Anyone can have ADHD, regardless of age, gender, or race. The symptoms start in childhood. However, depending on a number of factors, it may go unnoticed and undiagnosed until adulthood. By adjusting for the global demographic structure in 2020, the prevalence of persistent adult ADHD was 2.58%, and that of symptomatic adult ADHD was 6.76%, translating to 139.84 million and 366.33 million affected adults in 2020 globally.
Have you ever doubted that you have ADHD to some extent? Here’s how we could help. This online test will analyze whether you have ADHD to some degree by answering 28 questions on six dimensions and evaluating the overall degree of severity. When answering the questions, please consider how they have applied to you in the past year.
A shout-out to the world: ADHD is not an excuse; it’s an explanation.
What is ADHD?
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurological disorder that impacts the parts of the brain that help us plan, focus on, and execute tasks. ADHD symptoms vary by sub-type aka inattentive, hyperactive, or combined.
What causes ADHD?
The cause(s) and risk factors for ADHD are unknown, but current research shows that genetics plays an important role. In addition to genetics, scientists are studying other possible causes and risk factors, including:
Brain injury
Exposure to environmental risks (e.g., lead) during pregnancy or at a young age
Alcohol and tobacco use during pregnancy
Premature delivery
Low birth weight
On the other hand, many myths about the potential causes of ADHD have been proven false. These include eating large amounts of sugar, watching too much television, as well as experiencing poverty or turmoil in the family. Such factors may worsen symptoms of ADHD but don’t cause it.
What Are The 3 Types of ADHD?
Primarily Hyperactive-Impulsive ADHD
People with primarily hyperactive-impulsive ADHD act “as if driven by a motor” with little impulse control, such as moving, squirming, and talking at even the most inappropriate times. They are impulsive, impatient, and interrupt others. Children with hyperactive-impulsive type ADHD can be a disruption in the classroom. They can make learning more difficult for themselves and other students.
Primarily Inattentive ADHD (Formerly “ADD”)
People with the inattentive subtype of ADHD have difficulty focusing, finishing tasks, and following instructions. They are easily distracted and forgetful. They may be daydreamers who lose track of homework, cell phones, and conversations with regularity. You may struggle with impulse control or hyperactivity at times. But these aren’t the main characteristics of inattentive ADHD. Experts believe that many children with the inattentive subtype of ADHD may go undiagnosed because they do not tend to disrupt the learning environment. This was once called “ADD” (Attention deficit disorder) compared to “ADHD”
Combined Type ADHD
If you have the combination type, your symptoms don’t exclusively fall within the inattention or hyperactive-impulsive behavior. Instead, a combination of symptoms from both categories is exhibited. With or without ADHD, most people experience some degree of inattentive or impulsive behavior. But it’s more severe in people with ADHD. The behavior occurs more often and interferes with how you function at home, school, work, and social situations. Symptoms can change over time, so the type of ADHD you have may change, too. ADHD can be a lifelong challenge. But medication and other treatments can help improve your quality of life.
ADHD in Six Dimensions
Forgetfulness
It’s natural to forget things from time to time, but for someone with ADHD, forgetfulness tends to be more frequent. This can include forgetting to complete chores, run errands, return phone calls, or pay bills on time. While occasional forgetfulness might be just an inconvenience, at times, it can become serious enough to affect one’s career and relationships.
If your score in the forgetfulness dimension is greater than 70, it's important to adopt strategies to manage your responsibilities more effectively. Try using reminder apps, setting alarms, and creating daily to-do lists to keep track of your tasks. Breaking down larger tasks into smaller, manageable steps can help prevent feeling overwhelmed. Establishing routines can also ease the burden on your memory, making it easier to stay on top of daily tasks.
Inattention
Lack of focus, also known as inattention, is one of the hallmark symptoms of ADHD. Individuals with this symptom often find it difficult to pay sustained attention to details, leading to boredom and frequent daydreaming. Interestingly, a small 2020 study found that people with ADHD can also experience hyperfocus, where they become so absorbed in an activity that they lose track of time and their surroundings, which can lead to misunderstandings in relationships.
