ADHD Screening Test

This screening tool is designed to help identify symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Please answer each question based on how you've felt and behaved over the past 6 months.

NOTE: This is an educational screening tool, not a diagnostic instrument. Results should be discussed with a qualified healthcare professional. Raadstest.com does not store any test responses or personal information.

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Who is Being Assessed?

Please indicate the age of the person who will be taking this ADHD assessment. Different questionnaires are used based on age.

Please provide the age of the person who will be assessed, not necessarily your own age if you are completing this on someone else's behalf.

What is ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder)?

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects both children and adults, characterized by persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that interfere with daily functioning and development.

ADHD is not simply a lack of willpower or discipline. It's a complex neurobiological condition that affects the brain's executive functions, including attention regulation, impulse control, working memory, and emotional regulation. The disorder manifests differently across individuals and can present with varying combinations of inattentive, hyperactive, and impulsive symptoms.

According to the CDC, ADHD affects approximately 9.4% of children aged 2-17 years in the United States, making it one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders. Among adults, studies estimate prevalence rates of 4.4% in the U.S. population. ADHD often persists into adulthood, with about 60% of children with ADHD continuing to experience symptoms as adults. The condition affects males more frequently than females in childhood, though this gap narrows in adulthood as many females remain undiagnosed due to different symptom presentations.

Common Signs and Symptoms of ADHD

ADHD symptoms fall into three main categories. An individual may experience primarily one type or a combination of all three:

Inattention Symptoms

  • Difficulty sustaining attention on tasks or activities
  • Frequently makes careless mistakes in schoolwork, work, or other activities
  • Often doesn't seem to listen when spoken to directly
  • Struggles to follow through on instructions or complete tasks
  • Difficulty organizing tasks and managing time effectively
  • Avoids or dislikes tasks requiring sustained mental effort
  • Frequently loses items necessary for tasks (keys, phone, documents)
  • Easily distracted by external stimuli or unrelated thoughts

Hyperactivity Symptoms

  • Fidgets with hands or feet, or squirms while seated
  • Leaves seat in situations where remaining seated is expected
  • Feels restless or driven by a motor (in adults, may manifest as inner restlessness)
  • Unable to engage in leisure activities quietly
  • Talks excessively or interrupts conversations
  • Difficulty relaxing or unwinding
  • Always "on the go" with high energy levels
  • Engages in multiple activities simultaneously without completing them

Impulsivity Symptoms

  • Blurts out answers before questions are completed
  • Difficulty waiting for turn in conversations or activities
  • Interrupts or intrudes on others' conversations or games
  • Makes important decisions without considering long-term consequences
  • Difficulty delaying gratification
  • Acts without thinking in potentially dangerous situations
  • Impatient in traffic, lines, or waiting situations
  • Tendency toward impulsive spending or risk-taking behaviors

Who Should Consider ADHD Screening?

While ADHD screening tests are not diagnostic tools, they can be valuable for individuals who suspect they may have ADHD or want to better understand their symptoms. Consider taking a screening test if you experience:

  • Chronic difficulty maintaining focus on tasks, even those you find interesting
  • Persistent problems with organization, time management, and meeting deadlines
  • Frequent forgetfulness in daily activities and appointments
  • Restlessness or feeling like you need to be constantly moving or doing something
  • Difficulty controlling impulses, including interrupting others or making hasty decisions
  • Chronic procrastination despite good intentions and efforts to stay on task
  • Underachievement at work or school relative to your abilities
  • Relationship difficulties due to forgetfulness, inattention, or impulsivity
  • History of these symptoms dating back to childhood (before age 12)
  • Symptoms that significantly impact multiple areas of life (work, home, social situations)

Note: These screening tools are particularly valuable for adults who may have been undiagnosed in childhood, especially women who often present with less obvious hyperactive symptoms. However, only a qualified healthcare professional can provide an ADHD diagnosis through comprehensive evaluation.

ADHD in Children vs. Adults: Key Differences

ADHD symptoms can manifest differently depending on age. Understanding these differences is crucial for proper recognition and support:

Children with ADHD

In children, ADHD symptoms tend to be more externally visible and may significantly impact academic performance and peer relationships.

  • Obvious difficulty sitting still during class or meals
  • Running or climbing in inappropriate situations
  • Struggling to follow multi-step instructions
  • Forgetfulness about homework or chores
  • Difficulty taking turns in games or group activities
  • Excessive talking or difficulty playing quietly

Adults with ADHD

In adults, symptoms often become more internalized and may manifest as chronic stress, anxiety, or underachievement. Hyperactivity often presents as inner restlessness rather than physical movement.

  • Chronic lateness and poor time management despite best efforts
  • Difficulty maintaining employment or frequent job changes
  • Relationship problems due to forgetfulness or perceived lack of attention
  • Financial difficulties from impulsive spending or disorganization
  • Inner restlessness rather than obvious physical hyperactivity
  • Starting many projects but rarely finishing them
  • Compensating strategies that mask symptoms but cause exhaustion

How to Interpret Your ADHD Screening Results

Understanding your screening results is an important first step in recognizing whether you may benefit from a professional evaluation. Here's how to make sense of your results:

Important: A positive screening result does NOT mean you have ADHD. Only a qualified healthcare professional (psychiatrist, psychologist, or specialized physician) can diagnose ADHD through a comprehensive evaluation that includes clinical interviews, behavioral observations, and sometimes psychological testing.

