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The World Health Organization (WHO) has put forward a self-screening questionnaire you can use to determine if you suffer from ADHD. This screening test is a symptoms checklist and not a diagnostic test. To put it simply , Adult Self-Report Scale (ASRS) Screener will help you recognize the signs and symptoms of adult ADHD. The ASRS is comprised of 6 questions that are ranked on a scale of 0 to 4. If you have at least 4 of these 6 symptoms significantly, you may have ADHD and should seek out a formal diagnosis. Take the Test To take the test, please download the Adult ADHD Questionnaire at https://add.org/adhd-test . This link will download a PDF containing the adult ASRS questionnaire, which you can print and complete by following the instructions. When you complete this Adult ADHD questionnaire, if the results seem to indicate you might have ADHD (that is, four or more of your answers in Part A are located in the grey boxes), then bring a copy of the questionnaire with you when you seek diagnosis to help with the diagnostic process. With this test, schedule an appointment with your physician or Clinical Psychologist for further guidance and support!

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the few most common childhood disorders which can continue through adolescence and into adulthood. Mainly the symptoms include difficulty staying focused and paying attention, difficulty controlling behaviour, and hyperactivity. As per DSM V, following signs and symptoms are to be looked out for- Symptoms of Attention deficit- · Often fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork, at work, or during other activities · Often has difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or play activities · Often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly · Often does not follow through on instructions and fails to finish schoolwork, chores, or duties in the workplace · Often has difficulty organizing tasks and activities · Often avoids, dislikes, or is reluctant to engage in tasks that require sustained mental effort · Often loses things necessary for tasks or activities · Is often easily distracted by extraneous stimuli · Is often forgetful in daily activities Potential Hyperactivity Symptoms · Often fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork, at work, or during other activities · Often has difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or play activities · Often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly · Often does not follow through on instructions and fails to finish schoolwork, chores, or duties in the workplace · Often loses things necessary for tasks or activities · Is often easily distracted by extraneous stimuli Hyperactivity and Impulsivity (Combined Type) Symptoms · Often fidgets with or taps hands or feet or squirms in seat. · Often leaves seat in situations when remaining seated is expected · Often runs about or climbs in situations where it is inappropriate · Often unable to play or take part in leisure activities quietly · Is often “on the go” acting as if “driven by a motor” · Often talks excessively Potential Impulsivity Symptoms · Often blurts out an answer before a question has been completed · Often has trouble waiting his/her turn · Often interrupts or intrudes on others

