DIVA/ADHD summary

INATTENTIVE SYMPTOMS 1. Often fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes - Client stated, "I always make silly errors on reports at work, even when I proofread them multiple times. My boss pointed out a typo in a client's name last week, which was really embarrassing." 2. Often has difficulty sustaining attention - Client reported, "Watching a full movie is a struggle; my mind wanders after about 20 minutes, and I have to rewind constantly. Reading a book feels almost impossible." 3. Often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly - Client mentioned, "My partner gets frustrated because I often zone out when they're talking to me. It's not intentional, I just get lost in my own thoughts." 4. Often does not follow through on instructions - Client stated, "I start projects with good intentions, but I never seem to finish them. I've got three half-painted canvases and a half-built IKEA bookshelf sitting in my living room." 5. Often has difficulty organizing tasks and activities - Client reported, "My desk is a disaster zone. I can't find anything when I need it, and I often forget appointments because my calendar is a mess. I spend so much time looking for things." 6. Often avoids tasks that require sustained mental effort - Client mentioned, "I dread doing my taxes every year. The thought of sitting down and focusing on all those numbers makes me procrastinate until the very last minute. I'll clean the whole house instead." 7. Often loses things necessary for tasks or activities - Client stated, "My keys, my wallet, my phone – they're always going missing. I must spend at least 10 minutes every morning searching for something essential before I leave the house." 8. Is often easily distracted by extraneous stimuli - Client reported, "Even a small noise outside my office window can completely derail my concentration. I find myself constantly looking up or checking my phone, even if it's not buzzing." 9. Is often forgetful in daily activities - Client mentioned, "I frequently forget what I went into a room for, or if I've taken my medication for the day. I often leave my coffee to go cold because I get sidetracked." HYPERACTIVITY SYMPTOMS 1. Often fidgets with or taps hands or feet or squirms in seat - Client stated, "I can't sit still during meetings. I'm always tapping my foot, bouncing my leg, or fiddling with a pen. It's almost involuntary." 2. Often leaves seat in situations when remaining seated is expected - Client reported, "At work, I'll find excuses to get up and walk around, even during important discussions. I feel a strong urge to move, otherwise I get restless." 3. Often runs about or climbs in situations where it is inappropriate - Client mentioned, "I feel this constant need to be doing something physical. Sometimes I'll pace around the house during phone calls or feel a general sense of restlessness inside, like I need to run, even if it's not the right time or place." 4. Often unable to play or engage in leisure activities quietly - Client stated, "Even when I'm trying to relax, I struggle to do so quietly. I'll listen to music loudly, or I'll be talking to myself, or I'll be constantly moving around the room while trying to watch TV." 5. Is often 'on the go,' acting as if 'driven by a motor' - Client reported, "My family always jokes that I have boundless energy. I'm always planning the next thing, moving from one task to another, rarely sitting down for long periods. I feel internally 'driven'." 6. Often talks excessively - Client mentioned, "I know I tend to dominate conversations. I get excited and just keep talking, sometimes without letting others get a word in. My partner often has to gently remind me to let them speak." 7. Often blurts out an answer before a question has been completed - Client stated, "In meetings, I often blurt out ideas or answers before the speaker has even finished their sentence. I just get ahead of myself and can't hold it back." 8. Often has difficulty waiting his or her turn - Client reported, "Waiting in queues is agony for me. I get incredibly impatient and often try to find ways to shorten the wait, like switching lines or getting frustrated." 9. Often interrupts or intrudes on others - Client mentioned, "I often interrupt people during conversations because an idea pops into my head, and I'm worried I'll forget it if I don't say it immediately. I don't mean to be rude." SYMPTOMS PRESENT PRIOR TO 12YRS - Client explicitly stated, "My parents always told me I was a very active child and that I struggled in primary school with paying attention and staying in my seat. They often got notes from teachers about my fidgeting and talking out of turn, even before I was 10." IMPACT ON FUNCTIONING - Client reported, "These symptoms have significantly affected my career progression, as my disorganisation and impulsivity have led to missed deadlines and interpersonal issues. My relationships have also suffered because I often feel overwhelmed and find it hard to maintain focus during conversations, leading to misunderstandings and frustration for my loved ones." DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS - Symptoms are not better explained by another mental disorder. Clinician Specialty: Psychologist