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Adult ADHD Checklist

The prevailing theory used to be that children outgrew attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD); therefore, it was not an adult problem. Yet, according to studies by Dr. Russell A. Barkley, research professor of psychiatry at State University of New York, for 66 percent of those with childhood ADHD, the condition persists into adulthood. Numerous checklists are available, online and in books, to help you determine if adult ADHD might be a factor in your life. Keep in mind that the checklists are tools and are not diagnostic; ADHD can only be diagnosed by a trained clinician.

  1. The Hallmark Sign

    • If you have ADHD, you've had it from childhood, diagnosed or not. You don't "get" ADHD as an adult or "develop" it because you're stressed. Unless you've had traumatic brain injury, ADHD symptoms must have been present from at least age seven and probably sooner. Were you a daydreamer? Easily distracted? Impulsive? Excessively active and "on the go?" Did a short attention span cause your teachers to comment that you could do better "if you just put your mind to it" or that you weren't "living up to your potential"? Did you have behavior problems at home or in school, trouble staying in your seat, or issues with blurting out answers or not waiting your turn? Were you disorganized? Was your school desk always a mess? Was following directions a problem for you? Did your react out of proportion to situations or have frequent "meltdowns"? Did you have a sibling with ADHD? It's helpful to ask your parents or childhood friends to also answer these questions about you or to accompany you when seeing a doctor to diagnose ADHD.

    Other Adult Symptoms

    • Many of the childhood symptoms of ADHD are present in adult ADHD, though they may manifest differently. If you were a hyperactive, impulsive child you may be a driven, restless adult, who talks excessively, blurts out thoughts without consideration, is irritable and quick to anger. Were you inattentive and forgetful? Perhaps as an adult you are distracted, unable to prioritize or concentrate on a task long enough to get it accomplished. Do you have trouble with punctuality, finances, procrastination? Do you finish what you start, or do you have piles of unfinished projects? Have you gotten a lot of traffic tickets? Do you have trouble keeping a job, or do you switch jobs frequently? Do you have trouble with authority or group dynamics? Do you have low self-esteem, though you may seem confident to others? Is leisure time or sitting still a problem for you? Do you seek out high-energy, high-stimulation activities? Can you sustain relationships with others? Have you been told that you are self-centered or immature? Substance abuse or addiction is often a problem for adults with ADHD. Do you do drugs? Do you smoke, drink, or eat excessively?

    What to Do?

    • Questions to ask yourself center on the three characteristic symptoms of ADHD: hyperactivity, impulsivity and inattentiveness. At its core, ADHD affects the executive functioning centers of the brain, the frontal lobes, where we plan, set goals, organize, prioritize. Day-to-day tasks that most people accomplish without thought may seem difficult for someone with ADHD, and all the daily tasks put together may be overwhelming. Use the checklists that are available; read up on the subject; and if you feel you may have ADHD, make an appointment to see a doctor. The diagnosis of ADHD can offer an explanation for some lifelong behavior patterns and the relief of knowing help is available.

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