When you are able to persuade your doctor that you have a problem that could be Dysexecutive Syndrome, you may be asked to undergo one or a series of tests.

There are a number of tests commonly used, but there is no self assessment questionnaire.  The tests that are available to doctors have gone through an extensive range of complicated testing, and they have been refined to try and accurately capture the problems people have.

The problem with testing if you are not an expert is that because the condition is a syndrome, and not a single condition, the tests should be only used by clinicians with an expertise who are qualified to interpret the results.

The problem with people taking tests without the supporting knowledge is that they might make an incorrect assessment.

One of the tests (with thanks to the Oliver Zangwell Centre) consists of 18 simple questions, and the test is given to both the person who believes they have a problem, and the second part of the test is given to whoever is closest to them, such as a spouse, and who knows them well.  The answers are compared to indicate the extent of insight there is.

 A list of these is below;

The scale is a simple 0 = Never, 1 = Occasionally, 2 = Sometimes, 3 = Fairly often, 4 = Very often  

The questions are;

1. I act without thinking, doing the first thing that comes to mind 

2. I find it hard to remember to do things I want to do 

3. I am lethargic, or unenthusiastic about things 

4. I find it difficult to start something 

5. I have difficulty planning for the future 

6. I do or say embarrassing things when in the company of others 

7. I have difficulties deciding what I want to do 

8. I tell people openly when I disagree with them 

9. I struggle to find the words I want to say 

10. I lose my temper easily 

11. I find it hard to stop repeating saying or doing things once I’ve started 

12. I find it difficult to notice if I make a mistake or do something wrong 

13. I have difficulty thinking ahead 

14. I get concerned when I have worrying thoughts 

15. I am unconcerned about how I should behave in certain situations 

16. I have difficulty showing emotion 

17. I find it difficult to keep several pieces of information in mind at once 

18. I get over-excited about things and can get a bit ‘over the top’ at these times

19. I have trouble 

The statements used in the DEX questionnaire are;

1. Has problems understanding what other people mean unless they keep things straight and simple.

2. Acts without thinking doing the first thing that comes to mind.

3. Sometimes talks about events or details that never actually have happened, although they genuinely believe they have.

4. Has difficulty thinking ahead or planning for the future.

5. Sometimes gets over-excited about things and can be a bit "over the top" at these times.

6. Gets events mixed up with each other, and gets confused about the correct order of events.

7.Has difficulty realising the extent of his/her problems and is unrealistic about the future.

8. Seems lethargic, or unenthusiastic about things.

9. Does or says embarrassing things when in the company of others.

10. really wants to do something one minute but couldn't care less about it the next.

11. Has difficulty showing emotion.

12. Loses their temper at the slightest thing.

13. Seems unconcerned about how they should behave in certain situations.

14. Finds it hard to stop repeating or doing things.

15. tends to be very restless and "can't sit still"  for any length of time.

16. Finds it difficult to stop doing something even if they know they shouldn't.

17 Will say one thing but do another.

18. Finds it difficult to keep their mind on something and is easily distracted.

19. Has trouble making decisions or deciding what they want to do.

20. Is unaware of, or unconcerned about, how others feel about their behaviour.