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NOTE
Our self-test was adapted from publicly available and/or modified health
questionnaires, among others: ASRS-v1.1, ADHD Rating Scale-IV: Home
Version. The test will help you determine an initial psychological
assessment (degree of probability) of hyperkinetic spectrum disorder.
It is not a diagnostic tool. It is not a diagnosis. The system does not offer
clinical (scientific) testing.
The information system is not a substitute for a visit to the relevant
specialist. We always encourage you to consult your health with your
doctor or health care professional.
Your score was: 16 out of a possible 18
The higher the point total, the more likely you are to show signs of ADHD
spectrum disorder.
The above result is divided into two parts A and B.
Segment A: Scored 6 out of a possible 6 points.
Segment B: Scored 10 out of a possible 12 points.
A score in the range of 4-6 in segment A indicates a high likelihood of
ADHD symptoms in adults. Segment B is secondary. The more scores the
higher the likelihood of traits and symptoms of individuals with ADHD
spectrum disorder.
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Overview
Adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a mental health
disorder that includes a combination of persistent problems, such as
difficulty paying attention, hyperactivity and impulsive behavior. Adult
ADHD can lead to unstable relationships, poor work or school
performance, low self-esteem, and other problems.
Though it's called adult ADHD, symptoms start in early childhood and
continue into adulthood. In some cases, ADHD is not recognized or
diagnosed until the person is an adult. Adult ADHD symptoms may not be
as clear as ADHD symptoms in children. In adults, hyperactivity may
decrease, but struggles with impulsiveness, restlessness and difficulty
paying attention may continue.
Treatment for adult ADHD is similar to treatment for childhood ADHD.
Adult ADHD treatment includes medications, psychological counseling
(psychotherapy) and treatment for any mental health conditions that occur
along with ADHD.
Symptoms
Some people with ADHD have fewer symptoms as they age, but some
adults continue to have major symptoms that interfere with daily
functioning. In adults, the main features of ADHD may include difficulty
paying attention, impulsiveness and restlessness. Symptoms can range
from mild to severe.
Many adults with ADHD aren't aware they have it — they just know that
everyday tasks can be a challenge. Adults with ADHD may find it difficult
to focus and prioritize, leading to missed deadlines and forgotten meetings
or social plans. The inability to control impulses can range from
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impatience waiting in line or driving in traffic to mood swings and
outbursts of anger.
Adult ADHD symptoms may include:
Impulsiveness
Disorganization and problems prioritizing
Poor time management skills
Problems focusing on a task
Trouble multitasking
Excessive activity or restlessness
Poor planning
Low frustration tolerance
Frequent mood swings
Problems following through and completing tasks
Hot temper
Trouble coping with stress
What's typical behavior and what's ADHD?
Almost everyone has some symptoms similar to ADHD at some point in
their lives. If your difficulties are recent or occurred only occasionally in
the past, you probably don't have ADHD. ADHD is diagnosed only when
symptoms are severe enough to cause ongoing problems in more than one
area of your life. These persistent and disruptive symptoms can be traced
back to early childhood.
Diagnosis of ADHD in adults can be difficult because certain ADHD
symptoms are similar to those caused by other conditions, such as anxiety
or mood disorders. And many adults with ADHD also have at least one
other mental health condition, such as depression or anxiety.
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When to see a doctor
If any of the symptoms listed above continually disrupt your life, talk to
your doctor about whether you might have ADHD.
Different types of health care professionals may diagnose and supervise
treatment for ADHD. Seek a provider who has training and experience in
caring for adults with ADHD.
Causes
While the exact cause of ADHD is not clear, research efforts continue.
Factors that may be involved in the development of ADHD include:
[Link] can run in families, and studies indicate that genes
may play a role.
Environment. Certain environmental factors also may increase risk,
such as lead exposure as a child.
Problems during development. Problems with the central nervous
system at key moments in development may play a role.
Risk factors
Risk of ADHD may increase if:
You have blood relatives, such as a parent or sibling, with ADHD or
another mental health disorder
Your mother smoked, drank alcohol or used drugs during pregnancy
As a child, you were exposed to environmental toxins — such as lead,
found mainly in paint and pipes in older buildings
You were born prematurely
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Complications
ADHD can make life difficult for you. ADHD has been linked to:
Poor school or work performance
Unemployment
Financial problems
Trouble with the law
Alcohol or other substance misuse
Frequent car accidents or other accidents
Unstable relationships
Poor physical and mental health
Poor self-image
Suicide attempts
Coexisting conditions
Although ADHD doesn't cause other psychological or developmental
problems, other disorders often occur along with ADHD and make
treatment more challenging. These include:
Mood disorders. Many adults with ADHD also have depression,
bipolar disorder or another mood disorder. While mood problems
aren't necessarily due directly to ADHD, a repeated pattern of
failures and frustrations due to ADHD can worsen depression.
