ADHD Online Test - Symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
ADHD can cause problems at work and in school. It's worth assessing ADHD at any age. This online test, based on a screening tool created by Amen Clinics, can help you determine the symptoms.
This quiz does not diagnose anything, but it could help you find someone who can assess your symptoms.
Symptoms
Hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity are the most common symptoms of ADHD. People with this condition struggle with keeping on top of tasks and recalling things, making careless mistakes at work or school and being overwhelmed by the daily demands of life.
Everyone has difficulty paying attention or controlling impulsive behavior at times however for children and adults with ADHD the problems are persistent frequent and severe enough to disrupt their personal life, work, school and social relationships. ADHD can lead to problems at workplace and at home and can cause instability in relationships, poor school or work performance, low self-esteem, and feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness.
There are three main types of ADHD: primarily inattentive, mainly hyperactive/impulsive, and combined. The signs of predominantly inattentive ADHD are difficulty sitting still as well as difficulty following instructions and paying close attention to what others are saying. This type of ADHD may cause children to have problems organizing their home or work environment, slipping up easily and making mistakes at work or in school.
Those with mainly hyperactive/impulsive ADHD are fidgety, cannot sit or stay quiet for long, have excess energy and talk excessively. They are often pressured by their peers to do something before thinking about consequences. Children who suffer from this type of ADHD also have difficulty listening and interrupting other people. Those with mainly combined ADHD have a mix of inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive symptoms.
All types of ADHD can be different in their symptoms, can cause many problems. A mental health professional will diagnose the condition by the severity of symptoms and their impact on a person's education and personal life, and the length of time they have been suffering for.
While you can take a number of tests on the internet that determine the severity of certain symptoms but a diagnosis can only be determined by a mental health professional who has examined your child or adult. A person has to show at least six symptoms in two or more environments (at home and/or at school) to be diagnosed with ADHD/ADD.
Diagnosis
ADHD diagnosis can be a challenge particularly for children and adults. The signs are not always apparent and are often confused with other conditions such as anxiety, depression, learning disorders or trauma. The first step towards getting help is taking an ADHD screening test or assessment. You can find a variety of these on the internet, however you should always get an appropriate evaluation from a mental health specialist to determine if your symptoms are related to ADD/ADHD or another disorder.
In general for you to be diagnosed with ADD/ADHD, you must have an ongoing pattern of symptoms that interferes with your daily activities. These symptoms must be evident in more than one setting and have been present since childhood. Symptoms also must be deemed as debilitating by at minimum two people and cannot be caused by a different disorder such as depression or anxiety.
The people with ADD/ADHD have a difficult time separating their thoughts from their feelings regarding things in their lives, which makes it easier for them to be overwhelmed by the stress. Trauma and ADHD often co-occur. Those with a history trauma may have trouble paying attention, controlling their impulsivity, or managing their hyperactivity.
RA Barkley points out that it's not uncommon for ADD to go undiagnosed for years, even decades, especially for adults who aren't aware they have a problem until their kids are diagnosed and they see their own symptoms. Take our ADHD quiz for adults to determine if you have the inattentive form of ADD that is more often referred to as ADD or a different disorder.
Treatment
Treatment for ADHD can differ depending on the person and their symptoms. It may include therapy or medication in addition to adjustments to the daily habits or routines. The aim of any treatment program is to improve the ability of a person to concentrate on their goals, manage impulsivity, and manage their emotions. ADHD is usually diagnosed in childhood, but it can persist throughout adulthood. ADHD symptoms can coexist with other mental disorders such as anxiety and depression.
Self-assessments can be a great first step for anyone who is interested in getting diagnosed as having ADHD especially the inattentive type (previously called ADD). However, it is important to keep in mind that a correct diagnosis can only be made by an accredited mental health professional.
Online tools, such as the adult ADHD self report scale and Conners’ rating scale can help people identify if they are suffering from symptoms of ADHD. Users can test their cognitive abilities by playing games or tasks that test attention and impulse control. adult testing adhd , such as TOVA and QbTest will reveal whether ADD symptoms are present on a person's profile.
A test for ADD can help people determine whether their symptoms are related to another mental health condition like depression or anxiety or are part of an normal process of development. A therapist can assist in this process, and could recommend that the person seek medical advice from a psychologist or psychiatrist.
For a one-time fee, websites such as Klarity and Done offer a quick consultation to determine if you are eligible for a diagnosis. These websites will analyze the information supplied by the user such as their symptoms or family history, as well as other relevant factors to determine if a condition like ADD or ADHD is present. The site will then suggest a plan of treatment that could include counseling or medication.
Amen Clinics is an established mental health clinic that offers a wide range of services for teens, children and adults. Their ADD screening involves the SPECT brain scan to check for different types ADHD. Anyone is able to take the test and the results are made available within a matter of hours.