Are you feeling overwhelmed, constantly distracted, or having difficulty concentrating? Do you think it might be because of ADHD? If so, this ADHD test for adults can be a helpful first step in the ADHD diagnosing process.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), formerly known as ADD, has many symptoms that can disrupt productivity levels and day-to-day life. This article will provide a simple adhd test to help you identify current behaviors consistent with ADHD symptoms.
Let’s discover some ADHD facts, take the ADHD test, and discuss the process for receiving a formal diagnosis.
Facts About ADHD
Although about 15 million people in the US have ADHD, ADHD in adults is significantly underdiagnosed. This is because the original criteria for diagnosis was designed for children.
These diagnostic requirements do not consider that adults often have one or more mental health disorders that exist concurrently with ADHD, which can mask the symptoms of ADHD and prevent an accurate diagnosis.
Some examples of disorders that exist together with ADHD are:
- Anxiety disorders
- Major depressive disorder
- Bipolar disorder
- Personality Disorders
- Substance abuse disorder
Less than 20% of adults with ADHD are currently diagnosed or being treated for their symptoms. Our self-assessed online ADHD test starts identifying symptoms and behaviors that can be ADHD, which you can then discuss with your therapist or doctor to reach a conclusion about a diagnosis.
Common ADHD Symptoms
ADHD symptoms can vary in severity, and even adults who experience some of the same symptoms may find that their symptoms manifest differently.
Symptoms of ADHD include difficulty with the following:
- Paying attention
- Staying organized
- Managing time
- Planning ahead
- Following instructions
- Completing tasks
Additionally, adults with ADHD may struggle with the following:
- Impulsivity
- Restlessness
- Forgetfulness
- Distractibility
It’s important to remember that each person experiencing different levels of ADHD experiences them on a spectrum. While some people may have difficulty focusing on tasks at only certain times or in certain situations, others may feel like they are constantly struggling to keep their attention on a task. Some individuals might have a tendency for impulsive behaviors, while others might often feel fidgety or restless.
ADHD in Women
Women are often overlooked when it comes to suspecting or diagnosing ADHD. This is because symptoms demonstrate differently between boys and girls.
Symptoms in women and girls are often attributed to other causes or cultural implications.
Symptoms can include:
- Inattention
- Overly sociable behavior
- Forgetfulness
- Overly talkative
- Time management difficulties
Women also experience some additional symptoms:
- Women with ADHD are more likely to have low self-esteem than men.
- Inattentiveness is more common than hyperactivity and impulsivity in men.
- Women with ADHD are more likely to have generalized anxiety disorder and phobias than men with ADHD.
ADHD Test for Adults
For your answer to each question on this ADHD test, consider your current and past behaviors and what symptoms affect your daily life. Answering these questions gives insight into whether you should ask your therapist or doctor about official diagnostic testing.
Questionnaire for adults who may think they have ADHD:
- Do you often find it difficult to pay attention, even when someone is directly speaking to you?
- Do you struggle with organizing tasks and activities, such as prioritizing or keeping track of deadlines and appointments?
- Do you frequently lose or misplace items that are necessary for daily life, such as keys, cell phone, or wallet?
- Do you find yourself fidgeting or tapping your feet or hands frequently, even when trying to sit still?
- Do you tend to jump from one task to another without completing the first?
- Do you often feel restless or on edge, frequently needing to be in motion or engage in physical activity?
- Do you often interrupt or talk over others in conversations or finish other people’s sentences?
- Do you struggle with impulse control, such as blurting out comments or making decisions without thinking through the consequences?
If you answered “yes” to several of these questions, it might be beneficial to speak with a healthcare provider or mental health professional about your concerns. They can help assess and determine whether ADHD may impact your daily life and guide treatment options.
Conclusion:
Living with ADHD symptoms can be difficult, but help is just around the corner. There are many ADHD treatment options for symptom management so that you can live your best professional and personal life. After diagnosis, your therapist will create an individualized treatment plan for your unique set of symptoms so you get the exact help you need.
If you answered “Yes” to several parts of our ADHD test for adults and want some guidance on the next steps toward an ADHD diagnosis, give us a call or make an appointment today. We are eager to help you live your best life. Through knowledge, ADHD diagnosis, and a treatment plan, we can help make sure that ADHD doesn’t hold you back anymore.
