Many people have issues with paying attention, remembering details, or interrupting others when they are speaking. When these and other behaviors begin at an early age and continue to affect overall functioning at school, work, or in relationships, there could be a possible disorder of attention. People with AD/HD (ADD) can be predominantly inattentive or hyperactive, or they can have signs of both inattentiveness and hyperactivity.
Please answer "Yes" or "No" if you have engaged in or experienced any of the following on a consistent basis over the past six months and had similar problems as a child.
- Had problems paying attention to details?
- Made careless mistakes?
- Had a hard time maintaining attention over time?
- Had problems listening when spoken to directly?
- Did not finish projects or follow instructions?
- Had problems organizing work or your own time?
- Disliked doing things that had multiple steps?
- Lost things?
- Distracted by sounds, movement, things in environment?
- Had problems remembering things?
- Fidgeted with hands, shook feet, bounced leg?
- Felt restless?
- Found it difficult to work quietly?
- Felt "driven by a motor"?
- Talked excessively?
- Blurted out thoughts or questions?
- Found it hard to wait turn in line?
- Interrupted others or intruded on conversations?
If you answered "Yes" to 6 or more of these, then you might be experiencing AD/HD (aka, ADD). If you are concerned about your level of attention, please seek medical and/or psychological support. If you are a VUMC faculty or staff member, you can start by calling Work/Life Connections – EAP at (615) 936-1327 for a free, confidential assessment.
Please consult the Vanderbilt Health and Wellness Resource Library for more information on AD/HD. You can also access other online screening instruments through the Middle Tennessee Mental Health Association.
