Symptoms Tests for ADHD and Related Conditions https://www.additudemag.com ADHD symptom tests, ADD medication & treatment, behavior & discipline, school & learning essentials, organization and more information for families and individuals living with attention deficit and comorbid conditions Thu, 11 Apr 2024 16:49:34 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.5.3 https://i0.wp.com/www.additudemag.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/cropped-additude-favicon-512x512-1.png?w=32&crop=0%2C0px%2C100%2C32px&ssl=1 Symptoms Tests for ADHD and Related Conditions https://www.additudemag.com 32 32 Do You Suffer from Imposter Syndrome? Take This Quiz https://www.additudemag.com/imposter-syndrome-test/ https://www.additudemag.com/imposter-syndrome-test/#respond Thu, 11 Apr 2024 16:48:20 +0000 https://www.additudemag.com/?p=352899 Do you feel like you’re faking it through life – winging it more than others and barely hiding the chaos? Do you feel like you’ve tricked everyone into thinking that you’re a competent, intelligent person? Do you worry that you’ll be exposed someday? If so, you may be experiencing imposter syndrome.

“Someone with imposter syndrome feels like a fraud or a phony,” writes Sharon Saline, Psy.D. “You doubt your abilities and successes, believing that your mistakes and moments of imperfection are proof that you’re not an intelligent person.”

According to Saline, imposter syndrome, rejection sensitive dysphoria (RSD), social anxiety, and perfectionism – all common among individuals with ADHD – can be traced back to one thing: a core belief of deficiency.

Answer these questions to see whether you show signs of imposter syndrome, and to what degree. Find more resources on imposter syndrome at the end of this self-test.

The questions in this resource were informed, in part, from the ADDitude article titled “You Are Enough: How to Counteract Imposter Syndrome, Perfectionism, and RSD” by Sharon Saline, Psy.D., and from research literature on imposter syndrome. 1 2

I often feel like a fraud, as if I’m not who people think I am.

I fear that others will figure out that I’m masquerading as a competent, capable person.

It’s hard to accept praise, compliments, and positive feedback.

If I’d had any success in life, it’s been out of sheer luck, not my skills, talents, or strengths.

When I receive a compliment, the voice inside my head says things like, ‘If only they really knew how I am.’

I tend to fixate on mistakes and brush off moments of success.

I often compare my intelligence, abilities, levels of productivity, and other aspects of myself to others around me.

My mistakes and imperfections are proof that I’m not an intelligent, capable person.

I struggle greatly with procrastination when I fear that I won’t do a task well.

I view struggling with a task – even if I eventually complete it – as proof that I’m not really competent.

I spend a lot of time and energy preparing for tasks to avoid being seen as incapable.

When I do something well, I worry that I won’t be able to do it again and that I’ve set unrealistic expectations.

(Optional) Would you like to receive your symptom test results — plus more helpful resources — via email from ADDitude?

Can’t see the self-test questions above? Click here to open this test in a new window.

Imposter Syndrome: Next Steps

Sources

1 Huecker MR, Shreffler J, McKeny PT, et al. Imposter Phenomenon. [Updated 2023 Jul 31]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK585058/

2 Chandra, S., Huebert, C. A., Crowley, E., & Das, A. M. (2019). Impostor Syndrome: Could It Be Holding You or Your Mentees Back?. Chest, 156(1), 26–32. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chest.2019.02.325

]]> https://www.additudemag.com/imposter-syndrome-test/feed/ 0 How Severe Is Your Loneliness? Take This Quiz https://www.additudemag.com/loneliness-test/ https://www.additudemag.com/loneliness-test/#respond Mon, 25 Mar 2024 16:08:26 +0000 https://www.additudemag.com/?p=350888 About half of adults in the U.S. report experiencing loneliness, with higher rates reported among young adults — a concerning trend that started before the pandemic.1 In 2023, U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy called loneliness an “epidemic” and recognized it as a public health crisis.

Loneliness, according to the CDC, is “feeling like you do not have meaningful or close relationships or a sense of belonging.”2 In a recent ADDitude survey of 4,170 adults with ADHD, nearly two-third of respondents aged 18 to 29 reported feeling lonely “always or often.” Many readers cited executive dysfunction, rejection sensitive dysphoria (RSD), masking, and low self-esteem among several ADHD-related sources of loneliness.

Answer the following questions to gauge your own feelings of loneliness. Share your results with a licensed mental health professional. Find resources to combat loneliness at the end of this self-test.

If you or someone you know is in crisis and needs help, dial or text 988 to connect to a trained counselor from the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Call 911 if you or someone you know is in immediate danger.

This self-test was drafted by ADDitude editors and informed, in part, by the UCLA Loneliness Scale (Version 3), the Campaign to End Loneliness Measurement Tool, and the De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale. This self-test is designed to measure loneliness and it is intended for personal use only. This self-test is not a diagnostic tool.

I often feel “out of tune” with the people around me.

I feel that I lack companionship.

I feel isolated from others.

I don’t have many people to whom I feel comfortable turning at any time.

My relationships are not as satisfying or meaningful as I would like them to be.

I feel a general sense of emptiness.

I don’t feel like I’m part of a group (like friends) or a community.

I often feel rejected or left out.

I don’t feel close to anyone.

I feel like no one knows me — the real me — that well.

(Optional) Would you like to receive your symptom test results — plus more helpful resources — via email from ADDitude?

Can’t see the self-test questions above? Click here to open this test in a new window.

How to Deal with Loneliness: Next Steps

Sources

1 Our epidemic of loneliness and isolation: the US Surgeon General’s advisory on the healing effects of social connection and community. 2 May 2023. US Department of Health and Human Services. www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/surgeon-general-social-connection-advisory.pdf.

2 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Loneliness. https://www.cdc.gov/howrightnow/emotion/loneliness/index.html

]]> https://www.additudemag.com/loneliness-test/feed/ 0 “Is My Relationship Toxic?” A Quiz for Adults with ADHD https://www.additudemag.com/is-my-relationship-toxic-quiz-adhd/ https://www.additudemag.com/is-my-relationship-toxic-quiz-adhd/#respond Tue, 13 Feb 2024 16:25:09 +0000 https://www.additudemag.com/?p=349121 No one is immune to toxic relationships. Individuals with ADHD, however, may be especially vulnerable to experiencing emotional abuse in the form of gaslighting, love bombing, and other manipulation tactics in a relationship.

