ADHD Online Test - Symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
ADHD can be a source of trouble at school and work, and it's a disorder that should be assessed at any time. This online test that is based on an Amen Clinics screening tool can help you assess symptoms.
Learn Even more isn't a diagnosis, but could help you locate a mental health professional who can analyze your symptoms.
Symptoms
Hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity are the most frequent symptoms of ADHD. People who suffer from ADHD have difficulty remembering tasks, making impulsive errors at work or in school and feeling overwhelmed.
Everyone has difficulty paying attention or controlling impulsive behavior at times but for children and adults with ADHD the issues are persistent and frequent enough to disrupt their personal life, work and school, as well as their social relationships. ADHD can cause problems at work and at home as well as result in unstable relationships, poor performance at work or school 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. Symptoms of primarily inattentive ADHD are difficulty sitting still as well as difficulty following instructions and paying close to what others are saying. Children suffering from this type the disorder may also have trouble organizing their home or work environments as well as forgetting things easily and make mistakes at school or 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 act by their peers before they even consider 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.
The symptoms of each subtype vary and distinct, all forms of ADHD can lead to a range of issues. A mental health professional can identify the condition by assessing the severity of the symptoms, how they impact the person's school and home life, and the length of time they've been recurring.
You can take online tests to determine the severity of symptoms, however the diagnosis can only be made by a mental healthcare professional who has examined your adult or child. To be diagnosed with ADD or ADHD, the patient must exhibit six or more of the following symptoms in at least two different settings (home or school) and cause impairment:
Diagnosis
ADHD diagnosis can be a challenge particularly for children and adults. The symptoms of ADHD are not always evident, and they may be misinterpreted as other conditions, such as depression, anxiety, learning disabilities, or trauma. The first step in seeking help is taking an ADHD screening test or assessment. You can find a variety of them online, but you should always seek an accurate assessment from a mental health specialist to determine whether your symptoms are due to ADHD or ADD, or any other disorder.
In general, to be diagnosed with ADD/ADHD you need an ongoing pattern of symptoms that interferes with your daily functioning. These symptoms must be evident in two or more settings and have been present since childhood. The symptoms must also be affecting at least two people, and cannot be caused by any other disorder like depression or anxiety.
People with ADD/ADHD often have trouble separating their thoughts and feelings regarding the events that occur in their lives, which makes it easier to get overwhelmed by stress. Trauma and ADHD frequently co-occur. People who have a history of trauma might have trouble paying attention or controlling their impulsivity or managing their hyperactivity.
RA Barkley points out that it's not unusual for ADD to go undiagnosed for years, even decades, especially in adults who don't realize they have an issue until their children are diagnosed and begin to notice their own symptoms. Take our ADHD test to determine whether you have inattentive type of ADD (more often referred to as ADD) or another disorder.
Treatment
The treatment for ADHD is dependent on the person and their specific symptoms. It could include medication, therapy, and changes to daily routines or habits. The goal of any treatment program is to improve the ability of a person to concentrate, control impulsivity, and manage their emotions. ADHD is typically diagnosed in childhood, but it may persist into adulthood. ADHD symptoms can be co-existing with other mental disorders like depression and anxiety.
A self-assessment can be a great first step for anyone who is interested in getting diagnosed as having ADHD, particularly the inattentive type (previously known as ADD). It is crucial to note that an accurate diagnosis can only be done by an accredited mental health professional.
Online tools like the adult ADHD self-report scale and Conners' rating scale can aid people in determining if they exhibit signs of ADHD. Users can test their cognitive abilities through games and other tasks, including the ability to control impulses and attention. These tests, such as TOVA and QbTest, can highlight the signs of ADD are evident in an individual's profile.
An online ADD screening can also help individuals determine whether their symptoms are caused by another mental health issue, such as anxiety or depression, or if they are just part of the normal developmental process. A therapist can aid in this process and might suggest that the patient seek medical advice from a psychologist or psychiatrist.
Websites such as Klarity and Done provide a quick diagnosis for a minimal fee. These sites will use the information that the user provides with regards to their symptoms as well as family history and any other factors to determine if a disorder like ADD or ADHD is present. They will then suggest a treatment plan, which can include medication or counseling.
Amen Clinics is an established mental health provider with an array of services for teens, children and adults. Their ADD screening includes the SPECT brain scan to test for various types of ADHD. Anyone can take the test, and results are released within a matter of hours.