The post-pandemic surge in ADHD awareness reflects a greater level of acceptance which is wonderful to see. It has also led to a prevalence of online self-assessment tools – some good, some not so good. 

If you’ve done any research on ADHD lately (a likely scenario, given the fact you’re reading this), you may have been inundated with ads from companies and apps claiming to help you self-diagnose or even fix your ADHD. They often involve some kind of quiz or test. 

Or possibly in your research, you’ve come across tests, quizzes, or online assessments offered by medical professionals or recognized medical and ADHD organizations.  

We offer one ourselves. 

How different are these tests for ADHD, really? Is it possible to diagnose yourself using an online quiz? What value, if any, do these tests offer? 

Let us guide you through ADHD tests and diagnosis to help you find the answers to these questions.  

We’ll examine the differences between these online offerings, discuss what the diagnosis process really looks like, and see just what you can get out of an online assessment. 

But what is ADHD?

In case you’re just starting your research journey – ADHD is a chronic neurodevelopmental disorder that affects approximately 3%-5% of adults. It creates challenges with executive functions. This means it can affect your body’s ability to regulate attention, impulsivity and emotion. It goes far beyond the classic picture most people have in their heads – a talkative person with boundless energy who bounces from one thing to another (learn more about that here).*** 

Tests for ADHD: Who is Behind the Curtain? What are Their Objectives? 

Let’s get one thing out of the way – before you take a test, make sure you know who is behind it and what, if anything, they are selling. 

If the test was written by someone diagnosed with ADHD looking to share their experience, but who isn’t accredited, you’ll want to use some discretion.  

ADHD symptoms vary widely, so one person’s experience can be very different from another’s. 

The person may also mistakenly present some of their own experiences as symptoms simply because they have ADHD. While reading the experiences of others can be very comforting and helpful, take any tests they present (even casually in a video clip) with a grain of salt. 

If the test is offered by someone selling an app, supplement, or a service designed to help you get medications, use extreme caution!  

Apps and supplements can be very helpful, but some companies use false advertising: oversimplifying ADHD and generalizing symptoms.  

Reputable companies will encourage you to see an expert for an official diagnosis. 

You may want to start by looking for tests from qualified sources, such as certified healthcare professionals and accredited organizations that specialize in mental health and ADHD. 

All clear? Great! Now let’s take a look at the different options for testing. 

What’s the Difference? Casual Quizzes vs. Tests vs. Assessments 

Many websites use these terms interchangeably. In this article, here’s how we’ll differentiate quizzes, tests, and assessments. 

• Online ADHD Quizzes: May be offered by one of your favorite online magazines, or even a medical website. These are often quick: just a few, simple questions. They may be nothing more than a checklist of symptoms. 

• Online ADHD Tests: Offered by qualified health or ADHD experts and organizations. These will usually be longer, typically ranging from 15 to 20 questions instead of 5 to 10. The questions will usually go into more detail when describing scenarios and feelings you may or may not relate to. They may be based on the World Health Organization ASRS.  

• ADHD Assessments: Used by qualified mental health and medical professionals in the diagnosis process. These are not usually available to the general public. 

What Online Tests for ADHD Can’t Do 

By their very nature, online tests fall short in a number of ways: 

1. Lack of Clinical Nuance: Many ADHD symptoms are not unique in and of themselves; everyone can struggle with focus, forget things, and struggle to be on time. ADHD diagnosis depends on the severity and duration of symptoms across various areas of life. Self-tests struggle to capture this. 

2. Self-Report Bias: Online tests rely on your own personal perception. Your current stress levels, or a simple misunderstanding of the questions, can skew your results.  

3. Complexities in assessing various ADHD presentations: There are three main types of ADHD, and these can present with different symptoms in men and women.  

For example, a woman with ADHD predominantly inattentive type might get a result of only 65/100 on the Psychology Today ADHD Test, and yet receive 69/80 on an ADHD test designed for women offered by The Center for ADHD. 

4. No Differential Diagnosis: Crucially, online tools cannot rule out other conditions that mimic ADHD symptoms. And there are many! e.g., anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, thyroid issues, trauma, and other learning disabilities. 

These inherent shortcomings mean that these tests sometimes over-identify probable ADHD.  

Let’s be clear – online quizzes and tests are not diagnostic tools. 

That doesn’t mean they can’t have real value. But before we get into that, let’s take a quick look at the diagnosis process. 

How is ADHD Truly Diagnosed in Adults? The Professional Path 

So, if there is no one definitive test that can diagnose ADHD, how does someone receive a diagnosis for ADHD? This is where an ADHD assessment comes into the picture. 

Who Can Diagnose or Test for ADHD?  

According to the Centre for ADHD Awareness, Canada, medical professionals who may assess/diagnose (and treat) ADHD include:  

However, because ADHD is such a complex disorder, any medical professional you see should have ADHD specific training. For adults, this typically involves consulting a mental health professional. 

