Adult ADHD Tests, Self-Assessments, & Quizzes [2023 Guide]
Wondering if you have ADHD? Self-assessment tools are a quick and easy way to determine if you have symptoms common with ADHD.
Discover the most common assessments used in adult ADHD, specialized assessments for women, and where to find free assessments online. Getting a diagnosis for your ADHD is a crucial first step in finding an effective treatment. There is no single tool for diagnosing ADHD.
Medically reviewed
Table of contents
What ADHD self-assessments are (and what they're not)
Self-assessments are tools that offer a quick and easy way to learn more about yourself. Unlike quizzes or surveys, self-assessments ask specific questions to help you identify the presence of particular traits, symptoms, or characteristics. For instance, ADHD self-assessments are specifically designed to examine symptoms of ADHD. The questions reflect the most common symptoms and usually ask you to rate them according to the severity of what you are experiencing. Self-assessments are frequently used in research studies, clinics, and even by health websites to screen for ADHD. Testing tools for ADHD are quick, easy, and offer you valuable information about whether you might want to pursue getting a clinical assessment for ADHD.
Can you get a diagnosis of ADHD from a self-assessment?
No! In order to get a diagnosis of ADHD, you need to be assessed by a specialist in the field– usually a psychologist or psychiatrist. Self-assessment tools can alert you (or someone else) to the fact that you have certain symptoms that are common in ADHD– which would be a good reason to seek out a diagnostic assessment.
ADHD tests for adults (all genders)
Self-assessment tools are often available in ADHD clinics but you can also find many of them online. Various websites have made them available to complete for free and even give you thoughtful results at the end. Let’s take a look at the different types of self-assessments for ADHD and where to find them.
ASRS (Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale Screener)
The Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale Screener (ASRS) is one of the most commonly used self-assessment tools for adult ADHD. The ASRS was developed by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Workgroup on Adult ADHD. This tool is meant to be used with people 18 and over and assesses for the most common symptoms of ADHD.
This ASRS is a 6-item screening self-assessment that takes less than 5 minutes to complete. It asks you to rate yourself -- between “never” and “very often” -- on how often you experience common symptoms of adult ADHD.
ASRS-v1.1 (Adult ADHD Self-Report Symptom Scale)
The ASRS-v1.1 is the longer version of the ASRS and examines 18 symptoms of adult ADHD. It also asks you to rate yourself on a scale between “never” and “very often” for each symptom.
Online adult ADHD self-assessments
If you want an interactive format, you can find adapted versions of the ASRS on several websites which you can complete electronically. These use questions adapted from the ASRS and even provide you with a little guidance at the end.
ADHD tests for women
The symptoms of ADHD in women can look quite a bit different than in other genders. In order to better help women self-identify their symptoms of ADHD, several assessments have been developed that screen for the most common symptoms of ADHD in adult women. You can feel free to try these no matter what your gender, it’s possible you might find them helpful.
SASI (Women’s ADHD Self-Assessment Symptom Inventory)
The Women’s ADHD Self-Assessment Symptom Inventory (SASI) was developed by two clinicians who worked extensively with adult ADHD in female populations. It examines childhood patterns and issues along with adult symptoms commonly found in ADHD. In addition to traditional symptoms, the SASI also addresses challenges related to adult life such as parenting, workplace, and life maintenance (i.e. housework). It is not considered a diagnostic assessment but gives insight into the types of challenges a typical woman with ADHD would experience.
Online adult ADHD test and quizzes for women
Several websites now offer free tools that are tailored to women-specific experiences with symptoms of ADHD. You can try these assessments to determine if you may have some symptoms and experiences that are common in women with ADHD.
Other common tools to test for adult ADHD
Brown Attention Deficit Disorder Symptom Assessment Scale (BADDS) for Adults
A 40-item self-report scale that measures symptoms of ADHD in adults. It’s not available for free but you can order it here. This tool is more comprehensive in nature and is most commonly used to gather data in research studies.
CAARS (Conners' Adult ADHD Rating Scales)
A self-report form for adults that is usually administered by professionals as it requires specific interpretation and scoring. It is helpful when considering a diagnosis of ADHD and provides information about the adult’s score, how they compare to other adults, and what subscales are elevated. It is meant to act as an interpretive aid and should not be used as the sole basis for clinical diagnosis or intervention.
The CAARS report works best when combined with other sources of relevant information. It gives ratings on scales that include Behavioral Regulation Index, Emotional Regulation Index, and Cognitive Regulation Index. It also provides a total score called a Global Executive Composite. You can order it here.
Barratt Impulsiveness Scale
A 30-item self-report scale that is commonly used to measure impulsiveness. Participants respond to each item using scale from 1 (rarely/never) to 4 (almost always/always). You can find a free online version here.
Other free tools
If you’re really feeling testy, here’s a list of some other self-assessment screeners that can help you determine whether you might have symptoms of adult ADHD:
Bottomline
No matter which self-assessment tool you use, the results can only provide general guidance. Without an assessment by a professional, these tools only provide information that you have symptoms that are common in adults with ADHD. You can always review your results with a healthcare professional who specializes in ADHD or with your therapist. Taking self-assessments can also be a way to self-monitor your symptoms over time as you engage in treatment protocols or even try positive lifestyle changes (i.e. a bedtime routine and consistent exercise).
Getting an ADHD diagnosis
Using ADHD self-assessment tools is a quick and easy way to identify if you may have symptoms that are common in adult ADHD. The only way to get an actual diagnosis is through consultation and assessment with a professional. Services like Frida offer free self-assessments and online consultations to help you get the diagnosis and treatment you need today.