If your score in the inattention dimension is greater than 60, improving focus should be a priority. Consider creating a work or study environment with minimal distractions. Tools like noise-canceling headphones, structured schedules, and regular breaks can be particularly helpful. Additionally, mindfulness practices, such as meditation, can increase your awareness of the present moment and help improve attention span over time. If needed, discussing options like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or medication with a healthcare provider might be beneficial.
Hyperactivity
Hyperactivity is characterized by an almost constant urge to move, even in situations where it might not be appropriate. This might manifest as excessive fidgeting, tapping, or talking. In adults, hyperactivity can often present as extreme restlessness, such as talking too much or struggling to participate quietly in leisure activities. When this energy isn't managed, it can lead to frustration and anxiety.
If your score in the hyperactivity dimension is greater than 80, it’s essential to find constructive outlets for your excess energy. Regular physical activity, such as exercise or sports, can help alleviate restlessness. Relaxation techniques like deep breathing or progressive muscle relaxation can also be effective in calming both mind and body. Setting personal boundaries in social situations can prevent overwhelming others with excessive talking or movement.
Impulsivity
Impulsivity refers to the tendency to act without thinking things through. Those with this symptom may often interrupt conversations or speak out of turn, blurting out comments at inappropriate times. Impulse control is one of the more challenging aspects of ADHD because it requires acknowledging and managing impulsive behavior, which can be difficult.
If your score in the impulsivity dimension is greater than 50, developing strategies to manage impulsive behaviors is crucial. Practice pausing to breathe deeply or count to ten before responding in conversations or making decisions. Enhancing self-control can also involve setting specific goals and rewarding yourself for managing impulsive actions. If impulsivity is causing significant disruptions, professional guidance from a therapist specializing in ADHD can be very helpful.
Time Blindness
For some, the concept of time can be elusive due to the unique way their brain processes it. One moment, they might spend what feels like a few minutes looking at old photos, only to find that hours have passed. Another time, they might spend what feels like hours cleaning, but discover that only a short amount of time has actually passed. This poor time awareness makes it difficult to estimate how long tasks will take, set goals, meet deadlines, and plan for the future.
If your score in the time blindness dimension is greater than 65, improving time management skills is essential. Consider using timers or alarms to track the time spent on tasks and setting clear deadlines for yourself. Creating a visual schedule or timeline can help you better understand how your day is structured. Techniques like the Pomodoro Technique, which breaks tasks into timed intervals, can help keep you on track and prevent losing hours to hyperfocus. Consistent routines and time-tracking tools can greatly reduce the difficulties associated with time blindness.
Emotional Dysregulation
Emotional dysregulation, a less frequently discussed symptom of ADHD, refers to difficulty in managing or moderating emotions. Those with this symptom may struggle with handling grief, loss, and other negative events, making friendships and relationships challenging to maintain. Additionally, emotional dysregulation can lead to other mental health issues like anxiety and depression.
If your score in the emotional dysregulation dimension is greater than 70, learning to manage your emotions is key. Cognitive-behavioral techniques can help you identify and challenge negative thought patterns. Mindfulness practices, such as deep breathing exercises or guided meditation, can also assist in calming intense emotions. Building a support network of friends, family, or a therapist can provide the stability needed to navigate difficult situations. If you also struggle with anxiety or depression, seeking professional help is highly recommended.