“Adults with ADHD may be more vulnerable to gaslighting due to issues with self-esteem, difficulty with past relationships, and feelings of guilt and shame,” writes Stephanie Sarkis, Ph.D., a psychotherapist and the author of Healing from Toxic Relationships: 10 Essential Steps to Recover from Gaslighting, Narcissism, and Emotional Abuse.

Gaslighting and other forms of emotional abuse, according to Sarkis, are pervasive and purposeful efforts (overt or covert) from an abuser to gain power and control over a victim. Emotional abuse is not to be confused with problems, like communication challenges, that can plague an otherwise healthy relationship.

Answer these questions to see if you may be in a toxic, emotionally abusive relationship. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 911. For anonymous, confidential help, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline by calling 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or texting “START” to 88788. Visit www.thehotline.org to chat with an expert advocate.

The questions in this resource were derived from ADDitude’s ADHD Experts webinar titled, “Gaslighting, Love Bombing & Beyond: How to Recognize (and End) Toxic Relationships with ADHD” [Video Replay & Podcast #410] with Stephanie Sarkis, Ph.D., which was broadcast on July 7, 2022.

My partner obsessively accuses me of engaging in a behavior in which they have engaged, like infidelity or hiding money.

My partner makes me question my intuition, perception, and/or sense of reality.

My partner tells me things like, “People think you’re crazy,” but then refuses to name names or provide details about who made the comments.

My partner weaponizes my ADHD against me. They make me feel like I can’t be trusted to manage my finances, friendships, and other major aspects of my life.

When I have tried to leave my partner, they bring me back by making promises around major deal breakers (e.g., wanting to have kids, going to therapy) and other areas of contention or disappointment in our relationship.

My partner never apologizes; they don’t take responsibility for their behaviors and seem to think that they’re incapable of making mistakes.

The relationship feels like an emotional rollercoaster. Sometimes my partner makes me feel like I’m on Cloud Nine and that I can do no wrong. Other times, I feel worthless and like I can’t do anything right.

Since being with my partner, I have lost friendships and have become more isolated from family.

When I try to talk to my partner about our relationship problems, the conversation ends up focusing only on my faults.

When I try to talk to my partner about their behaviors, they blame me for being upset, as if I don’t have the right to my reactions.

My partner hasn’t reacted well when I’ve tried to set boundaries (e.g., raging anger, silent treatment that lasts for days).

My partner ridicules or ignores my wants and needs in our relationship.

My partner claims that my ADHD medication makes me “out of control,” “difficult,” or “crazy” even though I know my medication helps me manage symptoms.

(Optional) Would you like to receive your symptom test results — plus more helpful resources — via email from ADDitude?

Can’t see the self-test questions above? Click here to open this test in a new window.

Toxic Relationship: Next Steps

]]> https://www.additudemag.com/is-my-relationship-toxic-quiz-adhd/feed/ 0 Is Your Friendship Toxic? Take This Quiz https://www.additudemag.com/is-my-friend-toxic-quiz/ https://www.additudemag.com/is-my-friend-toxic-quiz/#comments Mon, 12 Feb 2024 17:14:13 +0000 https://www.additudemag.com/?p=348926 “I feel like a magnet for unhealthy people.”

“I need to learn how to pick BETTER friends.”

“Why do I let people treat me badly?”

“How do I know whom I can trust? I’ve been burned so many times.”

Healthy friendships enrich our lives. Toxic friendships, as the ADDitude readers quoted above know, do the opposite; they deplete us.

From rejection sensitive dysphoria and low self-esteem to a tendency to rush into friendships, the traits and tendencies of ADHD may make individuals more vulnerable to toxic friendships for various reasons.

Answer these questions to see if someone you consider a friend may be exhibiting toxic behaviors toward you.

The questions in this resource were derived, in part, from ADDitude ADHD Experts webinar titled, “An Adult’s Guide to Fostering Friendships with ADHD” [Video Replay & Podcast #478] with Caroline Maguire, M.Ed., ACCG, PCC, which was broadcast on November 2, 2023.

My friendship feels one-sided. Interactions always seems to be about them.

I feel on edge around my friend. They’re often quick to point out quirks of mine, or something silly I said or did.

My friendship feels like an emotional rollercoaster. They act hot and then cold.

I feel mentally and emotionally depleted or disoriented after spending time with my friend.

My friend doesn’t mention me to other friends. It’s like I don’t exist.

I feel like I have to walk on eggshells around my friend. I’m extra careful with what I say or do, as they are easily set off.

My friend reaches out to me only when they want something.

With this friend, I often find myself agreeing to things I wouldn’t normally agree to, like taking their call during work hours.

Honestly, I don’t think my friend would be there for me in a time of need.

I don’t feel like I can fully be myself around this friend.

(Optional) Would you like to receive your symptom test results — plus more helpful resources — via email from ADDitude?

Can’t see the self-test questions above? Click here to open this test in a new window.

Toxic Friendship: Next Steps

]]> https://www.additudemag.com/is-my-friend-toxic-quiz/feed/ 1 [Self-Test] Could You Have Delayed Sleep Phase Disorder? https://www.additudemag.com/delayed-sleep-phase-disorder-test/ https://www.additudemag.com/delayed-sleep-phase-disorder-test/#respond Thu, 21 Dec 2023 15:30:13 +0000 https://www.additudemag.com/?p=345494 Delayed sleep phase syndrome (DSPS), also known as delayed sleep phase disorder or delayed sleep-wake phase disorder, is a circadian rhythm sleep-wake disorder characterized by an inability to fall asleep and wake up at socially acceptable times. Individuals with DSPS, because of differences in their internal clock, naturally sleep and wake more than two hours later than most people.

DSPS is often mistaken for insomnia and poor sleep hygiene. But initiating and staying asleep actually comes easily for those with DSPS, as does waking up, so long as it lines up with their body’s natural sleep-wake times. Those with DSPS may also have poor sleep hygiene, but challenges falling asleep at socially conventional times may still occur even with healthier habits because of underlying circadian rhythm differences.

DSPS is linked to other conditions, including depression and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).1 2

Clinicians use sleep diaries, sleep tests, and actigraphy devices (usually a wrist device that monitors sleep) to diagnose DSPS and rule out other sleep disorders. Treatment for DSPS comprises light exposure therapy, melatonin supplements, and sleep-wake time adjustments.

