SAMPLE

Mindfulness for ADHD Part II

In this space last month, we met Rikki, a young wife, mother, and creative with ADHD. Her claim to fame here in Sample was that she managed to get off ADHD meds via practicing mindful meditation every day.

Chances are that you were able to identify with Rikki. Perhaps only somewhat; perhaps only some of the time. However, if you harbor a niggling feeling that you too may have adult ADHD, try this handy adult ADHD self-checker. Of course, this guide should not be used to diagnose yourself or others. Please consult a trusted healthcare professional for further guidance. Also, keep in mind that in most cases, a diagnosis in and of itself doesn’t change the

By Libby Silberman

circumstances. Generally, when the condition doesn’t significantly inhibit productivity or functioning, it can be improved with mindfulness meditations and other techniques that are helpful to all individuals across the board.

(Source: Word Health Organization, Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale [ASRS-v1.1], Symptom Checklist)

Please answer the questions below, rating yourself on each of the criteria shown using the scale on the right side of the page. As you answer each question, place an X in the box that best describes how you have felt and conducted yourself over the past 6 months.

Part A

How often do you have trouble wrapping up the final details of a project once the challenging parts have been done?

How often do you have difficulty getting things in order when you have to do a task that requires organization?

How often do you have trouble remembering appointments or obligations?

When you have to do task that requires a lot of thought, how often do you avoid or delay getting started?

How often do you fidget or squirm with your hands or feet when you have to sit down for a long time?

How often do you feel overly active and compelled to do things, like you were driven by a motor?

Assessment:

Complete both parts A and B of the symptoms checklist* by marking an X in the box that most closely represents the frequency of occurrence of each of the symptoms. Score part A. If four or more marks appear in the darkly shaded boxes within part A, you have symptoms highly consistent with ADHD in adults, and further investigation is warranted. The frequency scores on part B provide additional cues and can serve as further probes into your symptoms. Pay particular attention to marks appearing in the dark shaded boxes.

* Questions representing inattentive symptoms: 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 Questions representing hyperactive or impulsive symptoms: 5, 6, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18

Functional Impairment:

1. Evaluate the level of impairment associated with your symptom.

2. Consider work, school, social, and family settings.

3. Think of how these problems have affected your ability to work, take care of things at home, or get along with other people such as your spouse.

How often do you make careless mistakes when you have to work on a boring or difficult project?

How often do you have difficulty keeping your attention when you are doing boring or repetitive work?

How often do you have difficulty concentrating on what people say to you, even when they are speaking to you directly?

How often do you misplace or have difficulty finding things at home or at work?

How often are you distracted by activity or noise around you?

How often do you leave your seat in meetings or other situations in which you are expected to remain seated?

How often do you feel restless or fidgety?

How often do you have difficulty unwinding and relaxing when you have time to yourself?

How often do you find yourself talking too much when you are in a social situation?

When you’re in a conversation, how often do you find yourself finishing the sentences of the people you are talking to before they can finish them themselves?

How often do you have difficulty waiting your turn in situations when turn taking is required?

How often do you interrupt others when they are busy?

Childhood History:

Assess the presence of these symptoms or similar symptoms in childhood. You need not have been formally diagnosed as a child, but look for evidence of early and persistent problems with your attention or self-control. Some significant symptoms should have been present in childhood, but the full set of symptoms is not necessary.