Do You Have ADHD?

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March 28, 2013, 2 PM ET

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Do you find your mind wandering from tasks that are uninteresting or difficult? (a) never (b) sometimes (c) always Do you have a quick temper or short fuse? (a) never (b) sometimes (c) always Do you say things without speaking and regret them later? (a) never (b) sometimes (c) always Are you almost always on the go? (a) never (b) sometimes (c) always Is there a lot of "chatter" in your brain? (a) never (b) sometimes (c) always Even when sitting quietly, do you move your hands and feet? (a) never (b) sometimes (c) always Do your thoughts bounce like a pinball machine? (a) never (b) sometimes (c) always Do you have difficulty wrapping up the final details of a project, once the harder parts are completed? (a) never (b) sometimes (c) always How often do you have problems remembering appointments or obligations? (a) never (b) sometimes (c) always

Mostly A's

Even with this world’s frenetic pace, you are surprisingly subdued and relaxed. You follow through on your projects, are able to sustain attention, and listen calmly when people speak to you. Aside from helping you at work and in your personal life, these traits make it very unlikely that you would be diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

Mostly B's

Like most people, you have trouble sitting still at times and will sometimes abandon a project before it is entirely finished because you lack the urge to follow through completely. Sometimes you have trouble keeping your thoughts and ideas organized. These characteristics put you at a slight risk for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), though only an expert can officially diagnose the disorder.

Mostly C's

You often find yourself unable to follow through on the minutiae of daily life because there are so many other things that capture your attention. You don’t enjoy sitting still and frequently feel as if life would be easier if you could act less impulsively. These traits make daily life difficult and put you at risk for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), though only an expert can officially diagnose the disorder.

Facts about ADHD

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a common behavioral disorder that affects between 8-10% of school age children. Boys are three times more likely than girls to be diagnosed with ADHD. Children who have ADHD have trouble sitting still, focusing on one thing at one time, and attending to details. While their attention seems unfocused, it is multi-focused. Their mind takes in multiple stimuli at once, making it hard to engage in one activity for long periods of time. Dr. Richard Kingsley of KidsHealth explains, “Kids with ADHD act without thinking, are hyperactive, and have trouble focusing. They may understand what's expected of them but have trouble following through because they can't sit still, pay attention, or attend to details.”

ADHD is defined as a problem with inattentiveness, over-activity, impulsivity, or a combination of the three.

Inattention symptoms:

* Fails to pay close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork * Difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or play * 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 * Difficulty organizing tasks and activities * Avoids or dislikes tasks that require sustained mental effort (such as schoolwork) * Often loses toys, assignments, pencils, books, or tools needed for tasks or activities * Easily distracted * Often forgetful in daily activities

Hyperactivity symptoms:

* Fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in seat * Leaves seat when remaining seated is expected * Runs about or climbs in inappropriate situations * Difficulty playing quietly * Often "on the go," acts as if "driven by a motor," talks excessively

Impulsivity symptoms:

* Blurts out answers before questions have been completed * Difficulty waiting for a turn

Adult ADHD

Today, children are regularly diagnosed with ADHD. What most people don’t realize is that ADHD can be present in adults as well. ADHD does not suddenly appear in adults; rather it was present throughout childhood and likely went undiagnosed. Dr. Brian Doyle in his book, Understanding and Treating Adults with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, explains that “When we examine the lives of adults who struggle and fail, repeatedly, sometimes we find symptom patterns like those of children with ADHD…Once they have a proper diagnosis and full treatment, adults with ADHD can change their lives profoundly.”