Answer the questions below to see if you may be showing signs of delayed sleep phase syndrome. Share your results with your doctor.

This self-test, drafted by ADDitude editors, is informed by criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). This self-test is designed to screen for the possibility of delayed sleep phase syndrome, and it is intended for personal use only. This self-test is not intended as a diagnostic tool.

Sleepiness sets in much later (usually more than two hours later) for me than the time most would consider normal.

I struggle to fall asleep at an earlier hour, even under the right conditions (a dark and quiet room, comfortable temperature, no screen use, etc.)

Once sleepiness sets in, I am able to fall asleep easily.

Once I fall asleep, I have no problem staying asleep.

When I am able to sleep and wake up on my own time, I wake up feeling refreshed.

Getting up at a “normal” hour is extremely difficult for me. It’s like my body isn’t made for it.

When I wake up at a “normal” or conventional time, I feel excessively sleepy during the day.

I experience morning confusion when I wake up at a “normal” time.

I have problems at work, school, and/or in my social life because of my sleep schedule.

(Optional) Would you like to receive your symptom test results — plus more helpful resources — via email from ADDitude?

Can’t see the self-test questions above? Click here to open this test in a new window.

Delayed Sleep Phase Disorder: Next Steps

Sources

1 Murray, J. M., Sletten, T. L., Magee, M., Gordon, C., Lovato, N., Bartlett, D. J., Kennaway, D. J., Lack, L. C., Grunstein, R. R., Lockley, S. W., Rajaratnam, S. M., & Delayed Sleep on Melatonin (DelSoM) Study Group (2017). Prevalence of Circadian Misalignment and Its Association With Depressive Symptoms in Delayed Sleep Phase Disorder. Sleep, 40(1), 10.1093/sleep/zsw002. https://doi.org/10.1093/sleep/zsw002

2 Bijlenga, D., van der Heijden, K. B., Breuk, M., van Someren, E. J., Lie, M. E., Boonstra, A. M., Swaab, H. J., & Kooij, J. J. (2013). Associations between sleep characteristics, seasonal depressive symptoms, lifestyle, and ADHD symptoms in adults. Journal of attention disorders, 17(3), 261–275. https://doi.org/10.1177/1087054711428965

]]> https://www.additudemag.com/delayed-sleep-phase-disorder-test/feed/ 0 [Self-Test] Nail Biting Disorder: Symptoms of Onychophagia in Children https://www.additudemag.com/nail-biting-disorder-onychophagia-children-symptoms-test/ https://www.additudemag.com/nail-biting-disorder-onychophagia-children-symptoms-test/#respond Wed, 20 Sep 2023 16:18:18 +0000 https://www.additudemag.com/?p=339577 Nail biting is a common behavior that typically begins in childhood. For most children, nail biting is a harmless habit. A small portion of children, however, exhibit chronic and compulsive nail biting. They bite their fingernails, cuticles, and skin surrounding their nails to the point of bleeding and soreness. They also continue to engage in nail biting despite its consequences to health, functioning, and wellbeing.

Nail biting disorder, also known as onychophagia, is a body-focused repetitive behavior (BFRB) — a self-grooming, self-soothing behavior that is difficult to control or stop. Children with BFRBs often deal with other co-occurring conditions, including anxiety, depression, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).1 2 3

Chronic nail biting, especially if untreated, can lead to health complications like dental problems, recurring infections, and permanent damage to the nails.4 Children with nail-biting disorder may feel embarrassed or ashamed about their condition, and may struggle to attend school and other social settings as a result.

Answer the questions below to see if your child may be showing signs of onychophagia. Share your results with your child’s pediatrician or a licensed mental health professional.

This self-test, drafted by ADDitude editors, is informed in part by criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) and research findings on onychophagia. (See sources section below for more information.) This self-test is designed to screen for the possibility of onychophagia, and it is intended for personal use only. This self-test is not intended as a diagnostic tool.

My child habitually bites their fingernails and/or toenails (including nail plates, nail folds, nail beds, and/or cuticles).

My child often bites their nails to the point of bleeding and soreness.

My child has made repeated attempts to reduce or stop biting their nails.

Feelings of anxiety or boredom seem to precede my child’s nail-biting episodes.

My child reports feeling an increasing sense of tension immediately before biting their nails or when resisting the urge to bite.

My child reports feeling a sense of relief or pleasure when biting their nails.

My child chews on and/or eats their nails after biting them.

My child doesn’t always seem aware that they are biting their nails.

My child’s damaged nails as a result of nail biting cause them significant distress.

My child spends a lot of time trying to hide and/or camouflage their nails.

My child avoids school and other social settings because of their nail biting or how their nails look as a result of nail biting.

(Optional) Would you like to receive your symptom test results — plus more helpful resources — via email from ADDitude?

Can’t see the self-test questions above? Click here to open this test in a new window.

Nail Biting Disorder in Children: Next Steps

Sources

1 Ghanizadeh A. (2008). Association of nail biting and psychiatric disorders in children and their parents in a psychiatrically referred sample of children. Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health, 2(1), 13. https://doi.org/10.1186/1753-2000-2-13

2 Gu, L., Pathoulas, J. T., Widge, A. S., Idnani, A., & Lipner, S. R. (2022). Exacerbation of onychophagia and onychotillomania during the COVID-19 pandemic: a survey-based study. International Journal of Dermatology, 61(11), e412–e414. https://doi.org/10.1111/ijd.16395

3 Sampaio, D. G., & Grant, J. E. (2018). Body-focused repetitive behaviors and the dermatology patient. Clinics in Dermatology, 36(6), 723–727. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clindermatol.2018.08.004

4 Lee, D. K., & Lipner, S. R. (2022). Update on Diagnosis and Management of Onychophagia and Onychotillomania. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(6), 3392. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19063392

]]> https://www.additudemag.com/nail-biting-disorder-onychophagia-children-symptoms-test/feed/ 0 [Self-Test] Nail Biting Disorder: Symptoms of Onychophagia https://www.additudemag.com/onychophagia-nail-biting-disorder-test/ https://www.additudemag.com/onychophagia-nail-biting-disorder-test/#respond Tue, 19 Sep 2023 18:35:14 +0000 https://www.additudemag.com/?p=339156 Nail biting is, for most people, simply a bad habit that’s hard to break. Then there are individuals for whom nail biting is chronic, compulsive, and significantly impacts their wellbeing.

