Adult ADHD Test
Are You Wondering if You Have ADHD? This Test May Help*
Countless adults who suffer from untreated ADHD avoid diagnosis or treatment due to the negative stigma associated with ADHD. Many people dismiss ADHD as little more than laziness targeted as a marketing opportunity by pharmaceutical companies.
However, many years of scientific research confirm adult ADHD does indeed exist, and that ADHD diminishes adults’ quality of life. Regardless of the stigma surrounding ADHD, knowing about your adult ADHD is preferable to struggling unawares.
This online test is fast and simple to complete. The World Health Organization* has prepared a self-screening test you can use to determine if you might have adult ADHD.
While this test does not provide a formal diagnosis, it is a good indicator if you should follow up with your health care provider. With an accurate diagnosis, many treatment options and coping strategies become available. ADHD is not a “one size fits all” disorder, and many factors must be considered before a definitive diagnosis is made and appropriate treatment is found. This ADHD test for adults is a great first step if you’re trying to understand your symptoms.
ADHD Test for Adults: Next Steps
The Adult Self-Report Scale (ASRS) Screener will help you recognize the signs and symptoms of adult ADHD. To complete the test, follow these three steps:
The test will take approximately 3-10 minutes to complete.
- Carefully read the questions, then select the answer that best reflects your experiences and situation. Select your choice by clicking on the appropriate answer.
- Once you’ve answered all the questions, you’ll be asked to provide your name and email address.
- We’ll email you the results of your quiz right away. Depending on the results, we’ll recommend potential next steps for you. It is 100% your choice whether or not you feel further action is necessary.
Who Is This ADHD Test For?
This ADHD test is for adults aged 18 years or older who have not been officially diagnosed with ADHD. This assessment was created for any adult, regardless of race, gender identification, nationality, etc., who wants to better understand if they might have ADHD.
Adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a relatively common, often unrecognized condition. It affects 4.4% of U.S. adults, but most adults with ADHD live with the symptoms and suffer the often-devastating effects of ADHD in their lives without identifying the source of their struggles.
How Accurate Is It?
It is important to understand this ADHD test is a starting point. It’s not a diagnostic test. It’s a symptoms checklist for adult ADHD. A full assessment and potential diagnosis of ADHD is not accomplished using an online test or during a quick doctor’s appointment.
Other conditions can sometimes resemble ADHD, so it’s essential to work with a professional* who can rule out these other conditions and make the appropriate diagnosis. A thorough assessment requires a complete physical and psychiatric medical history and screening to rule out any possible physical disorders.
Are You Looking for a Paper Version of the Test?
We want to ensure everyone who needs this assessment has access to it. So we’ve created a free downloadable PDF version of the Adult ADHD Questionnaire.
*The professionals qualified to diagnose ADHD, especially ADHD in adults, are defined differently by the governing bodies of mental and/or medical health professionals on a state-by-state and country-by-country level. The list of approved professionals to perform ADHD diagnoses, therefore, varies with each jurisdiction. Diagnosing ADHD, particularly in adults, requires extensive knowledge, skills, and training, not only to identify ADHD properly, but to separate comorbid conditions and correctly distinguish and diagnose other conditions that may mimic ADHD. Check with your local health care governing body for a definitive list of care providers deemed qualified to diagnose ADHD.
ADHD Test Facts
What are the diagnostic criteria for ADHD?
Doctors use the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) to diagnose ADHD. To receive a diagnosis, adults 17 and older must show at least five persistent symptoms of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity, present since before age 12, across two or more settings, and not better explained by another condition.
The DSM-5 recognizes three presentations of ADHD: Predominantly Inattentive, Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive, and Combined. No single medical test can diagnose ADHD. A qualified professional will conduct a thorough evaluation of symptoms and how they affect daily life. Learn more at DSM-5 Criteria for ADHD: How Is Adult ADHD Evaluated?
What are the symptoms of ADHD?
ADHD symptoms fall into two categories: inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity. Inattention symptoms include difficulty focusing, forgetfulness, poor time management, and trouble completing tasks. Hyperactivity and impulsivity symptoms may include restlessness, excessive talking, difficulty waiting, and making hasty decisions without considering consequences.
It is important to understand that these symptoms must be persistent, present for at least six months, and disruptive across multiple areas of life to indicate ADHD. For a full breakdown, visit ADHD Symptoms in Adults and 10 Signs and Symptoms of ADHD in Adults.
What does high-functioning ADHD look like?
High-functioning ADHD describes adults who meet the criteria for ADHD but have developed coping strategies that allow them to function successfully in many areas of life. Because these individuals often appear capable and productive, their ADHD frequently goes unrecognized.
Common signs include relying on deadlines to initiate tasks, hyperfocusing on preferred activities while neglecting routine ones, and expending significant effort to compensate for ADHD-related challenges.
High-functioning ADHD is not a formal medical diagnosis. However, the struggles associated with it are real, and achieving outward success does not mean symptoms are not present or that support is not needed. Learn more at High-Functioning ADHD: The Reality Behind Success.
What is the red flag of ADHD?
There is no single red flag for ADHD. The most significant warning signs are symptoms that occur consistently, across multiple settings, and interfere with daily functioning. These include persistent disorganization, difficulty managing time, impulsive behavior, emotional reactions disproportionate to the situation, and a long-standing pattern of underachievement relative to ability.
These signs do not confirm a diagnosis of ADHD. However, if several of these patterns are present and affecting daily life, it is worth seeking a professional evaluation. Our Adult ADHD Test is a helpful starting point.
What is most commonly mistaken for ADHD?
ADHD is commonly mistaken for conditions that share similar symptoms, including anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, PTSD, autism, and learning disabilities. Because these conditions can closely resemble ADHD, and may also occur alongside it, a professional assessment is essential to reach an accurate diagnosis. Adults with ADHD are nearly three times more likely to also experience depression,* which further complicates the diagnostic process.
A thorough evaluation by a qualified professional will assess the full range of symptoms and rule out other possible causes before a diagnosis is made. Learn more at ADHD and Depression and ADHD vs. Anxiety.
How to spot ADHD?
* Ustun B, Adler LA, Rudin C, et al. The World Health Organization Adult Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Self-Report Screening Scale for DSM-5. JAMA Psychiatry. 2017;74(5):520–526. doi:10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2017.0298