Introduction
Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), the generic term for all types of the "official" clinical diagnosis called Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), affects nearly 4 to 6 percent of the U.S. population, according to the Attention Deficit Disorder Association.Â
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An estimated 2 million children in the United States, or some 3 percent to 5 percent of children suffer from ADHD. In short, out of a classroom with about 28 children, the odds are that at least one will have ADHD. The disorder doesn’t stop there, though.
Adults also suffer from the disorder. In fact anywhere from 50 percent to 66 percent of children with ADHD continue on into their adult lives with ADHD issues to face on their jobs and in their relationships.
With ADHD being such a large important part of everyday life, this article strives to help clear up myths from facts and present an overview of the issues surrounding the disorder. It includes information about ADD/ADHD along with a variety of solutions available to help with treatment and coping, based upon the most recent studies, research, reports, articles, findings products and services available, so that you can learn more ADD/ADHD healthcare.
For example: myth or truth? No one can accurately diagnose ADD/ADHD either in children or adults. This is not true. The fact is that although there is not yet a definitive medical test for diagnosing ADHD, there are distinct methods for gathering information and specific diagnostic criteria for assessing both children and adults listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV), published in 1995 by the American Psychiatric Association. And ADD/ADHD treatment and coping options available today can actually be a blend of several factors that we’ll discuss here.
Note that the contents here are not presented by or from a medical practitioner, and that any and all health care planning should be made under the guidance of your own medical and health practitioners. The content within only presents an overview of ADD/ADHD research for educational purposes and does not replace medical advice from a professional physician.
ADD Self Test
Few adults and parents are surprised when the results of a physician administered ADHD test and Attention Deficit Disorder test come back with a diagnosis of Attention Deficit Disorder or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. They already suspect a hyperactivity or attentional problem or they would not be in the doctor's office asking for an ADHD test and Attention Deficit Disorder test in the first place.
Take this self ADHD test and Attention Deficit Disorder test if you suspect problems with your or your child's hyperactivity or distractibility. This ADHD test and Attention Deficit Disorder test can help you determine whether Attention Deficit Disorder or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder may be a factor in the behavior of the person you are assessing.
This self ADHD test and Attention Deficit Disorder test is quick, free and easy to score. However, this self ADHD test and Attention Deficit Disorder test is not meant to diagnose Attention Deficit Disorder or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Only an experienced physician can make an official diagnosis. The ADHD test and Attention Deficit Disorder test physicians use to diagnose Attention Deficit Disorder is subjective and rests on observing Attention Deficit Disorder symptoms such as hyperactivity and attention problems.
The American Psychiatric Association lists 14 behavioral checkpoints for an ADHD test and Attention Deficit Disorder test, of which at least eight symptoms must be present for an adult or child to be officially classified as Attention Deficit Disorder, with or without hyperactivity. This self ADHD test and Attention Deficit Disorder test expands on those 14 behavior checkpoints of hyperactivity and attention problems to include finer details of an ADHD test and Attention Deficit Disorder test. The ADHD test and Attention Deficit Disorder test is based solely on behavior observation since Attention Deficit Disorder does not have clear physical signs that can be seen in an x-ray or a lab test.
The biggest problem with an ADHD test and Attention Deficit Disorder test is that diagnosis is purely subjective and often depends on the tolerance of the observer. What one person might view as hyperactivity, another might view as well within the acceptable range. Some parents find it helpful to have several people, including the child, fill out the self ADHD test and Attention Deficit Disorder test. By having more than one person complete the ADHD test and Attention Deficit Disorder test, you can compare the results and discuss discrepancies.
Take this self ADHD test and Attention Deficit Disorder test with an open mind based on reality. Check the box only if the statement on the self ADHD test and Attention Deficit Disorder test occurs frequently. Most children will display every character statement in this ADHD test and Attention Deficit Disorder test at least once in their childhood. It is only when hyperactivity and attentional characteristics occur on a frequent and regular basis that they are identified as Attention Deficit Disorder or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. More than 20 checked items on the self ADHD test and Attention Deficit Disorder test indicates a strong tendency toward Attention Deficit Disorder or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.