Onychophagia, the medical term for nail biting, is a type of body-focused repetitive behavior (BFRB). Individuals with chronic and compulsive onychophagia will often bite the nails on their hands and/or toes to the point of causing visible damage to their nails. Chronic nail biting, like any BFRB, is difficult to control. Some individuals with onychophagia describe the behavior as automatic.

Chronic nail biting is associated with increased risk for ungual infections and dental problems.1 Onychophagia often co-occurs with other BFRBs, including trichotillomania (hair-pulling disorder) and excoriation (skin-picking disorder).2 As a whole, BFRBs are also linked to conditions like depression, anxiety, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).3 4 5 Onychophagia is treatable, and managed with psychotherapy and medication.

Answer the questions below to see if you may be showing signs of onychophagia. Share your results with a licensed clinician and/or mental health professional.

This self-test, drafted by ADDitude editors, is informed, in part, by criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) and research findings on onychophagia. (See sources section below for more information.) This self-test is designed to screen for the possibility of onychophagia, and it is intended for personal use only. This self-test is not intended as a diagnostic tool.

I habitually bite my nails (including the nail plates, nail folds, nail beds, and/or cuticles) on my hands and/or toes.

I’ve made repeated attempts to decrease or stop biting my nails.

Feelings of tension, anxiety, or boredom often precede my nail biting.

I feel an increasing sense of tension immediately before biting my nails or when resisting the urge to bite.

I feel a sense of relief or pleasure after biting my nails.

I chew on and/or eat my nails after biting them.

Sometimes I am not even aware that I am biting my nails, until it is too late.

My nail biting causes me significant distress.

I spend a lot of time and energy trying to hide and/or camouflage my nails.

I avoid work, social settings, and other public situations because of how my nails look as a result of nail biting.

I often bite my nails until they bleed and are sore.

(Optional) Would you like to receive your symptom test results — plus more helpful resources — via email from ADDitude?

Can’t see the self-test questions above? Click here to open this test in a new window.

Nail Biting Disorder (Onychophagia): Next Steps

Sources

1 Lee, D. K., & Lipner, S. R. (2022). Update on Diagnosis and Management of Onychophagia and Onychotillomania. International journal of environmental research and public health, 19(6), 3392. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19063392

2 The TLC Foundation for Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors. Nail biting. https://www.bfrb.org/bfrbs/nail-biting

3 Ghanizadeh A. (2008). Association of nail biting and psychiatric disorders in children and their parents in a psychiatrically referred sample of children. Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health, 2(1), 13. https://doi.org/10.1186/1753-2000-2-13

4 Gu, L., Pathoulas, J. T., Widge, A. S., Idnani, A., & Lipner, S. R. (2022). Exacerbation of onychophagia and onychotillomania during the COVID-19 pandemic: a survey-based study. International Journal of Dermatology, 61(11), e412–e414. https://doi.org/10.1111/ijd.16395

5 Sampaio, D. G., & Grant, J. E. (2018). Body-focused repetitive behaviors and the dermatology patient. Clinics in Dermatology, 36(6), 723–727. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clindermatol.2018.08.004

]]> https://www.additudemag.com/onychophagia-nail-biting-disorder-test/feed/ 0 [Self-Test] Dermatillomania or Skin-Picking Disorder Symptoms in Children https://www.additudemag.com/dermatillomania-children-skin-picking-test/ https://www.additudemag.com/dermatillomania-children-skin-picking-test/#respond Fri, 08 Sep 2023 18:31:52 +0000 https://www.additudemag.com/?p=338745 Recurrent skin picking (anywhere on the body) that results in lesions may be a sign of skin-picking disorder, a body-focused repetitive behavior (BFRB) that, if untreated, can significantly affect a child’s quality of life. Children and teens with this condition may pick at pimples, scabs (including those formed after skin picking), calluses, and/or healthy skin, sometimes with the use of implements, like tweezers and pins. They’ll often attempt to conceal the lesions caused by skin picking with makeup or clothing.

As with any other BFRB, skin-picking disorder, also known as dermatillomania and excoriation disorder, is difficult to control. According to the DSM-5, a significant proportion of students with skin-picking disorder report having missed school and experiencing difficulties in school because of their condition.1 But with the right support, children and teens can better understand these behaviors and successfully manage dermatillomania.

Answer the questions below to see if your child may be showing signs of skin-picking disorder. Share the results with your child’s pediatrician or a licensed mental health professional. Regardless of your score, tell a doctor if your child is engaging in BFRBs, no matter the severity of the behaviors.

This self-test, drafted by ADDitude editors, is based on criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). This self-test is designed to screen for the possibility of excoriation disorder (skin-picking disorder or dermatillomania), and it is intended for personal use only. This self-test is not intended as a diagnostic tool.

My child recurrently picks at their skin — on their face, arms, hands, and/or other parts of the body.

My child reports spending a lot of time picking, thinking about picking, and/or resisting urges to pick at their skin.

My child’s skin picking results in lesions.

Anxiety and boredom seem to precede my child’s skin-picking episodes.

My child is specific about the type of skin they pick at (e.g., scabs, pimples).

My child examines, plays with, and/or swallows the skin after it’s been picked.

My child reports feeling an increasing sense of tension before picking at their skin or when resisting the urge to pick.

My child reports feeling a sense of pleasure, gratification, or relief after picking at their skin.

My child makes repeated attempts to decrease or stop skin picking.

My child is secretive about their skin-picking behavior, often denying that it has happened.

Skin picking or its results cause my child significant distress.

My child misses school because of their skin picking/skin lesions.

My child avoids social events because of their skin picking/skin lesions.

My child often seems completely unaware of their skin-picking, as if they are in a trance.

(Optional) Would you like to receive your symptom test results — plus more helpful resources — via email from ADDitude?

Can’t see the self-test questions above? Click here to open this test in a new window.

Skin Picking Disorder in Children: Next Steps

Sources

1 American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Excoriation disorder. In Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.).

