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 test online that is based on the screening tool created by Amen Clinics, can help you assess your symptoms.
This quiz does not diagnose anything, but it can help you find someone who can evaluate your symptoms.
Signs and symptoms
The most evident signs of ADHD are hyperactivity, inattention and the tendency to be impulsive. People who have this disorder have difficulty keeping the track of their tasks and retaining things, making mistakes at school or at work, and feeling overwhelmed by the daily demands of life.
Everybody has trouble paying attention or controlling their impulsive behavior sometimes however for children and adults with ADHD the problems are chronic, frequent and significant enough to affect their home life, work, school and social relationships. ADHD can cause issues at work and at home, as it can also lead to unstable relationships, low performance at school or at work, low self-esteem, and feelings of worthlessness and hopelessness.
There are three main types of ADHD: primarily inattentive, mainly hyperactive/impulsive, and combined. The signs of predominantly inattentive ADHD include difficulty paying attention, following directions and sitting still. Children suffering from this type ADHD may also have trouble organizing their home or work environments frequently forgetting things 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 pushed to behave by their peers, before they even consider the consequences. Children who suffer from this kind of ADHD also have trouble listening and interrupting others. Those with mainly combined ADHD have a mix of inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive symptoms.
The symptoms of each subtype vary and distinct, all forms of ADHD can cause a lot of problems. A mental health professional can identify the condition by assessing the severity of the symptoms, how they impact the person's home and school life, and how long they have been occurring.
While you can take a variety of tests online that assess the severity of certain symptoms, a diagnosis can only be made by a mental health professional who has examined your child or adult. A person must exhibit six or more symptoms in two or more settings (at home or at school) in order to be diagnosed with ADHD/ADD.
Diagnosis
ADHD diagnosis can be difficult particularly for children and adults. The signs of ADHD are not always evident, and they may be confused with other conditions such as anxiety, depression, learning disabilities or trauma. The first step in seeking help is taking an ADHD screening test or assessment. You can find many of these online, though you should always get an appropriate evaluation from a mental health professional to determine if your symptoms are caused by ADD/ADHD or some other disorder.
In general to be diagnosed with ADD/ADHD you must have a consistent pattern that interferes with your daily functioning. These symptoms must be evident in at least two different settings and since childhood. The symptoms must be debilitating to at least two people, and they cannot be caused by any other disorder like anxiety or depression.
People who suffer from ADHD/ADD often have difficulty separating their thoughts and feelings from the events that happen in their lives, which makes it easier to be overwhelmed by stress. Trauma and ADHD are frequently co-occurring, and those who have a history of trauma may have a harder time paying attention, regulating impulsivity or managing 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 aren't aware of their symptoms until their children are diagnosed. Take our ADHD quiz to determine whether you have inattentive type of ADD (more often referred to as ADD) or another disorder.
Treatment
Treatment for ADHD may differ based on the person and their symptoms. It may involve therapy or medication and also changes to daily habits or routines. The goal of any treatment plan is to enhance the ability of the individual to concentrate on their goals, manage impulsivity, and manage their emotions. ADHD is typically diagnosed in childhood, but it can persist into adulthood. The symptoms of ADHD can also co-exist with other mental health disorders, such as depression or anxiety.
A self-assessment questionnaire is a great first step for those who are looking to be diagnosed with ADHD, especially the subtype of inattention (previously known as ADD). It is crucial to remember that an accurate diagnosis is only performed by a licensed mental health professional.
Online tools like the adult ADHD self-report scale and Conners' rating scale can aid people in determining if they exhibit symptoms of ADHD. Users can test their cognitive abilities through games and other tasks, including the ability to control impulses and attention. These tests, like TOVA and QbTest will reveal the signs of ADD are evident in a person's profile.
A screening for ADD can help people determine whether their symptoms are related to a mental health problem like depression or anxiety or are part of a normal development process. A therapist can assist in this process, and may suggest that the patient seek a medical opinion 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. They will make use of information on the person's symptoms, family history, and other factors to determine if they suffer from a disorder, such as ADD or ADHD. The site will then suggest an approach to treatment, which may include medication or counseling.
Amen Clinics is an established mental health service that offers an array of services for teenagers, children and adults. adhd testing involves an SPECT brain scan that can check for different types ADHD. Anyone can take the test and results are available within a matter of hours.