What Does It Mean To Be Tested?

I was frustrated by the lack of Web sites out there that actually told you what the test for ADHD is. In my experience, the test was simply an extend psychiatric evaluation (a lot of questions that you answer) and then we looked at the list below. (Note that I was not being tested for any learning disabilities, where a test is probably longer and more varied in type). The list is from The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition. In order to be diagnosed with ADHD, one must show at least six symptoms from a single category (I think. It may be that you need six from each subtype). Symptoms must have been displayed in at least two settings (school, home, work, etc.) and have been present before the age of 7.

I have only the first subtype--inattention. That's what most people call ADD, but it's really just a subtype of ADHD. The other choice is combined inattentive and hyperactive.

This is not meant to be a self-diagnosis reference. When I described these symptoms to my friends, a lot of them said that the 'symptoms' were things they saw in themselves and in others as parts of personalities.

Generally, an ADHD diagnosis means that the presence of these symptoms has been detrimental to everyday life. However, many adults who have lived with it have adapted much of the effects of ADHD into their normal life. For me, that means laughing off the disorganization, making friends who are sharp-tongued and fast paced, attraction to a varied work environment, and listening to music while writing papers. For me, that also means that I have not decided whether or not I am going to take medication.

SYMPTOMS OF INATTENTION
a. often ignores details; makes careless mistakes
b. often has trouble sustaining attention in work or play
c. often does not seem to listen when directly addressed
d. often does not follow through on instructions; fails to finish
e. often has difficulty organizing tasks and activities
f. often avoids activities that require a sustained mental effort
g. often loses things he needs
h. often gets distracted by extraneous noise
i. is often forgetful in daily activities

SYMPTOMS OF HYPERACTIVITY-IMPULSIVITY
a. often fidgets or squirms
b. often has to get up from seat
c. often runs or climbs when he shouldn't
(in adults, feelings of physical restlessness)
d. often has difficulty with quiet leisure activities
e. often "on the go", as if driven by a motor
f. often talks excessively
g. often blurts out answers before questions have been completed
h. often has difficulty waiting his turn
i. often interrupts or intrudes on others