References:
A. Robin, Eleanor Payson (2002) The Impact of ADHD on Marriage. Adhd Report, The
Kathleen G. Nadeau (2005) Career choices and workplace challenges for individuals with ADHD. Journal of clinical psychology
K. Bachmann, A. P. Lam, Peter Sörös, M. Kanat, E. Hoxhaj, S. Matthies, B. Feige, H. Müller, J. Özyurt, C. Thiel, A. Philipsen (2018) Effects of mindfulness and psychoeducation on working memory in adult ADHD: A randomised, controlled fMRI study.. Behaviour research and therapy
Benjamin C. Storm, H. White (2010) ADHD and retrieval-induced forgetting: Evidence for a deficit in the inhibitory control of memory. Memory
Martine E. M. Mol, M. V. van Boxtel, Dick Willems, F. Verhey, J. Jolles (2009) Subjective forgetfulness is associated with lower quality of life in middle-aged and young-old individuals: A 9-year follow-up in older participants from the Maastricht Aging Study. Aging & Mental Health
Sara Scholtens, A. Rydell, F. Yang-Wallentin (2013) ADHD symptoms, academic achievement, self-perception of academic competence and future orientation: a longitudinal study. Scandinavian journal of psychology
To start with, please answer the following 5 questions by answering "Yes," "No," or "Hard to say."
OK, let's start!
I was involved in road rage.
Yes
No
Hard to say
I tend to look at the brighter side of almost everything.
Yes
No
Hard to say
I can barely remember what I ate for dinner yesterday.
Yes
No
Hard to say
My friends and family always describe me as "talkative."
Yes
No
Hard to say
I'm easily distracted by external stimuli, like something in the environment or unrelated thoughts?
Yes
No
Hard to say
Good job! Now please answer the upcoming 10 questions as per the tendency of your instinct thought.
Bring it on!
[tend]My reading habit is more like __________________.
Word by word
Scanning
[tend]I struggle to finish time-consuming tasks.
No
Yes
[tend]I lose my patience pretty soon even for leisure activities.
No
Yes
[tend]I find it hard to maintain an intimate relationship.
No
Yes
[tend]Back in my childhood, I always forgot the homework assignments as soon as I got home from school.
No
Yes
[tend]I tend to avoid or delay getting started on a new important task.
No
Yes
[tend]I often forget important appointments and obligations.
No
Yes
[tend]I have difficulty concentrating on people when they are speaking to me.
No
Yes
[tend]Sometimes I lose track of what I'm saying in a conversation like I just tuned out.
No
Yes
[tend]I tend to do several things _______________.
One by one
All at once
Terrific! Now we're gonna move on with a few special questions. Please choose the answer you cannot bear with most.
Okay!
I find it so stressful to _____________________.
remember most of the faces and names in a party
be punctual all the time
not interrupt if I have a different opinion in a meeting
I cannot stand with _______________.
Always thinking about it for more than one minuet before I would say something to someone
Waiting in a line for more than 30 minutes
Never interrupting any conversation even if I want to defend for myself
None of above
___________ makes me upset to the most.
My supervisor/teacher scolding me for being late
My other half coming home late without any explanation
Keeping a daily journal or a weekly planner
None of above
I never use ____________ in my daily life.
Hourglass
Meditation Chair/Cusion
Earplugs
None of above
If I may, I would avoid working with someone who _______________.
is extremely picky and attention-to-detail
always procrastinates on deadlines
Alrighty! Let's chill out a bit and switch the perspective. Imagine you're on a talk show: You'll answer the final 5 rapid-fire questions (instant-response with no second thought). Are you down for it?
For sure!
Do you rely on reminders and to-do lists in your life?
Yes, pretty much.
I do use them sometimes, but not like a habit.
I hate to regulate my life by those products.
Do you have a habit of overspending?
Yes, I have to admit it.
Of course not!
Maybe? I'm not sure.
Have you ever stayed up the whole night to binge watching a TV show or play a video game?
Yes, and I was not fatigue at all.
Yes, but it was because I didn't realize the time. I felt very tired actually.
No, it's not my thing.
Did your friends and family ever treat you as a burden?
Yes, obviously.
No, why would they?
I don't want to think about it.
Do you feel like you need more help in figuring out your mental condition after taking this test?
Yes, I feel a bit anxious and panicky.
Not really.
Just show me the result.
Your overall score in the ADHD test is %TOTAL%/600, details appear below:
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