Adult ADHD test

Difficulties with focus, organisation, and emotional regulation can affect many areas of daily life, from career success to personal wellbeing. If you often find yourself feeling distracted, overwhelmed, or struggling to manage tasks, this self-assessment offers a private and supportive first step towards greater self-awareness and a better understanding of whether your experiences may be linked to Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in adulthood.

3-5 min

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What is ADHD?

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a recognised neurodevelopmental condition that affects individuals across the lifespan, including adulthood. Although symptoms typically emerge during childhood, many people continue to experience significant challenges into their adult years — often without ever having been formally diagnosed.

In adults, ADHD is primarily characterised by persistent difficulties with regulating attention, managing impulses, and, in some cases, controlling levels of physical or mental restlessness. These challenges are linked to differences in brain development and functioning, particularly in areas responsible for executive skills such as planning, organisation, decision-making, and emotional regulation.

ADHD reflects differences in cognitive functioning, not deficiencies in character, intelligence, or motivation. It represents a distinct way of processing information and navigating the world, which can bring both challenges and unique strengths throughout life.

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Common traits of ADHD in adults

The symptoms of ADHD in adults can vary widely, but common patterns include:

Inattention: Difficulty sustaining focus on tasks, frequent distractions, forgetfulness, and problems completing projects.
Impulsivity: Acting or speaking without thinking through consequences, difficulty waiting, or making hasty decisions.
Restlessness: A sense of internal agitation, feeling constantly "on the go," or struggling to relax.
Disorganisation: Chronic challenges with planning, managing time, meeting deadlines, and keeping track of personal items.
Emotional sensitivity: Intense emotional reactions, frustration, irritability, and low tolerance for stress.
Difficulty prioritising: Struggling to assess what tasks are most important, leading to procrastination or overwhelm.

Symptoms often fluctuate depending on the individual’s environment, support systems, and levels of interest or stress.

Strengths often seen in adults with ADHD

While ADHD presents challenges, it is also associated with a range of valuable personal strengths. Many adults with ADHD demonstrate:

Creative problem-solving: The ability to think in innovative, non-linear ways and find solutions that others may not see.
High energy and passion: Deep enthusiasm for projects or interests that capture their attention, often leading to impressive bursts of productivity.
Hyperfocus: The ability to engage intensely with tasks that are stimulating or meaningful, resulting in deep concentration and high-quality output.
Courage and risk-taking: A willingness to embrace new opportunities and think boldly, which can drive entrepreneurial and creative success.
Empathy and sensitivity: A strong emotional awareness and ability to connect deeply with others’ experiences.

Recognising and building on these strengths can help individuals with ADHD develop personalised strategies for success, boosting confidence and improving overall quality of life.

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