How to Get Tested for ADD
Track your activities and reactions over a couple of weeks., Determine if you have symptoms of inattentive ADHD., Look for other symptoms of ADHD.
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Track your activities and reactions over a couple of weeks.
If you suspect you may have ADHD, pay attention to your emotions and reactions for a couple of weeks.
Write down what you do and how you react and feel.
Pay attention especially to your ability to focus and pay attention. -
Step 2: Determine if you have symptoms of inattentive ADHD.
In order to qualify for a diagnosis, you must exhibit at least five symptoms (for an adult) or six symptoms (for a child 16 and under) in more than one setting, for at least six months.
Symptoms must be inappropriate for the person’s developmental level and be seen as interrupting normal functioning on the job or in social or school settings.
Symptoms for ADHD (inattentive presentation) include:
Makes careless mistakes, is inattentive to detail Has trouble paying attention (tasks, playing) Doesn’t seem to be paying attention when someone is talking to him Doesn’t follow through (homework, chores, jobs); easily sidetracked Is organizationally challenged Avoids tasks requiring sustained focus (like schoolwork) Can’t keep track of or often loses keys, glasses, papers, tools, etc.
Is easily distracted Is forgetful , An individual who is experiencing symptoms of Inattentive ADHD may also experience hyperactive-impulsive symptoms.
These include:
Fidgety, squirmy; taps hands or feet Feels restless (a child would run or climb inappropriately) Struggles to play quietly/do quiet activities “On the go” as if “driven by a motor” Excessive talking Blurts out even before questions are asked Struggles to wait for his turn Interrupts others, inserts self into others’ discussions/games -
Step 3: Look for other symptoms of ADHD.
Detailed Guide
If you suspect you may have ADHD, pay attention to your emotions and reactions for a couple of weeks.
Write down what you do and how you react and feel.
Pay attention especially to your ability to focus and pay attention.
In order to qualify for a diagnosis, you must exhibit at least five symptoms (for an adult) or six symptoms (for a child 16 and under) in more than one setting, for at least six months.
Symptoms must be inappropriate for the person’s developmental level and be seen as interrupting normal functioning on the job or in social or school settings.
Symptoms for ADHD (inattentive presentation) include:
Makes careless mistakes, is inattentive to detail Has trouble paying attention (tasks, playing) Doesn’t seem to be paying attention when someone is talking to him Doesn’t follow through (homework, chores, jobs); easily sidetracked Is organizationally challenged Avoids tasks requiring sustained focus (like schoolwork) Can’t keep track of or often loses keys, glasses, papers, tools, etc.
Is easily distracted Is forgetful , An individual who is experiencing symptoms of Inattentive ADHD may also experience hyperactive-impulsive symptoms.
These include:
Fidgety, squirmy; taps hands or feet Feels restless (a child would run or climb inappropriately) Struggles to play quietly/do quiet activities “On the go” as if “driven by a motor” Excessive talking Blurts out even before questions are asked Struggles to wait for his turn Interrupts others, inserts self into others’ discussions/games
About the Author
Janice Johnson
Professional writer focused on creating easy-to-follow crafts tutorials.
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