Do You Have ADHD?

Do you have ADHD? Having an answer to that question helps many people get their problems in perspective – it helps them sort between what are often conflicting motivational, organizational, medical and psychological issues. The following is the widely used Jasper-Goldberg Adult ADHD Screening Examination, Version 5.0. Scores over 70 are associated with a high probability of ADHD.

Jasper-Goldberg Adult ADHD Screening Examination, Version 5.0 This is a screening examination for Adult ADHD. It is not a diagnostic test. The diagnosis of ADHD can only be made on the basis of a detailed history and mental status examination. High scores on this examination may result from anxiety, depression or mania. These conditions must be ruled out before a diagnosis of Adult ADHD can be made. The items below refer to how you have behaved and felt during most of your adult life. If you have usually been one way and recently have changed, your responses should reflect how you have usually been. Check one of the numbers that follows each item using the following scale: 0 = Not at all 1 = Just a little 2 = Somewhat 3 = Moderately 4 = Quite a lot 5 = Very much SCORE 1 At home, work, or school, I find my mind wandering from tasks that are uninteresting or difficult. 2 I find it difficult to read written material unless it is very interesting or very easy. 3 Especially in groups, I find it hard to stay focused on what is being said in conversations. 4 I have a quick temper…a short fuse. 5 I am irritable, and get upset by minor annoyances. 6 I say things without thinking, and later regret having said them. 7 I make quick decisions without thinking enough about their possible bad results. 8 My relationships with people are made difficult by my tendency to talk first and think later. 9 My moods have highs and lows. 10 I have trouble planning in what order to do a series of tasks or activities. 11 I easily become upset. 12 I seem to be thin skinned and many things upset me. 13 I almost always am on the go. 14 I am more comfortable when moving than when sitting still. 15 In conversations, I start to answer questions before the questions have been fully asked. 16 I usually work on more than one project at a time, and fail to finish many of them. 17 There is a lot of “static” or “chatter” in my head. 18 Even when sitting quietly, I am usually moving my hands or feet. 19 In group activities it is hard for me to wait my turn. 20 My mind gets so cluttered that it is hard for it to function. 21 My thoughts bounce around as if my mind were a pinball machine. 22 My brain feels as if it were a television set with all the channels going at once. 23 I am unable to stop daydreaming. 24 I am distressed by the disorganized way my brain works. TOTAL

Scores over 70 are associated with a high probability of ADHD.Knowing your score might give you some perspective but just knowing it isn’t enough to address the problems you face. The bottom line is that if you are having a difficult time managing your responsibilities, whether it is because of ADHD or not, there are tips and techniques that can help you now! Keep your test results in mind…. And see if any of these other resources help:

• ADHD on the Job
• Moms with ADHD
• Managing your ADHD Kids
• Just Plain Disorganized
• Contact Carrie

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