Do You Have Attention Deficit Disorder?

By Bill Gaultiere © 2000

Here’s a short survey to help you see if you (or a loved one) might have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD or ADD).

I developed the acronym “D-I-S-T-R-A-C-T-E-D” as a simple screening tool to identify key symptoms of ADD.  Keep track of your “yes” answers, circling any of the ten symptoms that have one or more yes answers.

1. D isorganized?  Do you have difficulty managing your life?  Is your work, mail, or projects in multiple piles?  Are you chronically late?  Are your finances out of order?
2. I mpulsive? Do you make decisions or act without adequate thought or planning?  Do you repeatedly do things that you later regret?
3. S peak without thinking?  Do you frequently say things that cause problems or hurt for you or others?  Do you often interrupt others?  Do you have trouble being quiet?
4. T asks not done?  Do you have difficulty starting or completing important tasks?
5. R estless?  Are you impatient, on edge, or fidgety?  Is it hard for you to sit still and stay focused on what you’re doing?
6. A ggitated easily?  Are you quickly frustrated when things are working out like you want?  Do you have a short fuse on your anger?
7. C areless mistakes?  Do you overlook important details in your work or activities?  Are you forgetful of daily activities, commitments you’ve made, or important dates?  Do you frequently lose things?
8. T uned out?  Do you get lost in a fog?  Do you often daydream?
9. E motional swings?  Do your emotions tend to go up and down?  Are you prone to get stuck in a bad mood?
10. D istracted as a child?

Scoring: Three or more yes answers, including question 10, suggest you may have ADHD, in which case you should consult a professional for a formal diagnoses and treatment. (For diagnoses or treatment you should consult with a professional in person.)

Thank you!

Bill & Kristi