Readers know I am a bit of a skeptic on the topic of ADD (but not of ADHD in childhood).
To give you a sense of why I am a skeptic, I include a screening test (below the fold) from this website.
Let us know how you scored, in the comments. We'll pretend this is a random sample.
Adult ADD ADHD Test:
More than half (25) checked items on the self adult ADD ADHD test indicates a strong tendency toward adult Attention Deficit Disorder.
_ Has impulsive spending habits.
_ Has frequent distractions during sex.
_ Frequently misplace the car keys, your purse or wallet or other day-to-day items.
_ Has a family history of ADD, learning problems, mood disorders or substance abuse.
_ Has a child diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder.
_ Has trouble following the proper channels or chain of commands.
_ Has an attitude of "read the directions when all else fails.”
_ Receives frequent traffic violations.
_ Skips around while reading.
_ Has an internal sense of anxiety.
_ Transposes numbers, letters or words.
_ Has trouble keeping a job or has impulsive job changes.
_ Has problems with self-esteem.
_ Is verbally or physically abusive.
_ Has difficulty maintaining an organized work and/or home environment.
_ Is chronically late or always in a hurry.
_ Lacks tact, often spurting out the first thing that comes to mind.
_ Has trouble following verbal directions.
_ Procrastinates, especially with multi-faceted tasks.
_ Has trouble getting started.
_ Is frequently overwhelmed by tasks of daily living.
_ Has poor financial management and frequent late bills.
_ Spends excessive time at work due to inefficiencies.
_ Has inconsistent work performance.
_ Has a sense of underachievement.
_ Has trouble sustaining friendships or intimate relationships.
_ Seeks high stimulation or dangerous activities.
_ Has a tendency toward exaggerated outbursts.
_ Has a tendency toward being argumentative.
_ Lacks attention to detail.
_ Has trouble listening carefully to directions.
_ Starts projects but does not finish them.
_ Is easily distracted.
_ Has a tendency to drift away.
_ Has a quick temper, is "short-fused."
_ Has rage outbursts.
_ Gets upset by minor annoyances.
_ Worries needlessly or excessively.
_ Frequently daydreams or "spaces out."
_ "Blanks out" when under pressure.
_ Has low frustration tolerance.
_ Has tendency toward obsessive behavior.
_ Has moods swings from highs to lows.
_ Has trouble planning a series of tasks or activities.
_ Has an addictive personality toward food, alcohol, drugs, work and/or gambling.
_ Is "thin-skinned" - having quick or exaggerated responses to real or imagined slights.
_ Is argumentative.
_ Has difficult reading written material unless it is very interesting or very easy.
_ Says things without thinking and later regrets saying them.
_ Makes quick decisions without considering the consequences.
_ Often answers questions before the questions have been fully asked.
