Determining If You Have ADHD

Not everyone experiences ADHD the same. If you suspect you may have ADHD, only a medical doctor or mental health professional can diagnose ADHD. That said, certain tools can help you get a better idea of whether your major symptoms might suggest ADHD so you can feel more confident in seeking evaluation, getting an accurate diagnosis, and starting a treatment plan. One of these is an online ADHD test.

If you find that you regularly feel restless or fidgety or have difficulty focusing on everyday tasks, it’s possible that you could have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It’s estimated to affect approximately 4.4% of adults. The severity of symptoms and how much they impact daily functioning can vary widely; around half of the cases are reported to show “severe impairment”. 

What is an attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) quiz?

An ADHD quiz is an online assessment that people can use to help them determine if they might have this condition. It’s important to remember that a tool like this is not intended to be a substitute for medical or mental health care, since only a professional can make a proper diagnosis of mental illness following a full assessment of symptoms.

However, a quiz can be a useful diagnostic tool. It can help you better understand whether what you’re experiencing could qualify as common symptoms of ADHD so that you can make a more well-informed decision as to your next steps.

Most ADHD quizzes will ask a series of questions about how you would behave in certain situations. The questions are usually multiple choice with frequency-based answer options, such as “never”, “sometimes”, or “very often.”  If you do answer the questions as honestly as possible, you may be able to get a clearer picture of whether your symptoms resemble ADHD or if they may indicate other conditions. Since this condition can be diagnosed in both adults and children, people may also use a quiz like this to help determine if their child has ADHD tendencies. As a parent or caregiver, you’re likely familiar with your child’s typical behavior and may be able to accurately answer questions on their behalf.

Common signs of ADHD

While a quiz provides a convenient, interactive format, you may also be able to get help diagnosing ADHD from reading a list of symptoms. While they can vary from person to person, the National Institute of Mental Health lists the following as common signs of ADHD:

• Frequent fidgeting
• General restlessness
• Easily distracted at school or work
• Difficulty concentrating
• Avoiding activities that require sustained mental effort 
• Difficulty paying attention to details
• Trouble with task management and multitasking 
• Difficulty waiting in lines 
• Excessive talking
• A tendency to interrupt others in conversations
• Trouble handling stressful situations
• Poor planning skills
• Mood swings
• Temper problems
• A tendency to make careless mistakes 
• Feeling driven by a motor (e.g., uncomfortable sitting still or remaining seated) 
• A tendency to forget tasks or miss deadlines

How a diagnosis is made

Remember: Even if you recognize ADHD symptoms in yourself or your child, it’s still important to visit a doctor or mental health professional to rule out other possible causes through a thorough evaluation. For instance, some anxiety disorders can mirror several symptoms of untreated ADHD. Since treatment for these two conditions may be different, getting a proper diagnosis can be key.

Before making an ADHD diagnosis, a healthcare professional may conduct a physical examination, psychological tests, and information-gathering procedures. They may ask questions about your medical background, family history, and the symptoms that you are experiencing. For example, a doctor may ask questions about your child’s ability to finish schoolwork. However, if you suspect you have adult ADHD, the doctor may ask about your ability to focus for an extended period or meet deadlines at work. This process will likely be similar for both adults and children. Note that ADHD often first manifests in childhood, but some people may simply not be diagnosed with ADHD until later in life.

How symptoms are treated

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, ADHD is a treatable condition that can be managed. There are several different treatment options available, which is another reason that consulting with a healthcare professional can be helpful. They can evaluate your symptoms and your situation to decide which method(s) may be best.

First, certain prescription medications have been shown to help most adults and children manage ADHD symptoms. Some medications for ADHD are stimulants, such as methylphenidate or amphetamine, which can balance out neurotransmitters in the brain. Non-stimulant medications are also available, such as atomoxetine and some kinds of antidepressants. These tend to be less common than stimulant medications, but they have also proven to be useful for treating ADHD in adults.

Psychological counseling is another resource that can help people manage ADHD. A counselor can assist an individual in building coping mechanisms for symptoms and creating techniques and habits to promote effective daily functioning. They may also help them with things like strengthening organizational skills, learning to limit impulsive behaviors, and improving self-esteem. Depending on the individual, a healthcare provider may recommend medication, counseling, or both for someone with an ADHD diagnosis.

Seeking therapy for ADHD

If you believe you do have ADHD or have already been diagnosed, meeting with a therapist is one way to learn to manage your symptoms. As described above, counseling can be a valuable avenue of support and guidance for those with this condition. Research suggests that both online and in-person counseling options can provide similar benefits for many different mental health conditions and challenges, such as anxiety and depression, which means you can typically choose the format that feels right for you. Other studies also show that online interventions can be effective for ADHD in particular. 

Some people opt for online therapy because of its reachability, since you can meet with your counselor from anywhere you have a stable internet connection. With a virtual therapy platform like BetterHelp, for example, you can get matched with a licensed therapist who you can speak with via phone, video call, or in-app messaging to address the challenges you may be facing. If you have questions or concerns about ADHD or another mental health condition, support is available.