For years, many people thought of ADHD as a condition primarily affecting kids. But today, we know that millions of adults are living with ADHD as well. For some people, their ADHD was diagnosed in childhood and never really went away, although the symptoms may have evolved over time. However, there are also some individuals who never suspect they may have ADHD until they're already well into adulthood. For those people, it can be daunting to face a diagnosis that they never anticipated having to deal with. Plus, they may second guess themselves about whether their behaviors and symptoms would even qualify them for an ADHD diagnosis.
The following adult ADHD questionnaire is designed to help people who think they may have the condition get a better sense of what exactly ADHD looks like outside of childhood. We'll dive into three main categories of ADHD symptoms (inattentive, hyperactive, and impulsive) so quiz-takers can see if they recognize any of those behaviors in themselves.
Inattentive Symptoms of Adult ADHD
Inattentive symptoms are the primary area of concern for many adults with ADHD. These inattentive symptoms cover a wide range of behaviors, but if you answer "yes" to several or all of the following questions, it indicates that you may be struggling with ADHD.
- Do you have trouble remembering specific details or instructions?
- Do you have difficulty staying on task without getting distracted?
- Do you struggle to complete projects once you've started them?
- Do you procrastinate by putting things off until the last minute?
- Do you have trouble listening and paying attention when talking to someone?
- Do you often forget to follow through on promises or responsibilities?
- Is it hard for you to determine which tasks need to be prioritized?
- Are you disorganized or prone to misplacing things?
Hyperactive Symptoms of Adult ADHD
Hyperactivity is one of the hallmarks of childhood ADHD. When we think of a child with ADHD, we often picture a kid who can't stop moving and seems like they constantly need to burn off energy. But in adults, ADHD hyperactivity can look a little different. If you answer "yes" to several or all of the following questions, it could mean that you have hyperactive ADHD.
- Do you struggle to sit still for long periods of time?
- Do you often fidget, like tapping your feet or biting your nails?
- Do you frequently feel restless at times when you should be resting?
- Do you get impatient or agitated when you have to wait in lines?
- Does it often feel like your mind is racing or that you're overthinking?
- Do you often try to multitask but have a hard time finishing things?
- Would people describe you as someone who is always on the go?
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Impulsive Symptoms of Adult ADHD
Impulsivity may be one of the more surprising things that adults with ADHD struggle with. People don't often correlate their impulsive actions with the possibility of ADHD, but there are actually a number of behaviors which might indicate you have the disorder, such as if you answer "yes" to several or all of the following questions.
- Do you often blurt out responses or interrupt others in conversation?
- Do you frequently have intense emotional reactions or instigate arguments?
- Do you struggle with reckless driving or have a history of fender benders?
- Do you have a hard time sticking to a budget or often make impulsive purchases?
- Have you participated in any risky sexual activity?
- Have you struggled with excessive alcohol consumption, drug use, or gambling?
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ADHD Questionnaire Results and Next Steps
If you're like most adults with ADHD, you probably answered "yes" to quite a few questions in this quiz. You don't need to display all of the behaviors mentioned above in order to warrant a diagnosis. If there were enough "yes" answers that you're concerned about the possibility of ADHD, it's time to take the next step.
If you want to try a more official ADHD quiz before talking to a clinician, start by taking one of the official self-assessments which are often used by healthcare providers. Here are a few ADHD assessments to consider:
Once you're ready to talk to a clinician, you have several options. You can make an appointment with a local ADHD clinician or talk to one online through a service like Done. An online evaluation is often available sooner than an in-person appointment, and it can provide a convenient way to get professionally evaluated.
If you are diagnosed with ADHD after an evaluation with a licensed clinician, remember that there are many effective treatments for ADHD available. In fact, if you've been struggling with symptoms for years without realizing it, getting a diagnosis and starting treatment could change your life for the better.