Do you have adult attention deficit disorder? “Since childhood, Peter has been told again and again that he is impulsive, hyperactive and have difficulty paying attention. His academic performance and behaviour at school was never above average. His parents thought he will overcome this with age, but it seems not!! He is 32-year-old now and finds it difficult to perform in work and at home and in other social relationships with other people. Moreover, lately he has started to feel high anxiety. To help he is engaging in alcohol and weed substance abuse.” -A client with ADHD “ She spends money impulsively and crashes her household budget every month. She doesn’t stay away from participating in risky behaviours like gambling, rash driving, and risky sex. Also, there is lack of regard for hurting other feelings and in conversation she interrupts others and blurts out offensive comments without regard for others.” -A client with ADHD Few symptoms of ADHD Adult ADHD is relatively common, and people live with the symptoms and suffer the often-devastating effects of ADHD in their lives without identifying the source of their struggles. The global effect on their daily lives affects social, occupational, and relational functioning. What is ADHD? ADHD is a highly genetic, brain-based syndrome that has to do with the regulation of a particular set of brain functions and related behaviours. It is thought to be caused by a complex combination of environmental, genetic, and biological factors. What suffers is the “executive functioning ” which include important functions such as attention, concentration, memory, motivation, and effort, learning from mistakes, impulsivity, hyperactivity, organization, and social skills. Historically, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) historically was considered to be a disease of childhood, affecting 4 to 12 percent of school age children. However, it is now thought to persist into adult life in 10 to 60 percent of cases and is present in about 5 percent of adults. Also, prevalence is higher for males (5.4%) versus females (3.2%). Why it should be treated? The impact of ADHD is generally noticeable in all spheres of life, with prominent complaints in concentration, attention, and short-term memory. Untreated or under-treated adult ADHD may result in impaired occupational functioning and interpersonal and legal difficulties with higher separation and divorce rates and more frequent job changes. Moreover, there are associated psychiatric disorders, such as mood disorders, anxiety disorders, substance use disorders, antisocial personality disorder, borderline personality disorder, developmental disabilities or mental retardation, and certain medical conditions. Not every case of ADHD is the same There are different subtypes of ADHD (inattentive, hyperactive, and combined type) and the common signs and symptoms to look out for are: Difficulty getting started on tasks Variable attention to details Difficulties with self-organization and with prioritization Poor persistence in tasks that require sustained mental effort Impulsivity and low frustration tolerance (to varying degrees) Hyperactivity (less salient symptom in adults) Chaotic lifestyles Associated psychiatric comorbidities (in some patients) Disorganization Substance abuse (in some patients) Treatment ADHD can be treated and managed!! Evidence-based pharmacologic, psychosocial, and psychotherapeutic interventions are available for effective treatment. The various available treatment can be categorized as- Stimulants with other psychotropic medication Nonstimulant psychotherapeutic medications alone Supportive psychotherapy, Mindfulness and occupational therapy Behavioural interventions/psychotherapy References: Adler LA, Cohen J. Diagnosis and evaluation of adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Psychiatr Clin North Am. 2004;27(2):187–201. [ PubMed ] [ Google Scholar ] Wilens TE, Spencer TS, Biederman J. A review of the pharmacotherapy of adults with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. J Atten Disord. 2002;5:189–202. [ PubMed ] [ Google Scholar ]

Anxiety Signs and When to Seek Help What is anxiety? Anxiety is a consistent feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease about something with an unknown outcome. It’s a mind and body’s reaction to distress. For example, going to a job/school/college interview or meeting a person for the first time or visiting a new place may cause feelings of nervousness. It is considered to be body’s natural reaction to stress but if the stress is extreme, existing since last 6 months and interfering in your day-to-day activities, you may have an Anxiety Disorder and need support for treatment. Anxiety disorders are very common across the globe. Statistically, as per World Health Organization (WHO) 3.6% of world population have anxiety. Moreover , it effects 4.6% of females, 2.6% males and 12.8% of children and teenagers worldwide. The symptoms of anxiety differ from person to person. Few report mild symptoms like butterflies in stomach and racing heart whereas experience loss of control and disconnect between mind and body. The most common anxiety signs to watch out for are – 1. Nervousness, restlessness, difficulty in controlling worry 2. Sense of impending danger 3. Increased heart rate, breathing rapidly 4. Sweating, trembling, Feeling weak, tired 5. Trouble in concentration, sleeping, gastrointestinal issues When to see a specialist- 1. Your worry is interfering with your work, relationships, or other parts of your life Your fear, worry or anxiety is upsetting to you and difficult to control You feel depressed, have trouble with alcohol or drug use, or have other mental health concerns along with anxiety You think your anxiety could be linked to a physical health problem You have suicidal thoughts or behaviours — if this is the case, seek emergency treatment immediately Your worries may not go away on their own, and they may get worse over time if you don't seek help. See your doctor or a mental health provider before your anxiety gets worse. It's easier to treat if you get help early.