]]> https://www.additudemag.com/dermatillomania-children-skin-picking-test/feed/ 0 [Self-Test] Skin-Picking Disorder (Dermatillomania) Symptoms https://www.additudemag.com/skin-picking-disorder-dermatillomania-test/ https://www.additudemag.com/skin-picking-disorder-dermatillomania-test/#respond Thu, 07 Sep 2023 14:29:26 +0000 https://www.additudemag.com/?p=338739 Skin-picking disorder, also known as excoriation disorder or dermatillomania, is one of the most common body-focused repetitive behaviors (BFRBs). Individuals with this condition recurrently pick at their skin, often from multiple sites of the body, including the face, arms, and/or fingers/hands. Skin picking results in lesions, which many individuals attempt to conceal with clothing and/or makeup. Skin-picking disorder affects about 5% of people, and often occurs with conditions like depression, anxiety, and ADHD.1 2 Trichotillomania (i.e., hair-pulling disorder) is also commonly found with skin-picking disorder.1

Skin-picking disorder, if untreated, can cause significant distress and impact an individual’s functioning in multiple areas of life, from work and social activities. The condition can also lead to complications like scarring, infection, and tissue damage.

Take this self-test to see if you may be showing signs of excoriation disorder. Share the results with a licensed clinician and/or mental health professional. Regardless of your score, tell your doctor if you are engaging in BFRBs, no matter the severity of the behaviors.

This self-test, drafted by ADDitude editors, is based on criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). This self-test is designed to screen for the possibility of excoriation disorder (skin-picking disorder), and it is intended for personal use only. This self-test is not intended as a diagnostic tool.

I recurrently pick at my skin — on my face, arms, hands, and/or other parts of my body.

I bite my nails, cuticles, or other skin on my body.

My skin picking results in lesions.

I often think about picking and/or resisting urges to pick at my skin.

Anxiety and boredom often precede my skin-picking episodes.

I am specific about the skin I pick at (e.g., I search for a scab to pull).

I examine, play with, and/or swallow the skin after it’s been pulled.

I feel an increasing sense of tension before picking at my skin or when resisting the urge to pick.

I feel a sense of pleasure, gratification, or relief after picking at my skin.

Skin irregularities (like acne), bumps, or scabs often trigger picking.

I am often not even aware that I am picking

I avoid picking my skin in the presence of others.

I tell myself that I have to cut down on or stop skin picking.

Skin picking or its results often cause me significant distress.

I avoid work, school, social settings, and other public situations because of my skin picking/lesions.

(Optional) Would you like to receive your symptom test results — plus more helpful resources — via email from ADDitude?

Can’t see the self-test questions above? Click here to open this test in a new window.

Skin Picking Disorder: Next Steps

Sources

1 Grant, J. E., & Chamberlain, S. R. (2022). Characteristics of 262 adults with skin picking disorder. Comprehensive Psychiatry, 117, 152338. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.comppsych.2022.152338

2 Golomb RG, Franklin ME, Grant JE, et al. (2016) Expert consensus treatment guidelines: body-focused repetitive behaviors. Hair pulling, skin picking, and related disorders. The TLC Foundation for BFRBs. https://global-uploads.webflow.com/626958af73c43200cd878b35/62f551b797e279202e49d315_Expert_Consensus_Treatment_Guidelines_2016w.pdf

]]> https://www.additudemag.com/skin-picking-disorder-dermatillomania-test/feed/ 0 [Self-Test] Trichotillomania in Children and Teens https://www.additudemag.com/trichotillomania-symptoms-child-pulling-hair-out-test/ https://www.additudemag.com/trichotillomania-symptoms-child-pulling-hair-out-test/#respond Thu, 07 Sep 2023 14:10:26 +0000 https://www.additudemag.com/?p=338729 Trichotillomania is a body-focused repetitive behavior (BFRB) characterized by repeated hair pulling, which often results in patterns of hair loss. According to the TLC Foundation for BFRBs, approximately 2 in 50 people experience trichotillomania, also known as hair-pulling disorder.1 Trichotillomania usually begins in late childhood/early puberty, and it appear to be largely genetic. Trichotillomania is often seen with other conditions, including anxiety, depression, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).3

Hair-pulling disorder, especially if untreated, can cause significant distress to children and teens. They may feel embarrassed or ashamed about their condition, the hair loss it may cause, and of their inability to decrease or stop the behavior. Hair-pulling also causes significant distress within families, especially when parents are not informed about the disorders or do not understand what is happening. Children and teens with trichotillomania may struggle to attend school and other social settings as a result.

Answer the questions below to see if your child may be showing signs of hair-pulling disorder. Share the results with your child’s pediatrician or a licensed mental health professional. Regardless of your score, tell your doctor if your child is engaging in BFRBs, no matter the severity of the behaviors.

This self-test, drafted by ADDitude editors, is based on criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). This self-test is designed to screen for the possibility of trichotillomania (hair-pulling disorder), and it is intended for personal use only. This self-test is not intended as a diagnostic tool.

My child pulls out hair from their scalp, eyebrows, eyelids, and/or other parts of their body, which results in hair loss.

My child avoids school and other social settings because of their hair pulling/hair loss.

Feelings of anxiety or boredom seem to precede my child’s hair-pulling episodes.

My child visually examines the hair that they’ve pulled.

My child is secretive about their hair-pulling behavior.

My child tactilely and/or orally manipulates the hair that they’ve pulled (e.g., rolls the hair between fingers, pulls the strand between teeth and lips, or swallows the hair).

My child seems to search for a particular kind of hair to pull (e.g., hairs of a certain texture or color).

My child makes repeated attempts to decrease or stop hair pulling.

My child reports feeling an increasing sense of tension immediately before pulling out their hair or when resisting the urge to pull.

My child reports feeling a sense of pleasure or relief when pulling out their hair.

My child denies their hair-pulling behavior to others.

My child’s hair pulling/hair loss causes them significant distress.

My child often seems completely unaware of pulling, as if they are in a trance.

(Optional) Would you like to receive your symptom test results — plus more helpful resources — via email from ADDitude?

Can’t see the self-test questions above? Click here to open this test in a new window.

