ADHD Online Test - Symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
ADHD can lead to problems at school and at work. It's worth assessing ADHD at any age. This online test that is based on the screening tool created by Amen Clinics, can help you assess your symptoms.
This test isn't a diagnosis, but could help you locate a mental health professional who can evaluate your symptoms.
Signs and symptoms
The most evident signs of ADHD are inattention, hyperactivity and the tendency to be impulsive. People who suffer from ADHD have difficulty remembering their tasks, making mistakes at work or in school and feeling overwhelmed.
Everyone struggles with paying attention or controlling their impulsive behaviors at times however for children and adults suffering from ADHD the issues are persistent and frequent enough that they cause problems with their social lives, work and school, and at home. ADHD can cause problems at work and at home as well as lead to unstable relationships, a poor performance at work or in school with low self-esteem, as well as feelings of despair and worthlessness.
There are three main types of ADHD: primarily inattentive, mainly hyperactive/impulsive, and combined. Symptoms of primarily inattentive ADHD include difficulty sitting for long periods of time as well as difficulty following instructions and paying attention to what other people say. Children suffering from this type the disorder may also have difficulty organizing their home or work environment, forget things easily and make a lot of mistakes at school or at work.
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 to behave by their peers, before they even consider the consequences. This type of ADHD can also cause children to have difficulty listening and interrupting other people. Those with mainly combined ADHD have a mix of inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive symptoms.
All forms of ADHD, while they may have different symptoms, can cause many problems. A mental health professional can diagnose the condition based on the severity of the symptoms and their impact on a person's education and personal life, as well as the amount of time they've been suffering for.
While you can take a variety of online tests that measure the severity of certain symptoms, a diagnosis can only be made by an expert in mental health who has evaluated your child or adult. To be diagnosed with ADD or ADHD, the patient must exhibit at least six of the following symptoms in at least two environments (home or at school) and cause impairment:
Diagnosis
ADHD diagnosis can be challenging particularly for adults and children. The signs of ADHD aren't always evident, and they may be misinterpreted as other conditions, such as anxiety, depression, learning disabilities, or trauma. The first step in getting help is to take an ADHD screening test or assessment. A majority of these tests are accessible on the internet. However, you should always seek an evaluation from a professional to determine if your symptoms may be caused by ADD/ADHD.
In general for you to be diagnosed with ADD/ADHD, you must have a consistent pattern that is interfering with your daily functioning. The symptoms must be apparent in more than one setting and have been present since childhood. The symptoms must also be considered debilitating by at least two different people. They cannot be caused by another disorder such as depression or anxiety.
People who suffer from ADHD/ADD often have difficulty separating their thoughts and feelings about the events that happen in their lives, making it easier to become overwhelmed by stress. Trauma and ADHD frequently co-exist. If Click To See More have a history of trauma might have trouble paying attention or controlling their impulsivity or managing their hyperactivity.
RA Barkley says that it's not uncommon for ADD to be undiagnosed for many years or even decades. This is especially relevant for adults who are unaware of their symptoms until their children are diagnosed. Take our ADHD quiz for adults to determine if you have the inattention-deficit form of ADD, which is more commonly diagnosed as ADD or a different disorder.
Treatment
The treatment for ADHD can vary depending on the individual and their specific symptoms. It may involve therapies or medication in addition to changes to daily habits or routines. Any treatment plan aims to increase a person's capacity to focus, control impulsivity and manage emotions. ADHD is typically diagnosed in childhood, but it may persist throughout adulthood. ADHD symptoms can coexist with other mental disorders, such as anxiety and depression.
A self-assessment questionnaire is a great first step for adults who are looking to be diagnosed with ADHD and especially the subtype of inattention (previously known as ADD). However, it is important to remember that an accurate diagnosis is only made by a licensed mental health practitioner.
Online tools such as the adult ADHD self-report scale and Conners rating scale can help people understand if they have symptoms of ADHD. There are also platforms that let users test their cognitive abilities, such as attention and impulsivity, through activities and games. These tests, like TOVA and QbTest will reveal if the symptoms of ADD are evident in an individual's profile.
A screening for ADD can help people determine if their symptoms are due to a mental health problem such as anxiety or depression or if the symptoms are an normal process of development. A therapist can assist in this process and suggest that the patient seek medical advice from a psychologist, or psychiatrist.
For a one-time cost websites like Klarity and Done offer a quick consultation for a potential diagnosis. These sites will use information on the person's symptoms, family history as well as other factors to determine if they suffer from an illness such as ADD or ADHD. The site will then recommend the best treatment plan which could include counseling or medication.
Amen Clinics is an established mental health service that offers an array of services for teenagers, children and adults. Their ADD screening includes a brain SPECT scan to look for different types of ADHD. The test is open to anyone, and the results can be viewed within hours.