ADHD Symptoms Checklist

Do you have ADD? Use this checklist to understand common ADHD symptoms and test your own behavior before seeking a diagnosis.

by ADDitude Editors

Have you noticed the following ADHD symptoms in yourself or your child? If they persist for at least six months to a degree that is disruptive to your life, you may have attention deficit disorder (ADD ADHD). If you suspect that you have ADD or ADHD, contact your medical health-care professional for a diagnosis.

According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, at least six of the following ADHD symptoms often apply:

Inattention

• Fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork, work, or other activities.

• Has difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or

play activities.

• Does not seem to listen when spoken to directly.

• Does not follow through on instructions and fails to finish schoolwork, chores, or duties in the workplace (not due to oppositional behavior or failure to understand instructions).

• Has difficulty organizing tasks and activities.

• Avoids, dislikes, or is reluctant to engage in tasks that require sustained mental effort (such as schoolwork or homework).

• Loses things necessary for tasks or activities (e.g., toys, school assignments, pencils, books, or tools).

• Easily distracted by extraneous stimuli.

• Forgetful in daily activities.

At least six of the following signs of hyperactivity-impulsivity often apply:

Hyperactivity

• Fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in seat.

• Leaves seat in classroom or in other situations in which remaining seated is expected.

• Runs about or climbs excessively in situations in which it is inappropriate (in adolescents or adults, may be limited to subjective feelings of restlessness).

• Has difficulty playing or engaging in leisure activities quietly.

• Appears “on the go” or acts as if “driven by a motor.”

• Talks excessively.

Impulsivity

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• Blurts out the answers before the questions have been completed.

• Has difficulty awaiting turn.

• Interrupts or intrudes on others (e.g., butts into conversations or games).

>> Some hyperactive-impulsive or inattentive symptoms that caused impairment were present before age 7.

>> Some impairment from the symptoms is present in two or more settings (e.g., at school [or work] and at home).

>> There must be clear evidence of clinically significant impairment in social, academic, or occupational functioning.

>> The symptoms do not occur exclusively during the course of a pervasive developmental disorder, schizophrenia, or other psychotic disorder, and are not better accounted for by another mental disorder (e.g., mood disorder, anxiety disorder, dissociative disorder, or a personality disorder).

This article comes from the August/September 2004 issue of ADDitude.

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