Trichotillomania in Children: Next Steps

Sources

1 Hair pulling. The TLC Foundation for Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors. https://www.bfrb.org/bfrbs/hair-pulling

2 Golomb RG, Franklin ME, Grant JE, et al. (2016) Expert consensus treatment guidelines: body-focused repetitive behaviors. Hair pulling, skin picking, and related disorders. The TLC Foundation for BFRBs. https://global-uploads.webflow.com/626958af73c43200cd878b35/62f551b797e279202e49d315_Expert_Consensus_Treatment_Guidelines_2016w.pdf

3 Grant, J. E., & Chamberlain, S. R. (2022). Characteristics of 262 adults with skin picking disorder. Comprehensive psychiatry, 117, 152338. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.comppsych.2022.152338

]]> https://www.additudemag.com/trichotillomania-symptoms-child-pulling-hair-out-test/feed/ 0 [Self-Test] Signs of Postpartum Depression (PPD) https://www.additudemag.com/postpartum-depression-symptoms-test/ https://www.additudemag.com/postpartum-depression-symptoms-test/#respond Tue, 05 Sep 2023 15:25:52 +0000 https://www.additudemag.com/?p=338505 WEBINAR REPLAY:
Watch “The Unspoken Truths of Postpartum Depression” with Dr. Jayne Singer.

Postpartum depression (PPD) is a serious but treatable condition that occurs during pregnancy or after childbirth. (The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders uses the term “peripartum depression” in recognition that many pregnant individuals experience depressive symptoms prior to delivery.)

Postpartum depression is more than the “baby blues.” Along with typical symptoms of depression — from persistent feelings of sadness, emptiness, and hopelessness to difficulty concentrating — postpartum depression may cause a parent to feel distant from their baby, to feel like a bad parent, to experience anxiousness (sometimes called postpartum anxiety), and to think about hurting themselves or their baby.1

About one in eight women experience symptoms of postpartum depression.2 Certain factors may increase risk for PPD, including a history of depressive disorders.3 Women with ADHD may be at greater risk for PPD. According to a 2023 study of more than 773,000 mothers with and without ADHD, about 17% of women with ADHD experienced PPD compared to 3.3% of women without ADHD.4 The same study found that about 25% of women with ADHD were diagnosed with anxiety disorders postpartum, compared to 4.61% of women without ADHD.4

Postpartum depression is treated with medications and/or psychotherapy. In August 2023, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a pill for the treatment of postpartum depression that is the first of its kind.

If you are pregnant or a new parent, take this self-test to see if you may be experiencing symptoms of postpartum/peripartum depression and/or anxiety. Share the results with a licensed clinician and/or mental health professional.

If you or someone you know is in crisis and needs help, dial or text 988 to connect to a trained counselor from the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Call 911 if you or someone you know is in immediate danger.

This self-test is based on the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), and information on postpartum depression from the Office on Women’s Health. It is designed to screen for the possibility of postpartum/perinatal depression, and it is intended for personal use only. This test is not a diagnostic tool.

In the past two weeks…

…I have felt unhappy and hopeless.

…I have felt empty.

…I have been anxious, worried, or scared for seemingly no reason.

…I haven’t been able to find joy in most activities.

…I have had difficulty sleeping, or I have been sleeping more than usual.

…I have felt fatigued and low on energy.

…I have felt excessively guilty.

…I have had lots of trouble concentrating and making decisions.

…I have thought about harming myself.

…I have been eating too little or too much.

…I have had thoughts of harming my (born or unborn) baby.

…I have felt like I am (or will be) a bad parent.

…I have felt distant from my baby.

(Optional) Would you like to receive your symptom test results — plus more helpful resources — via email from ADDitude?

Can’t see the self-test questions above? Click here to open this test in a new window.

Postpartum Depression: Next Steps

Sources

1 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Depression during and after pregnancy. https://www.cdc.gov/reproductivehealth/features/maternal-depression/index.html

2 Bauman, B. L., Ko, J. Y., Cox, S., D’Angelo Mph, D. V., Warner, L., Folger, S., Tevendale, H. D., Coy, K. C., Harrison, L., & Barfield, W. D. (2020). Vital Signs: Postpartum depressive symptoms and provider discussions about perinatal depression – United States, 2018. MMWR. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, 69(19), 575–581. https://doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm6919a2

3 Hutchens, B. F., & Kearney, J. (2020). Risk Factors for Postpartum Depression: An Umbrella Review. Journal of midwifery & women’s health, 65(1), 96–108. https://doi.org/10.1111/jmwh.13067

4 Andersson, A., Garcia-Argibay, M., Viktorin, A., Ghirardi, A., Butwicka, A., Skoglund, C., Bang Madsen, K., D’onofrio, B.M., Lichtenstein, P., Tuvblad, C., and Larsson, H. (2023). Depression and Anxiety Disorders During the Postpartum Period in Women Diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Journal of Affective Disorders. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2023.01.069

]]> https://www.additudemag.com/postpartum-depression-symptoms-test/feed/ 0 [Self-Test] Trichotillomania (Hair-Pulling Disorder) Symptoms https://www.additudemag.com/trichotillomania-hair-pulling-disorder-test/ https://www.additudemag.com/trichotillomania-hair-pulling-disorder-test/#respond Fri, 01 Sep 2023 20:41:03 +0000 https://www.additudemag.com/?p=338492 Trichotillomania is a type of body-focused repetitive behavior (BFRB) in which individuals repeatedly pull out their own hair, often to the point of noticeable hair loss. (The condition is also known as hair-pulling disorder.) Trichotillomania is thought to affect up to 5% of people, though rates may be higher, as many people with BFRBs do not seek help for their treatable conditions due to shame and stigma.1

While hair pulling is a self-soothing, self-regulating behavior (as is the case for other BFRBs), the results of the behavior often cause significant distress and/or impairment to the individual. People with trichotillomania may consciously or unconsciously engage in hair pulling, which is often done in a ritualistic manner (e.g., searching for a specific kind of hair strand to pull and manually manipulating it once pulled).

Trichotillomania often co-occurs with other BFRBs (like skin picking and lip chewing) and with conditions like depression, anxiety, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).2 3 Trichotillomania should not be confused for hair removal done for cosmetic reasons or for hair pulling done as a symmetry ritual among some individuals with OCD.

Answer the questions below to see if you may be showing signs of hair-pulling disorder. Share your results with a licensed clinician and/or mental health professional. Regardless of your score, talk to your doctor if you are engaging in hair-pulling and/or other BFRBs, no matter the severity of the behavior(s).

This self-test, drafted by ADDitude editors, is based on criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). This self-test is designed to screen for the possibility of trichotillomania (hair-pulling disorder), and it is intended for personal use only. This self-test is not intended as a diagnostic tool.