A consequence that happens without parental interference, without plan or control is called a Natural Consequence!! Children have inborn capacity to learn from cause and effects of their behavioural experiences and there is no denying the fact that these experiences prepare them for future adulthood. Below real-life client narration shows how parents can make natural consequence effective. "Every morning is a tussle in Maria’s home. It revolved around their son Hari who is 10-year-old. He wouldn’t get up on time for school. Maria would scream followed by husband’s screaming, and their son Hari would scream Back!! Sarcasm , blaming each other, and banging doors was usual every day. It left all of them really exhausted and took away “healthy family “time of complimenting and laughing with each other. Maria decided to try Natural Consequences approach. First, she chatted with her son and clarified her stance on this, which is: “Not reaching school on time isn’t my problem, it’s yours. If you miss the bus, you’re the one who is making this choice. What are you going to do differently next time?” “ I am here with you to support and help you with what it takes to reach bus on time. I can give you my opinions and you can choose what you like. Let me know what help you need as I am here for you.” She asked him what support he needs to be able to wake up on time and got him two alarm clocks set at different times and agreed to support him by nudging him once 30 mins before bus time. She also set few boundaries, like if he miss bus, he will take the public transport and he will miss one evening TV time the consecutive weekend. Hari never missed the bus again!!! Home mornings became relaxed!! " Research has shown that there are few situations where it works the best, which are getting in trouble at school when consequences are set by school such as detention, missing recess etc , responsibility for personal space and belonging when consequences are smelly room, couldn’t find anything at proper place, bad grades when being placed in lower set in class, not being able to get desired college, being impolite to people when consequence is not being invited to their homes, people being rude to you. It is seen few parents try to bail children out of these and few superimpose consequences from their side on top of these. To be noted is that this renders the effect of natural consequences ineffective!! You can discuss and coach your children into Natural Consequences. Younger children can be helped more by talking to them in exploring their choices and while preteens and teens can make their choices independently!! This approach is very effecting in developing intrinsic motivation, problem-solving skills and resiliency as it is one of the best teachers’ children can have !!

Health behaviour such as smoking, vaping, drugs and alcohol intake, physical inactivity, and unhealthy eating, gambling etc are associated with increased morbidity and mortality. There are innumerable diseases associated with them. To address unhealthy lifestyle is challenging and requires a holistic intervention in form of sustained behaviour change. “Motivation” to change behaviour is the key. The following concepts and theories can help you to stay motivated: 1. Perceived harm: This is for you to know whether your health behaviour is causing any harm to yourself. This can be done be done by obtaining accurate and specific information and objectively evaluating the information you are given about the changes in your lifestyles. When we say to ourselves “ I shouldn’t smoke” , “ I should go to bed early” the effect seems to get lost easily whereas when we say, “ I should really be distracting/practice mindfulness when urging to smoke”, “ I should not watch any TV before sleep time” there is more motivation. It is important to change your narrative and do motivating self- talk. 2. Beliefs about the advantages of change: Behaviour change needs to be anchored to few improvements that can be experienced in present. It can be done by visualizing the benefits , observing others who have benefitted from these and reminding yourself that you are making the right choices. 3. Confidence building in small steps: Self-confidence is the key to maintain the change. Small measures taken in high-risk situation is a great boost and few examples are resisting second drink at the friend’s birthday party, saying no smoke when everyone is smoking etc. 4. Environmental Cues: You also need to make change in environment to achieve change and examples are – keep company of people who lead healthy lifestyle, keep healthy foods at home and office, read health literature, establish a routine , remind your self of your motto of healthy lifestyle.

One powerful way of achieving this is to “document your roots and let your children know about it.” Research says that children who have an idea about their family’s past have higher levels of self-esteem, better internal locus of control, stronger family functioning, lower anxiety, fewer behavioural problems, and better resiliency. To achieve this its useful to " Tell them stories" and the medium can be following- 1.History- How , when, and where you were born? Which city, which events in history surrounded? Your marriage , knowing each other , and your childbearing phase. All these gives them sense that can persevere as well. 2. Happy times- Discuss in front of them what makes you happy and your pleasant memories around holidays, festivals, and family gatherings. Knowing about your goals, your strivings, and happy relationships adds to their emotional wellbeing. 3. Tough times – Talk to them about the difficult and troubled times. Let them your pain, your disappointments , and your struggles which is healthy for them to develop resilience. Make it fun, let them ask questions , guide them and don’t direct them.