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ADHD
Symptoms Check List
Compiled by Dublin Popov, LCSW
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity
Disorder (ADHD) might be thought of as a cluster of behaviors. It may be
characterized by inattentiveness, impulsivity or hyperactivity or a combination
of those behaviors. The behaviors in the following abbreviated adult checklist
may signal the possibility of ADHD but do not constitute a diagnosis.
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Inattention
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daydreaming,
lost in inner world
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does one thing
at a time, works and thinks slowly, can’t get underway (under arousal)
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inattention to
details
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losing or
misplacing items
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poor
concentration on things of lesser interest
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mind wanders
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hard to sit
and listen for long periods of time
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forgetful
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easily
distracted
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Need
for stimulation |
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Sensitivity to stimuli |
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overwhelmed by
too many stimuli
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irritated by
loud noises
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doesn’t like
to be in large crowds and large stores
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withdraws
socially, needs time alone
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Hyperactivity
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disrupted
sleep patterns, mind races with many thoughts
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difficulty
sitting for “long” periods of time
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nonstop or
intrusive talking
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high energy
level, hypomania, intense, hard-driving
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poorly
balanced life
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undertakes
many projects/has difficulty completing them
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drawn to
highly stimulating activities
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self-medication/addictions to address over-stimulation
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Impulsivity |
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poor judgment, decisions made hastily
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difficulty planning ahead or foreseeing
consequences
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blurting out/speaking without forethought
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risk-taking behaviors
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frequent change of jobs or career
directions
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seeks immediate gratification
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aggressive or intrusive in social
situations
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difficulty reading social cues
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Organizational problems and
productivity
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clutter/messy space
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bogged down in paperwork
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difficulty prioritizing
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poor time management
skills/over-commitment
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runs late on projects and for
appointments, loses track of time
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goes to bed late and wakes up tired in
the morning
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procrastination
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difficulty initiating and completing
assignments/projects
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feeling overwhelmed by job demands or the
responsibilities of daily life
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can’t manage the same number of
activities and commitments as others
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difficulty in making transitions from one
activity to another
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may be very bright but somehow never
lives up to his/her potential
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In adults with ADHD it is
not uncommon to encounter under-achievement, low self-esteem, troubled
relationships, depression, anxiety and mood swings. On the other hand, people
with ADHD are often talented in conceptualizing and highly creative.
The
good news
ADHD is now a condition
more frequently recognized in adults. Once adults have been diagnosed, they are
in a position to be able to benefit tremendously from treatment, which ideally
includes education, medication, coaching and/or counseling. Treatment then
allows these adults to realize their full potential in their personal and
professional lives.
If you believe that you or
someone you know may have ADHD and would like to inquire about diagnosis and the
benefits of treatment, I would be happy to schedule an appointment to talk about
the benefits of personal and business coaching and/or for a clinical assessment
and discussion about the use of therapy for addressing past unresolved issues
that have their origins in the experience of ADHD.
Please call me for a free
telephone consultation so that I can answer your questions and explore how
coaching or counseling can meet your needs.
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