I pull out hair from my scalp, eyebrows, eyelids, and/or other parts of my body, which results in hair loss.

Feelings of tension, anxiety, or boredom often precede the hair pulling that I do.

I feel a sense of pleasure or relief when pulling out the hair.

I visually examine the hair that I’ve pulled.

I tactilely and/or orally manipulate the hair that I pull (e.g., roll the hair between fingers, pull the strand between teeth and lips, or swallow the hair).

Sometimes I am not even aware that I am pulling, until it is too late.

I avoid pulling my hair in the presence of others.

I deny my hair-pulling behaviors to others.

My hair pulling/hair loss causes me significant distress.

I avoid work, school, social settings, and other public situations because of my hair pulling/hair loss.

I tell myself that I have to decrease or stop hair pulling.

When I engage in hair-pulling, I find myself searching for a particular kind of hair to pull (e.g., hairs of a certain texture or color).

(Optional) Would you like to receive your symptom test results — plus more helpful resources — via email from ADDitude?

Can’t see the self-test questions above? Click here to open this test in a new window.

Trichotillomania and BFRBs: Next Steps

Sources

1 Madan, S. K., Davidson, J., & Gong, H. (2023). Addressing body-focused repetitive behaviors in the dermatology practice. Clinics in dermatology, S0738-081X(23)00031-7. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clindermatol.2023.03.004

2 American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Trichotillomania. In Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.).

3 Grant, J. E., & Chamberlain, S. R. (2022). Characteristics of 262 adults with skin picking disorder. Comprehensive Psychiatry, 117, 152338. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.comppsych.2022.152338

]]> https://www.additudemag.com/trichotillomania-hair-pulling-disorder-test/feed/ 0 10 Questions to Reveal Parental Burnout https://www.additudemag.com/parental-burnout-symptoms-quiz/ https://www.additudemag.com/parental-burnout-symptoms-quiz/#respond Fri, 25 Aug 2023 05:23:25 +0000 https://www.additudemag.com/?p=338192 Parental burnout — characterized by overwhelming exhaustion, emotional distancing from one’s children, and a sense of parental ineffectiveness — may result from chronic stress and a lack of resources, plus inability to cope.1 Parental burnout skyrocketed during the pandemic, when 66% of working parents reported feeling burned out, according to a study from Ohio State University.2

Some caregivers face greater risk of parental burnout, including women and parents of neurodivergent children. Parents with ADHD, especially those who are raising children with the same condition, also face an elevated risk for stress, parenting challenges (exacerbated by symptoms of ADHD), coping difficulties, and exhaustion — a perfect storm for burnout.3 4 5

If you’re wondering whether you’re experiencing signs of parental burnout, answer the questions below and share the results with a licensed mental health professional.

This self-test — drafted by ADDitude editors and informed, in part, by The Parental Burnout Assessment — is designed to screen for the possibility of parental burnout, and it is intended for personal use only. This test is not intended as a diagnostic tool.

I’m having more trouble concentrating and focusing (i.e., brain fog) as a result of parenting.

I feel like parenting uses up most, if not all, of my energy. I don’t have much time for anything else.

I’m so stressed out due to parenting that I have trouble falling and/or staying asleep.

I find it difficult to enjoy being with my child/children.

I don’t feel like the good parent that I used to be.

I feel overwhelmed and exhausted at the end of the day from looking after my child/children and juggling other responsibilities.

I feel like I’m in survival mode or autopilot in my role as a parent.

I find myself increasingly impatient and critical of my child/children.

I no longer feel able to show or convey to my kid(s) how much I love them.

Even before my morning has started, I feel exhausted by the thought of another day of caring for my child/children.


(Optional) Would you like to receive your symptom test results — plus more helpful resources — via email from ADDitude?

Can’t see the self-test questions above? Click here to open this test in a new window.

Parental Burnout: Next Steps

Sources

1 Mikolajczak, M., Gross, J. J., & Roskam, I. (2019). Parental Burnout: What Is It, and Why Does It Matter? Clinical Psychological Science, 7(6), 1319–1329. https://doi.org/10.1177/2167702619858430

2 Gawlik, K., Melnyk Mazurek, B. (2022). Pandemic parenting: Examining the epidemic of working parental burnout and strategies to help. The Ohio State University. https://wellness.osu.edu/sites/default/files/documents/2022/05/OCWO_ParentalBurnout_3674200_Report_FINAL.pdf

3 Chronis-Tuscano, A., Wang, C. H., Woods, K. E., Strickland, J., & Stein, M. A. (2017). Parent ADHD and Evidence-Based Treatment for Their Children: Review and Directions for Future Research. Journal of abnormal child psychology, 45(3), 501–517. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10802-016-0238-5

4 Chronis-Tuscano, A., Raggi, V. L., Clarke, T. L., Rooney, M. E., Diaz, Y., & Pian, J. (2008). Associations between maternal attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder symptoms and parenting. Journal of abnormal child psychology, 36(8), 1237–1250. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10802-008-9246-4

5 Mokrova, I., O’Brien, M., Calkins, S., & Keane, S. (2010). Parental ADHD Symptomology and Ineffective Parenting: The Connecting Link of Home Chaos. Parenting, science and practice, 10(2), 119–135. https://doi.org/10.1080/15295190903212844

]]> https://www.additudemag.com/parental-burnout-symptoms-quiz/feed/ 0 [Self-Test] Am I Burnt Out? 14 Questions That Reveal Symptoms of Burnout https://www.additudemag.com/symptoms-of-burnout-test/ https://www.additudemag.com/symptoms-of-burnout-test/#respond Thu, 24 Aug 2023 17:57:13 +0000 https://www.additudemag.com/?p=338148 According to the American Psychological Association (APA), burnout is a state of physical, emotional, or mental exhaustion resulting from prolonged stress. Burnout is accompanied by decreased motivation, lowered performance, a sense of ineffectiveness, and negative, cynical attitudes toward oneself and others.1 2 Gastrointestinal issues, sleep problems, and other symptoms are also common in burnout.3

Burnout is typically considered in relation to work and careers (the World Health Organization characterizes burnout as an “occupational phenomenon”), but the term has expanded to include other roles, circumstances, and areas of life where chronic stress may occur. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) — a condition that impacts regulation and functioning and is associated with increased stress4 — increases risk for burnout.5 6 Burnout also appears to be closely related to depression and anxiety.7

Burnout isn’t a medical diagnosis. That said, if you’re wondering whether you’re experiencing burnout, answer the questions below and share the results with a licensed mental health professional.

