppositional behavior or failure to understand instructions).
  5. Often has difficulty organizing tasks and activities.
  6. Often avoids, dislikes or is reluctant to engage in tasks that require sustained mental effort (such as schoolwork or homework).
  7. Often loses things necessary for tasks or activities (e.g., toys, school assignments, pencils, books, or tools).
  8. Is often easily distracted by extraneous stimuli.
  9. Is often forgetful in daily activities.

B. Hyperactivity-Impulsiveness

The following symptoms of Hyperactivity-Impulsiveness have persisted for at least six months to a degree that causes difficulties in relationships, school, work or family life. The behaviors are not appropriate for the person's age.

A score of six or more for children and four or more for adults may indicate ADD/ADHD.

  1. Often fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in seat.
  2. Often leaves seat in classroom or in other situation in which remaining seated is expected.
  3. Often runs about or climbs excessively in situations in which it is inappropriate (in adolescents or adults may be limited to subjective feelings of restlessness).
  4. Often has difficulty playing or engaging in leisure activities quietly.
  5. Is often "on the go" or often acts as if "driven by a motor."
  6. Often talks excessively.
  7. Often blurts out answers before questions have been completed.
  8. Often has difficulty waiting turn.
  9. Often interrupts or intrudes on others (e.g., at school or work and at home).

C. Additional Considerations

  1. Some hyperactive-impulsive and inattentive symptoms that caused impairment were present before age seven years.
  2. Some impairment from the symptoms is present in two or more settings (e.g., in relationships, at school, at work, or at home).
  3. There must be clear evidence of serious difficulties in social, academic or occupational functioning.
  4. The symptoms are not accounted for by diagnosed problems (e.g., depression, anxiety, etc.)

If you or the person you are concerned about scored the indicated number of positive answers in either category ADD/ADHD may be a factor in the difficulties this person is experiencing.

Written by George Martin, MA, Clinical Psychologist, St. Paul, Minnesota