___ Does not work to potential in workplace or in school, receives "not working to potential" teacher comments.
___ Has short attention span unless very interested in a particular subject.
___ Has a family history of Attention Deficit Disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, learning problems or substance abuse.
___ Is easily distracted.
___ Lacks attention to detail.
___ Has sloppy handwriting.
___ Has difficulty putting thoughts on paper.
___ Has trouble listening carefully to directions.
___ Frequently forgets or misplaces things.
___ Skips around while reading.
___ Has difficulty learning new games and new skills.
___ Has poor listening skills.
___ Transposes numbers, letters or words.
___ Is restless or in constant motion, is always "on the go."
___ Concentrates better when moving or fidgeting.
___ Has trouble sitting still or sitting in one place too long.
___ Has increased anxiety or nervousness.
___ Has a history of bed wetting beyond the age 5.
___ Has poor communication skills.
___ Lacks tact, often spurting out the first thing that comes to mind.
___ Acts impulsively or dangerously without considering the consequences.
___ Is easily bored.
___ Says things without thinking and later regrets having said them.
___ Starts to answer questions before the questions are fully asked.
___ Is impatient.
___ Has trouble following verbal directions.
___ Makes careless mistakes in at work or in schoolwork.
___ Has tendency to embarrass others.
___ Lies or steals on impulse.
___ Has trouble maintaining an organized work or living area.
___ Is often late.
___ Procrastinates, especially with multi-faceted tasks.
___ Is easily overwhelmed by everyday tasks.
___ Has trouble getting started.
___ Starts projects but does not finish them.
___ Fails to finish schoolwork or chores.
___ Is inconsistent with work or school performance.
___ Spends excessive time on at work or on homework.
___ Has a tendency to drift away.
___ Has problems with self-esteem.
___ Has a negative attitude.
___ Has trouble maintaining friendships.
___ Acts immature for age.
___ Has trouble expressing thoughts and feelings.
___ Is verbally or physically abusive.
___ Avoids group activities or organized sports.
___ Has a quick temper, is "short-fused."
___ Has rage outbursts.
___ Gets upset by minor annoyances.
___ Is argumentative.
___ Worries needlessly or excessively.
___ Has tendency toward obsessive behavior.
___ Turns words around in conversations.
___ Performs poorly under pressure.
___ Has difficulty reading unless very interested in the subject.
___ Has difficulty falling asleep.
___ Has difficulty waking up or feeling fully awake.
___ Is frequently tired.
___ Startles easily.
___ Is sensitive to touch, clothes, noise or light.
___ Is more comfortable moving than sitting still.
___ Has moods swings from highs to lows.
___ Has trouble planning a series of tasks or activities.
___ Become upset easily, is "thin-skinned."
___ Talks excessively.
___ Fidgets, even when sitting quietly.
___ Has difficulty waiting in turn during group activities.
___ Frequently daydreams or "spaces out."
___ "Blanks out" when taking tests or under pressure.
___ Has low frustration tolerance.
___ Has frequent behavior problems in work or school.
Perhaps the most important question to ask in a child's ADHD test and Attention Deficit Disorder test is if the child's hyperactivity, lack of enthusiasm toward school, poor grades, disruptive behavior or other symptoms poses an obstacle to the child reaching his or her potential. If the answer is "yes," the parent should look into healthy strategies to effectively calm the hyperactivity or other Attention Deficit Disorder symptoms.
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People with Attention Deficit Disorder have incredibly wonderful attributes, compliments of their Attention Deficit Disorder. People with Attention Deficit Disorder might not be able to focus on one thing at a time but are often highly adept at juggling two handfuls of tasks all at once. People with Attention Deficit Disorder are typically sensitive, intuitive and highly creative because they look at the world differently than the norm. And, people with Attention Deficit Disorder are typically highly intelligent - despite what the standardize measures of intelligence and test scores say. Attention Deficit Disorder is a gift, if managed well. The task is to find ways to manage the negative ADD and ADHD symptoms of Attention Deficit that will allow the positive attributes of ADD and ADHD to shine through.
(To view this test in a more printer friendly format click here to go to www.ADD-Tests.com.)
