Taking A “Do I Have ADHD” Quiz Could Provide You With Answers

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. Not everyone experiences ADHD the same. The severity of symptoms and how much they impact daily functioning can vary widely; around half of cases are reported to show “severe impairment”. If you suspect you may have ADHD, only a medical or mental health professional can diagnose ADHD. That said, certain tools can help you get a better idea of whether your symptoms might suggest ADHD so you can feel more confident in seeking evaluation and a treatment plan. One of these is an online ADHD quiz.

What Is An ADHD Quiz And What Is It Used For?

An ADHD quiz is an online questionnaire 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. However, a quiz can help you better understand whether what you’re experiencing could qualify as 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 answer the questions as honestly as possible, you may be able to get a clearer picture of whether your experience lines up with typical ADHD symptoms. 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 intimately familiar with your child’s typical behavior and should generally 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 an indication of whether you may have ADHD from reading a list of symptoms. While they can vary from person to person, some common signs of ADHD include:

• Frequent fidgeting

• General restlessness

• Easily becoming distracted

• Difficulty focusing

• 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., always on the go and uncomfortable sitting still) 

• A tendency to forget tasks and details

How ADHD Is Diagnosed

Remember: Even if you recognize ADHD symptoms in yourself or your child, it’s still important to visit a doctor and/or mental health professional to rule out other possible causes through a thorough evaluation. For instance, some anxiety disorders can mirror certain ADHD symptoms. 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. 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 receive a diagnosis until later in life.

How ADHD Is Treated

ADHD is a very treatable condition that can generally be effectively 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 both children and adults manage ADHD symptoms in some cases. 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 many people.

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 may 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, 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 accessibility, 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, and/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.

Takeaway

ADHD is a fairly common, treatable condition. An online quiz can help you learn more about ADHD symptoms and make the decision to meet with a doctor or mental health care provider for a professional diagnosis.