Anxiety disorders. Anxiety disorders occur fairly often in adults
with ADHD. Anxiety disorders may cause overwhelming worry,
nervousness and other symptoms. Anxiety can be made worse by the
challenges and setbacks caused by ADHD.
Other psychiatric disorders. Adults with ADHD are at increased
risk of other psychiatric disorders, such as personality disorders,
intermittent explosive disorder and substance use disorders.
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Learning disabilities. Adults with ADHD may score lower on
academic testing than would be expected for their age, intelligence
and education. Learning disabilities can include problems with
understanding and communicating.
DSM-5 Criteria for ADHD
Healthcare providers use the guidelines in the American Psychiatric
Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, Fifth edition (DSM-5), to
help diagnose ADHD. This diagnostic standard helps ensure that people
are appropriately diagnosed and treated for ADHD. Using the same
standard across communities can also help determine how many children
have ADHD, and how public health is impacted by this condition.
Here are the criteria in shortened form. Please note that they are
presented just for your information. Only trained healthcare providers can
diagnose or treat ADHD.
People with ADHD show a persistent pattern of inattention and/or
hyperactivity–impulsivity that interferes with functioning or development:
1. Inattention: Six or more symptoms of inattention for children
up to age 16 years, or five or more for adolescents age 17
years and older and adults; symptoms of inattention have been
present for at least 6 months, and they are inappropriate for
developmental level:
Often fails to give close attention to details or makes careless
mistakes in schoolwork, at work, or with other activities.
Often has trouble holding attention on tasks or play activities.
Often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly.
Often does not follow through on instructions and fails to finish
schoolwork, chores, or duties in the workplace (e.g., loses
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focus, side-tracked).
Often has trouble organizing tasks and activities.
Often avoids, dislikes, or is reluctant to do tasks that require
mental effort over a long period of time (such as schoolwork or
homework).
Often loses things necessary for tasks and activities (e.g.
school materials, pencils, books, tools, wallets, keys,
paperwork, eyeglasses, mobile telephones).
Is often easily distracted
Is often forgetful in daily activities.
2. Hyperactivity and Impulsivity: Six or more symptoms of
hyperactivity-impulsivity for children up to age 16 years, or
five or more for adolescents age 17 years and older and
adults; symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity have been
present for at least 6 months to an extent that is disruptive
and inappropriate for the person’s developmental level:
Often fidgets with or taps hands or feet, or squirms in seat.
Often leaves seat in situations when remaining seated is
expected.
Often runs about or climbs in situations where it is not
appropriate (adolescents or adults may be limited to feeling
restless).
Often unable to play or take part in leisure activities quietly.
Is often “on the go” acting as if “driven by a motor”.
Often talks excessively.
Often blurts out an answer before a question has been
completed.
Often has trouble waiting their turn.
Often interrupts or intrudes on others (e.g., butts into
conversations or games)
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In addition, the following conditions must be met:
Several inattentive or hyperactive-impulsive symptoms were present
before age 12 years.
Several symptoms are present in two or more settings, (such as at
home, school or work; with friends or relatives; in other activities).
There is clear evidence that the symptoms interfere with, or reduce
the quality of, social, school, or work functioning.
The symptoms are not better explained by another mental disorder
(such as a mood disorder, anxiety disorder, dissociative disorder, or
a personality disorder). The symptoms do not happen only during the
course of schizophrenia or another psychotic disorder.
Based on the types of symptoms, three kinds (presentations) of ADHD can occur:
Combined Presentation: if enough symptoms of both criteria
inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity were present for the
past 6 months
Predominantly Inattentive Presentation: if enough symptoms of
inattention, but not hyperactivity-impulsivity, were present for
the past six months
Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Presentation: if enough
symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity, but not inattention,
were present for the past six months.
Because symptoms can change over time, the presentation may change
over time as well.
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Hotlines and support
In the U.S.: Talk with an ADHD Information Specialist at 1-866-200-8098,
Monday-Friday, 1-5 pm ET, or search the Professional Directory for ADHD
clinics and other resources. (CHADD)
[Link]
UK: Call ADDISS at 020 8952 2800 or consult a list of support groups from
AADD-UK.
[Link]
[Link]
Australia: Call the Health Direct 24-hour advice line at 1800 022 222 or
find a list of ADHD Australia support groups.
[Link]
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[Link]
[Link]
Canada: Find a support group in your area. (CADDAC)
[Link]
India: Call the Vandrevala Foundation Helpline at 1860 2662 345 or 1800
2333 330
[Link]
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