ADHD Online Test - Symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
ADHD can lead to problems at work and in school. It's worth assessing ADHD at any age. This online test that is based on an Amen Clinics screening tool can aid in determining the symptoms.
This test does not diagnose anything, but it can help you find someone who can analyze your symptoms.
Signs and symptoms
The most obvious signs of ADHD are hyperactivity, inattention and the tendency to be impulsive. People suffering from this disorder struggle to keep on top of tasks and recalling things, making erroneous mistakes at work or in school and being overwhelmed by their daily obligations.
Everybody has trouble paying attention or controlling impulsive behavior at times however for children and adults with ADHD the issues are persistent and frequent enough to affect their home life, work and school, as well as their social relationships. ADHD can cause issues at work and at home, as it can also lead to unstable relationships, a poor performance at school or at work as well as low self-esteem and feelings of despair and worthlessness.
There are three main types of ADHD: primarily inattentive, mainly hyperactive/impulsive, and combined. The signs of predominantly inattentive ADHD are a difficult time sitting still or following directions, and difficulty paying close attention to what others are saying. Children with this form of the disorder might be unable to organize their work or home environment, forget things easily and make mistakes at work or school.
Those with mainly hyperactive/impulsive ADHD are fidgety, cannot sit or stay quiet for long, have excess energy and talk excessively. They are often forced to act by their peers before they think about the consequences. This kind of ADHD can also cause children to have difficulty listening and interrupting other people. Those with mainly combined ADHD have a mix of inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive symptoms.
All types of ADHD, while they may be different in their symptoms, can cause a myriad of issues. A mental health professional will diagnose the condition according to the severity of symptoms and their impact on the person's school and home life, as well as the length of time they've been present.
While you can take a number of tests on the internet that determine the severity of certain symptoms but a diagnosis can only be confirmed by an expert in mental health who has examined your child or adult. A person has to show at least six symptoms in two or more situations (at home or at school) to be deemed to have ADHD or ADD.
Diagnosis
ADHD diagnosis can be difficult particularly for adults and children. The signs of ADHD aren't always apparent, and can be confused with other conditions such as depression, anxiety, disabilities or trauma. The first step in seeking help is to take an ADHD screening test or assessment. You can find a variety of them online, but you should always get an accurate assessment from a mental health professional to determine if your symptoms are due to ADD/ADHD or another disorder.
In general for you to be diagnosed with ADD/ADHD you need an ongoing pattern of symptoms that interferes with your daily functioning. The symptoms must be apparent in two or more settings and have been present since childhood. The symptoms must also be considered debilitating by at least two people and cannot be caused by another disorder such as depression or anxiety.
Those who struggle with ADD/ADHD often have trouble separating their thoughts and feelings from the events in their lives, making it easier to get overwhelmed by stress. Trauma and ADHD frequently co-occur. If you have a history of trauma may have trouble paying attention or controlling their impulsivity or managing hyperactivity.
RA Barkley says that it's not uncommon for ADD to be undiagnosed for years, or even decades. This is particularly relevant for adults who aren't aware of their symptoms until their children are diagnosed. Take our ADHD test to determine whether you are suffering from the inattention kind of ADD (more commonly diagnosed as ADD) or another disorder.
Treatment
The treatment for ADHD can vary depending on the individual and their particular symptoms. It may involve medication or therapy in addition to adjustments to the daily habits or routines. The aim of any treatment plan is to enhance the ability of the individual to concentrate and control impulsivity. It is also a way to help them manage their emotions. ADHD is usually diagnosed in testing for adult adhd but can persist throughout adulthood. The symptoms of ADHD may also coexist with other mental health issues like anxiety or depression.
A self-assessment can be a great first step for adults interested in getting diagnosed as having ADHD especially the type that is inattentive (previously known as ADD). However, it is important to remember that an accurate diagnosis can only be made by a licensed mental health professional.
Online tools such as the adult ADHD self-report scale as well as Conners’ rating scale can help people determine if they have symptoms of ADHD. There are also platforms that let users test their cognitive abilities, including the ability to focus and impulsivity, using activities and games. These tests, such as TOVA and QbTest, can highlight the signs of ADD are present in an individual's profile.
A screening for ADD can help people determine whether their symptoms are related to a mental health issue such as anxiety or depression or are a normal development process. A therapist can aid in this process, and could recommend that the person seek medical advice from a psychologist or psychiatrist.
For a one-time cost, websites such as Klarity and Done offer a quick consultation to determine if you are eligible for a diagnosis. These sites will use the information that the user provides such as their symptoms or family history, as well as other relevant factors, to determine if a condition such as ADD or ADHD is present. They will then suggest an appropriate treatment plan, which can include medication or counseling.
Amen Clinics are a well-established mental health service that offers various services for children, teens and adults. Their ADD screening includes a brain SPECT scan to identify different kinds of ADHD. Anyone can take the test and results are available within a matter of hours.