Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD)
Mood Disorder Self-Test
These checklists are adapted from:
The American Psychiatric Association: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition.
Washington, D.C. American Psychiatric Association, 1994
Mood Disorder Self-Test
ADD simply means that a person has a chronic inability to concentrate or focus their mind. It usually occurs in one of two ways, with hyperactivity (ADHD) or without. This is the most common thinking problem in children and it is estimated that six percent of children suffer from it. It is a leading cause of school failure and under-achievement. At least fifty-percent of the affected children will never be diagnosed or treated so that they remain disabled, often for life.
Six or more of the following symptoms must be present for six or more months before ADD can be diagnosed.
- They have racing or cluttered thoughts that make them very susceptible to any distraction.
- They have no attention for details which causes lots of careless errors.
- They are unable to complete tasks.
- They hear you but do not 'listen' even though you are speaking directly to them.
- They are unable to complete their school work unless they have one-on-one attention.
- They will make purposeless noises simply to fill the silence.
- Their grades are falling, they've become disorganized, the school has complained that they are disruptive in class or have become defiant of authority.
- They seem forgetful, lose things, and spend a good deal of time daydreaming.
- They are sometimes shy and withdrawn.
ADD with hyperactivity (ADHD) can be diagnosed if they also have some of the following symptoms:
- They fidget and squirm, they can't seem to sit still.
- They can't stay in their desks in class.
- They run around or climb things when it is inappropriate.
- They can't seem to do anything quietly.
- They seem to be driven by a motor and are always in motion.
- They can't stop talking.
- They blurt out answers before the questions are finished.
- They are unable to wait their turn and get easily frustrated.
- They interrupt and intrude. Their behavior is impulsive and disruptive.
- They have difficulty making and keeping friends because they are unable to share, demand their own way, are impatient, poor losers, and are generally socially immature.
Adults can also suffer from ADD, but their symptoms are slightly different.
- You suffer from chronic forgetfulness.
- You have problems with time and money management.
- You have a disorganized lifestyle.
- You move or change jobs frequently.
- You suffer from periodic depression, mood swings, or anxiety.
- You have chronic patterns of under achievement.
- You get feelings of restlessness.
- You act impulsively.
- You have a tendency towards substance abuse.
- You have a low self-esteem.
- You are easily frustrated.
- You have a difficult time concentrating.
- You have a hard time maintaining relationships.
- You are often labeled as lazy, immature, a daydreamer, a quitter, or as having a bad attitude.
- You have a tendency to over or under react.
These checklists are adapted from:
The American Psychiatric Association: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition.
Washington, D.C. American Psychiatric Association, 1994
Depression
Anxiety
Mood Swings, Bipolar Disorder (Manic Depression)
Schizophrenia
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD)
For more information visit Dr. Mullen's:
Question and Answer pages: Dr. Mullen answers common mental health questions
These tests are for informational purposes only. They are not a diagnosis.
For a complete diagnosis, explanation, and treatment make an appointment to see your family doctor. Please read our disclaimer.
