Adult ADHD often goes unrecognized because it does not look like a child bouncing off the walls. It looks like chronic lateness, unfinished projects, a mind that will not settle, and the exhaustion of holding it all together. This self-assessment covers the patterns clinicians ask about when evaluating attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in adults. Answer about the past six months.
This self-assessment is for information only. It is not a diagnostic tool and cannot replace an evaluation by a licensed mental health professional. If you are in crisis or thinking about harming yourself, call or text 988 or call 911.
Adult ADHD Self-Assessment
Attention
- Do you often make careless mistakes or overlook details at work, school or home?
- Do you have trouble staying focused on tasks, conversations or reading, even when you want to?
- Do you often seem not to listen when spoken to directly, because your mind is elsewhere?
- Do you start tasks and lose focus before finishing them?
- Do you struggle to organize tasks, manage time, meet deadlines or keep track of belongings?
- Do you avoid or put off tasks that require sustained mental effort, such as paperwork or long reports?
- Are you easily distracted by unrelated thoughts or by what is happening around you?
- Are you forgetful in daily life: appointments, bills, returning calls?
Hyperactivity and impulsivity
- Do you fidget, tap, or feel restless and unable to sit through meetings or meals?
- Do you feel driven by a motor, or find it hard to relax and do quiet activities?
- Do you talk excessively, interrupt, finish people’s sentences or have trouble waiting your turn?
- Do you make impulsive decisions: purchases, job changes, comments you regret?
History and impact
- Were several of these patterns present before age 12, even if no one called it ADHD?
- Do they show up in more than one setting, such as work and home?
- Do they clearly interfere with your work, relationships or daily functioning?
What Your Answers May Mean
Adult ADHD is diagnosed when at least five symptoms of inattention and/or five of hyperactivity-impulsivity have been present for six months or more, with some symptoms before age 12, across settings, and with real impairment. If your answers fit that pattern, an evaluation by a clinician experienced with adult ADHD is worthwhile. Only a professional can diagnose it, and conditions such as anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, substance use and trauma can produce similar symptoms.
What Adult ADHD Is
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition that persists into adulthood for many people, affecting roughly 4 percent of adults. It commonly co-occurs with anxiety, depression and substance use disorders; some people misuse stimulants or other substances to cope with untreated symptoms. Learn more about ADHD.
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How Adult ADHD Is Treated
- Medication: stimulants such as methylphenidate and amphetamine, and non-stimulants such as atomoxetine, viloxazine and guanfacine; the choice depends on history, including any substance use
- Cognitive behavioral therapy adapted for ADHD: organization, time management and emotional regulation skills
- Treatment of co-occurring conditions, especially anxiety, depression and substance use, in the same plan
- Coaching and workplace accommodations
If stimulant misuse is part of the picture, see Adderall addiction treatment; for co-occurring conditions, see inpatient mental health treatment.
Want to talk to someone about your results? Our admissions team can arrange a confidential assessment with a licensed clinician and explain treatment options, from outpatient therapy to inpatient care. Verify your insurance or call any time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can ADHD be diagnosed for the first time as an adult?
Yes. Many adults are diagnosed after their children are, or after years of unexplained struggle. The evaluation looks for symptoms that were present in childhood.
Can I be treated for ADHD if I have a history of substance use?
Yes. Non-stimulant medications, monitored long-acting stimulants and therapy are all options; treatment is planned with your history in mind.
Is it ADHD or anxiety?
They overlap and often occur together. A clinical evaluation sorts out which is driving the symptoms.
Does insurance cover ADHD evaluation and treatment?
Most plans cover mental health evaluation and treatment under parity law. Verify your coverage in minutes.
