August 24, 2007, Newsletter Issue #84: Hyperactivity- Impulsiveness Check list

Tip of the Week

ADD/ADHD Self Test
Standard Diagnostic Criteria for
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
in Children and Adults

IMPORTANT: This is not a tool for self-diagnosis. Its purpose is simply to help you determine whether ADD/ADHD may be a factor in the behavior of the person (adult or child) you are assessing using this checklist. An actual diagnosis can be made only by an experienced professional.

Hyperactivity-Impulsiveness

Six or more of the following symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity have persisted for at least 6 months to a degree that is maladaptive and inconsistent with developmental level:

Often fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in seat.
Often leaves seat in classroom or in other situation in which remaining seated is expected.
Often runs about or climbs excessively in situations in which it is inappropriate (in adolescents or adults may be limited to subjective feelings of restlessness.)
Often has difficulty playing or engaging in leisure activities quietly.
Is often "on the go" or often acts as if "driven by a motor."
Often talks excessively.
Often blurts out answers before questions have been completed.
Often has difficulty awaiting turn.
Often interrupts or intrudes on others (e.g., at school or work and at home.)

Additional Considerations

Some hyperactive-impulsive and inattentive symptoms that caused impairment were present before age 7 years.
Some impairment from the symptoms is present in two or more settings (e.g., at school or work and at home.)
There must be clear evidence of clinically significant impairment in social, academic or occupational functioning.
The symptoms do not occur exclusively during the course of a Pervasive Developmental Disorder, Schizophrenic or other Psychotic Disorder and are not better accounted for by another mental disorder (e.g., Mood Disorder, Anxiety Disorder, Dissociate Disorder or a Personality Disorder.)

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