The Comprehensive Diagnostic Process: 

Far from a quick trip to the doctor’s office, a diagnosis will involve multiple steps (and possibly multiple visits).  

These steps should include: 

1. An In-Depth Clinical Interview: Your chosen medical professional will review your detailed personal, developmental, educational, occupational, and social history. They will discuss your current symptoms and the degree to which they affect your life.  

2. Standardized Rating Scales: Completed by the individual and, ideally, by significant others (e.g., partner, parent, close friend) to provide an external perspective and validate symptoms across different environments.  

3. Review of Medical and Mental Health History: This rules out other medical conditions and identifies co-occurring mental health disorders (such as anxiety or depression, which commonly occur alongside ADHD). 

4. Review of Childhood Symptoms: To be diagnosed, symptoms must have been present by the age of 12. This step may involve reviewing old report cards or getting input from a parent. 

The DSM-5, or the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, is a diagnostic manual that most healthcare professionals in Canada and the United States will use during the diagnostic process. This manual, provided by the American Psychiatric Association, outlines established guidelines for various presentations and symptoms, as well as criteria for an official diagnosis. 

Why a Professional Diagnosis Matters:  

There are several reasons you may want to step beyond the self-tests and seek a professional assessment.  

A very real benefit is personal validation – knowing for a certainty that your symptoms are caused by a disorder can be very comforting, and an important part of caring for your mental health.  

It also allows you to pursue the right treatment for you, whether that involves therapy or a combination of therapy and medication. ADHD medications are only effective for those with the disorder. They should not be taken by anyone without a thorough, professional diagnosis. 

And finally, a diagnosis by an accredited health care professional gives you access to official documentation for accommodations, which may be helpful at work. 

When Are Online Tests Helpful? (Their Legitimate Role) 

After all this, you might be wondering – if self-diagnosis isn’t possible, do online ADHD tests have any value? 

The answer is: yes! 

If you suspect you may have ADHD, self-tests offer a great first step for self-reflection and understanding some of the challenges of the disorder. 

Taking a self-test can empower you to take the next step, helping you think about your symptoms before discussing them with a doctor. 

Additionally, a test or quiz can give you a sense of being understood as you see your struggles reflected in the questionnaire.  

And finally, it can act as a screener for those who score low on the tests, prompting them to seek other answers for the symptoms they are experiencing. 

Your Next Steps: From Self-Awareness to Seeking Clarity  

So, what have we learned about tests for ADHD? 

1. Recognizing your symptoms (e.g., by way of a self-test) is the first step, but a formal diagnosis requires a professional.  

2. Self-tests and quizzes can be an excellent way to explore ADHD symptoms, self-reflect, and prepare for a visit with your doctor. 

3. ADHD assessments are much more complex and are conducted by healthcare professionals, taking the pressure off of you. They involve a diagnostic process that follows established guidelines 

4. A formal diagnosis opens the door to validation and assistance, treatment, and accommodations. 

If you suspect you might have ADHD, consider taking the ASRS ADHD Test. While not a diagnosis, it can be a valuable tool to help you decide if a professional evaluation is the right next step for you. 

Frequently Asked Questions About ADHD Tests for Adults 

Q1: What’s the main difference between an online ADHD quiz, an online ADHD test, and a professional ADHD assessment?  

A1: Online ADHD quizzes are typically quick, informal checklists for basic self-reflection. Online ADHD tests are more structured screeners offered by health experts, often based on professional scales, but still relying on self-report.  

Neither quizzes nor online tests provide a diagnosis.  

An ADHD assessment, on the other hand, is a comprehensive, multi-step process conducted by qualified medical or mental health professionals to arrive at an official diagnosis. 

Q2: Can I diagnose myself with ADHD using an online quiz or test?  

A2: No, you cannot self-diagnose ADHD using online quizzes or tests.  

These tools are valuable for self-reflection and raising awareness about potential symptoms, but they lack the clinical nuance, ability to rule out other conditions (differential diagnosis), and multi-source information gathering necessary for an accurate, formal diagnosis. 

Q3: Who is qualified to officially diagnose ADHD in adults?  

A3: An official diagnosis of ADHD in adults should be made by qualified medical or mental health professionals who have ADHD-specific training.  

This includes psychiatrists, psychologists, neurologists, developmental pediatricians, and sometimes primary care physicians and nurse practitioners with relevant expertise or through referral. 

Q4: Why is a professional ADHD diagnosis important?  

A4: A professional diagnosis opens the door to treatment options (like therapy or medication, which should only be prescribed after diagnosis) and provides official documentation for potential accommodations at work or in other settings. 

It also provides personal validation, confirming that your struggles are due to a recognized disorder. 

Q5: If online tests for ADHD can’t provide a diagnosis, what value do they offer?  

A5: Online tests and quizzes are valuable as a first step for self-reflection and understanding.  

They can help you identify if your experiences align with common ADHD symptoms, giving you a framework to discuss your concerns with a doctor or mental health professional. They can empower you to take the right next step.