This self-test — drafted by ADDitude editors and informed, in part, by the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory, the Oldenburg Burnout Inventory, and the Maslach Burnout Inventory — is designed to screen for the possibility of burnout. This self-test is intended for personal use only. It is not intended as a diagnostic tool.

I feel like I’m on autopilot when working or fulfilling other responsibilities.

I doubt the significance of my work or other responsibilities.

I often feel frustrated or irritated by my job or responsibilities.

Of late, I’m experiencing stomach pain, constipation, and/or other gastrointestinal issues.

I feel physically worn out at the end of the day.

I find myself needing more and more time to recharge after I finish the workday or complete my responsibilities.

I feel emotionally drained from my work or other responsibilities.

I feel like my job or responsibilities are hardening me emotionally.

On the job or while attending to my responsibilities, I often say things to myself like, “I can’t take it anymore” and “I’m at the end of my rope.”

I dread getting up in the morning knowing I have to face my work or other responsibilities.

Outside of my work and/or responsibilities, I don’t have enough energy for family, friends, and other activities.

I don’t feel like I accomplish many worthwhile things in my work or other responsibilities.

I’m having trouble falling and/or staying asleep of late.

I don’t enjoy engaging in my work or other responsibilities.


(Optional) Would you like to receive your symptom test results — plus more helpful resources — via email from ADDitude?

Can’t see the self-test questions above? Click here to open this test in a new window.

Am I Burnt Out?: Next Steps

Sources

1 American Psychological Association. Burnout. In APA dictionary of psychology. https://dictionary.apa.org/burnout

2 Maslach, C., & Leiter, M. P. (2016). Understanding the burnout experience: recent research and its implications for psychiatry. World Psychiatry : Official Journal of the World Psychiatric Association (WPA), 15(2), 103–111. https://doi.org/10.1002/wps.20311

3 Hammarström, P., Rosendahl, S., Gruber, M., & Nordin, S. (2023). Somatic symptoms in burnout in a general adult population. Journal of Psychosomatic Research, 168, 111217. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpsychores.2023.111217

4 Combs, M. A., Canu, W. H., Broman-Fulks, J. J., Rocheleau, C. A., & Nieman, D. C. (2015). Perceived stress and ADHD symptoms in adults. Journal of Attention Disorders, 19(5), 425–434. https://doi.org/10.1177/1087054712459558

5 Higuchi, Y., Inagaki, M., Koyama, T., Kitamura, Y., Sendo, T., Fujimori, M., Uchitomi, Y., & Yamada, N. (2016). A cross-sectional study of psychological distress, burnout, and the associated risk factors in hospital pharmacists in Japan. BMC Public Health, 16, 534. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-016-3208-5

6 Brattberg, G. (2006) PTSD and ADHD: underlying factors in many cases of burnout. Stress & Health, 22 (5), 305-313. https://doi.org/10.1002/smi.1112

7 Koutsimani, P., Montgomery, A., & Georganta, K. (2019). The Relationship Between Burnout, Depression, and Anxiety: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Frontiers in Psychology, 10, 284. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2019.00284

]]> https://www.additudemag.com/symptoms-of-burnout-test/feed/ 0 [Self-Test] Am I Addicted to Video Games? https://www.additudemag.com/am-i-addicted-to-video-games-test/ https://www.additudemag.com/am-i-addicted-to-video-games-test/#respond Wed, 12 Jul 2023 16:19:34 +0000 https://www.additudemag.com/?p=335279 Are video games taking over your life?

Video game addiction is characterized by excessive, out-of-control gaming that causes problems in a person’s life and impacts multiple areas of functioning. The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes this condition as “gaming disorder.” In the U.S., gaming addiction is conceptualized as “internet gaming disorder” in the DSM-5.

Compared to other age groups, young adults are at greater risk for video game addiction.1 Disordered gaming is also associated with other mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).2

If you are concerned about your behaviors around gaming, answer the questions below and share your results with a licensed mental health professional.

This self-test was adapted from criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) and in the International Classification of Diseases 11th Revision. It is designed to screen for the possibility of gaming disorder, and it is intended for personal use only. This test is not intended as a diagnostic tool.

I reach for video games to escape or cope with anxiety, guilt, helplessness, and other negative feelings.

Playing video games is the dominant activity in my daily life. In the last 12 months, I’ve spent close to a third of each day gaming.

I’ve jeopardized or lost a significant relationship, job, or educational/career opportunity because of my participating in video gaming.

Over time, I’ve found myself spending more time playing video games and/or looking for more complex, stimulating games to get the levels of excitement I used to experience.

I can’t seem to cut back on gaming time, no matter how many times I try.

I get upset, anxious, irritable, sad, or angry when I am unable to play video games.

I think about playing video games all the time. When I’m not gaming, I’m often thinking about the next time I will play and/or reliving past gaming experiences.

Many times, I’ve neglected following through on my responsibilities and obligations in favor of gaming.

I often go through long periods of time without eating, sleeping, exercising, and/or maintaining hygiene because of my gaming.

I experience urges or cravings to engage in gaming during other activities.

I know my habits around video gaming cause problems, but I continue to engage in them.

I’ve lost interest in hobbies and activities I used to like as a result of my gaming.

I don’t often realize how much time I’ve spent playing video games.

I’ve lied to others about the amount of time I spend playing video games.


(Optional) Would you like to receive your symptom test results — plus more helpful resources — via email from ADDitude?

Can’t see the self-test questions above? Click here to open this test in a new window.

Am I Addicted to Video Games? Next Steps

Sources

1 Stockdale, L., & Coyne, S. M. (2018). Video game addiction in emerging adulthood: Cross-sectional evidence of pathology in video game addicts as compared to matched healthy controls. Journal of affective disorders, 225, 265–272. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2017.08.045

2 González-Bueso, V., Santamaría, J. J., Fernández, D., Merino, L., Montero, E., & Ribas, J. (2018). Association between Internet Gaming Disorder or Pathological Video-Game Use and Comorbid Psychopathology: A Comprehensive Review. International journal of environmental research and public health, 15(4), 668. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph15040668

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