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Review Your Score

Check whether your score falls within the range suggesting possible ADHD symptoms. Higher scores typically indicate more symptoms consistent with ADHD, but remember that severity doesn't always correlate with impairment.

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Consider the Pattern

Look at which types of symptoms you endorsed most heavily. Are you primarily inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive, or combined? Understanding your symptom pattern can help guide conversations with healthcare providers.

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Assess Functional Impairment

The key criterion for ADHD isn't just having symptoms—it's whether those symptoms significantly impair your functioning in multiple settings (work, home, social). Consider how these symptoms actually affect your daily life.

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Reflect on Duration and Onset

ADHD symptoms must have been present since childhood (typically before age 12) and persistent over time. Recent onset of attention problems may indicate other conditions like stress, anxiety, depression, or medical issues.

What to Do After Your ADHD Screening

If your screening suggests possible ADHD symptoms, here are recommended next steps to take:

Schedule a Professional Evaluation

Seek evaluation from a qualified healthcare provider experienced in ADHD diagnosis. This may be a psychiatrist, psychologist, neurologist, or primary care physician with ADHD expertise. Bring your screening results and examples of how symptoms affect your daily life.

Document Your Symptoms

Keep a symptom journal for 2-4 weeks before your appointment. Note specific examples of inattention, hyperactivity, or impulsivity, and how they impact your work, relationships, and daily functioning. If possible, gather childhood report cards or ask family members about early symptoms.

Rule Out Other Conditions

Many conditions can mimic ADHD, including anxiety disorders, depression, sleep disorders, thyroid problems, and learning disabilities. A comprehensive evaluation should assess for these conditions to ensure accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Learn About ADHD

Educate yourself about ADHD from reputable sources. Understanding the neurobiological basis of ADHD can reduce self-blame and help you develop more effective coping strategies. Knowledge is empowering in managing any health condition.

Consider Support Systems

Whether or not you receive a formal diagnosis, consider joining ADHD support groups (online or in-person), working with an ADHD coach, or seeking therapy specialized in ADHD management. Many people benefit from both medication and behavioral interventions.

The Professional ADHD Diagnostic Process

A comprehensive ADHD evaluation involves multiple components to ensure accurate diagnosis and rule out other conditions:

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Clinical Interview

Detailed discussion of your current symptoms, their impact on daily functioning, and your developmental history. The clinician will ask about symptom onset, duration, and presence across different settings.

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Childhood History Review

Since ADHD begins in childhood, your evaluator will review early development, academic performance, childhood behaviors, and any past evaluations. School records and family member input can be valuable.

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Standardized Rating Scales

Completion of validated ADHD rating scales by you and, when possible, family members, partners, or close friends who can provide observations of your behavior across different contexts.

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Differential Diagnosis Screening

Assessment for conditions that may cause similar symptoms or co-occur with ADHD, including anxiety disorders, mood disorders, learning disabilities, sleep disorders, substance use, and medical conditions.

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Neuropsychological Testing (if indicated)

Some evaluations may include cognitive testing to assess attention, executive functions, processing speed, and working memory. This can help clarify the diagnosis and identify specific areas of difficulty.

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Treatment Planning

If diagnosed with ADHD, your provider will discuss treatment options including medication (stimulants or non-stimulants), therapy (particularly CBT for ADHD), lifestyle modifications, coaching, and accommodations at work or school.

The diagnostic process typically takes 1-3 appointments and may cost between $500-2500 depending on comprehensiveness and provider. Many insurance plans cover ADHD evaluation when medically necessary. If cost is a barrier, consider university psychology clinics or community mental health centers that may offer reduced fees.

ADHD Resources and Support Organizations

These reputable organizations provide evidence-based information, support, and resources for individuals with ADHD and their families:

CHADD (Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder)

The leading non-profit organization providing education, advocacy, and support for individuals with ADHD. Offers local support groups, webinars, annual conferences, and extensive educational resources.

Visit Website

ADDA (Attention Deficit Disorder Association)

Organization focused specifically on adult ADHD. Provides virtual support groups, educational webinars, annual conference, and resources for adults living with ADHD.

Visit Website

CDC - ADHD Information

Comprehensive, evidence-based information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention about ADHD symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and management across the lifespan.

Visit Website

NIMH (National Institute of Mental Health) - ADHD

Research-based information about ADHD from the U.S. government's leading mental health research institution, including latest research findings and clinical trial information.

Visit Website

ADDitude Magazine

Online and print publication dedicated to ADHD, offering expert articles, webinars, podcasts, and practical strategies for managing ADHD in daily life.

Visit Website

AACAP - ADHD Resource Center

American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry provides resources specifically for families with children and adolescents with ADHD, including treatment guidelines.

Visit Website