Use this scientific test to help determine if you need to see a mental health professional for diagnosis and treatment of attention deficit disorder (ADD) or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). ADHD symptoms include difficulty concentrating, keeping organized, impulsivity, and for some, hyperactivity.

This is only a screening test. A diagnosis can only be made by a mental health professional or psychiatrist.

Instructions: Simply answer the questions on how you have behaved and felt during the past 6 months. Take your time and answer truthfully for the most accurate results.

I am a year old Female / Male / Non-binary Newly diagnosed? Yes or No 1. How often do you have difficulty sustaining your attention while doing something for work, school, a hobby, or fun activity (e.g., remaining focused during lectures, lengthy reading or conversations)? Never

Rarely

Sometimes

Often 2. How often are you easily distracted by external stimuli, like something in your environment or unrelated thoughts? Never

Rarely

Sometimes

Often 3. How often do you avoid, dislike, or are reluctant to engage in tasks that require sustained mental effort or thought? Never

Rarely

Sometimes

Often 4. How often do you have trouble listening to someone, even when they are speaking directly to you — like your mind is somewhere else? Never

Rarely

Sometimes

Often 5. How often do you have difficulty in organizing an activity or task needing to get done (e.g., poor time management, fails to meet deadlines, difficulty managing sequential tasks)? Never

Rarely

Sometimes

Often 6. How often do you fail to give close attention to details, or make careless mistakes in things such as schoolwork, at work, or during other activities? Never

Rarely

Sometimes

Often 7. How often do you forget to do something you do all the time, such as missing an appointment or paying a bill? Never

Rarely

Sometimes

Often

Learn More About ADHD

The symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are characterized by concerns occurring in three main areas of thinking and behavior — inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity — experienced by a person consistently for at least six months.

For a person to be diagnosed with this disorder, they must have at least six (6) or more of the following: lack of close attention to details or makes careless mistakes; difficulty sustaining attention; doesn’t listen when spoken to; doesn’t follow instructions and fails to finish schoolwork, projects, or chores; difficulty organizing tasks; avoids tasks that require sustained attention; loses things necessary to complete a task; distracted by things around them; forgetful in daily activities; fidgets; leaves seat often for no reason; constantly restless; can’t engage in activities quietly; often on-the-go; talks excessively; blurts out answers; difficulty waiting their turn; and interrupts conversations with others.

Learn more: Symptoms of ADHD

Learn more: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Causes

ADHD Treatment

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder can be treated, and is usually primarily treated with medications. However, a combined approach that incorporates both psychotherapy (or coaching) along side of medications will usually result in quicker, longer-lasting improvement. While medication is prescribed to help reduce the symptoms of ADHD, the skills learned in psychotherapy ensure a person has the tools necessary to lead the best life possible, despite the disorder.

Learn more: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Treatment

Childhood ADHD is treated a little differently than the same condition in adults. You can learn more about childhood ADHD treatment here.

All rights reserved. For personal, educational or research use only. Based upon the DSM-5 ADHD criteria and informed by research such as Faraone, et al. (2005). What Is the Prevalence of Adult ADHD? Results of a Population Screen of 966 Adults. Journal of Attention Disorders, 9, Kumar, et al. (2011). Screening for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in adult inpatients with psychiatric disorders. Psychological Reports, 108, and and the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale v1.1 Symptom Checklist by the World Health Organization.

