Adhd symptom quiz

Childhood/Teenage ADHD: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment

ADHD affects millions of children and teens. These days, ADHD means more than just being ‘too hyper’ – it covers a wide range of behaviors.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common conditions diagnosed in children ages 2-17. It affects about 6 million (9.4%) children in the United States, according to the latest figures from 2016.

There’s a wide range of behaviors associated with ADHD. Many of which can look a lot like common childhood behaviors.

So, how do you know when your child’s symptoms are a sign they have ADHD?

Let’s take a deeper look at how ADHD looks in children and teens.

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder, meaning it can affect the way a person behaves and learns. Its major symptoms are inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity.

Like with any condition, symptoms can look different from person to person. Every person with ADHD has different needs. Some may need more support, while others may need less.

And having any of these symptoms doesn’t necessarily mean that your child or teen has ADHD.

An evolving diagnosis

The term “attention deficit disorder” (ADD) was first introduced in 1980 in the third edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders — the reference manual used to diagnose mental conditions in the United States.

In 1994, the definition was revised to include three types of groups: the predominantly hyperactive-impulsive type; the predominantly inattentive type; and the combined type (in the DSM-5, these are now referred to as “presentations”).

After this revision, ADD was considered outdated and no longer used.

You can find out more about ADHD facts and statistics here.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (APP) has grouped ADHD into three types – predominately inattentive, predominately hyperactivity-impulsive, and a combination of both.

Predominately inattentive

This type of ADHD is characterized primarily by inattention and distractibility.

Children or teens with this type may be easily distracted and have difficulty staying organized, following directions, or completing a task.

Predominately hyperactive-impulsive type

Children or teens with this type of ADHD have symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity. They may fidget, feel restless, interrupt others, talk a lot, and have a hard time sitting still (e.g., for a meal or doing school work).

Due to a higher chance of impulsive behaviors, children or teens with this type may be more likely to have accidents and injuries.

Combined hyperactive-impulsive and inattentive

This is the most common type of ADHD. Children or teens with this combined type have both hyperactive and inattentive symptoms.

The type of ADHD your child or teen has will determine how they’ll be treated. The type can change over time, so treatment will likely change, too.

It’s normal for children to daydream in class, forget their homework, lose their toys, act without thinking, or have a hard time sitting still for long periods.

That’s why it can be challenging to tell whether your child has ADHD or if they’re acting like a “kid.” For some, these behaviors happen only in some situations and only occur every so often.

But for those with ADHD, these behaviors may be more severe and happen more frequently, often leading to problems at home, school, and with friends.

The impacts of ADHD on girls are different than boys, especially in peer relationships. The awareness of ADHD in girls is often missed as their symptoms generally are not as severe as they are in boys.

The symptoms of ADHD your child or teen has will depend on the type of ADHD they have. They may have some or all of these symptoms.

Some common ones include:

difficulty sitting still
easily distracted
trouble focusing or concentrating on tasks
forgetful in daily activities
loses things needed to complete a task/activity (e.g., school materials)
interrupts or intrudes on others (e. g., butts into conversations or games)
difficulty waiting their turn

You can find out more here about symptoms of childhood and teen ADHD.

Although ADHD is a common condition, the exact causes and risk factors for the condition are unknown. Many doctors and researchers believe a variety of factors may play a role in its development.

Genetics is one of those factors. A 2018 review of family, twin, and adoption studies shows that ADHD may run in families.

Research from 2008 suggests that low levels of the neurotransmitter dopamine – which is associated with pleasure and reward – may also contribute to symptoms of ADHD.

More recent research suggests that children born prematurely or with a low birth weight have an increased chance of being diagnosed with ADHD.

Researchers are studying possible causes and risk factors of ADHD, such as brain injury and exposure to substance use during pregnancy.

Want to know more? You can find out more about causes and risk factors of childhood ADHD here.

Parents are usually the first to notice signs of ADHD in their child. If you notice symptoms of ADHD in your child or teen, you can talk with your pediatrician about an evaluation for the condition.

There’s no medical or blood test for ADHD. But doctors will look at your child’s behavior to help them make a diagnosis.

Your doctor will likely gather information about their behavior in different settings – at school, home, or with friends – from teachers, family members, and any other adults involved in their care.

A rating scale and other sources, such as a checklist, may be used to document symptoms and make sure that specific guidelines for diagnosing ADHD have been met.

The average age of diagnosis is 7 years old. But severe ADHD can be diagnosed as early as 5 years old.

During the evaluation, the doctor will also work to determine if another condition may be causing the symptoms or if another condition is occurring simultaneously. Among children ages 2-17 diagnosed with ADHD, nearly two-thirds (64%) also had another co-existing condition, such as anxiety or depression.

If your doctor suspects ADHD, they may refer you to an ADHD specialist. Before your appointment, it may helpful to make a list of your child’s behaviors and gather any observations or notes from teachers and counselors to provide to your doctor.

If parents can, consider an independent evaluation by a psychologist who specializes in these conditions. Depending on the diagnosis, you may also be referred to a child psychiatrist or neurologist for additional testing.

Given the amount of information available about ADHD and its stigma, it’s not uncommon for parents to have concerns after their child receives an ADHD diagnosis.

But the good news is that ADHD is treatable, and with the right treatment plan, you can learn to manage those behaviors and improve symptoms.

The most common treatments for this condition include medication, behavioral therapies, or both.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends behavioral therapy as a first-line treatment for children younger than 6. For children 6 years and older, a combination of behavior therapy and medication is recommended.

Behavioral therapy is often used to help you and your child or teen learn to monitor and manage their behavior. It typically also involves parent training in behavior management.

Another type of therapy, psychotherapy or talk therapy, may also be used to help manage behavior. In talk therapy, you and your child or teen will talk about how ADHD affects your daily lives, and the therapist will give you tools to use to help manage it.

Medication, such as stimulants or non-stimulants, may also be helpful in managing behavior and improving symptoms. These medications work by acting on chemicals in the brain – dopamine and norepinephrine.

You can take a deeper dive into ADHD treatments in children and teens here.

After a diagnosis of ADHD, many parents can feel overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next.

And that’s OK. You’re not alone. If you work closely with your child’s doctor, you can learn to monitor your child’s behaviors and make changes along the way to help manage those behaviors.

Your child’s school may also be a part of your management plan. ADHD qualifies for a 504 plan, which schools developed to support kids with disabilities. In fact, the AAP recommends adding classroom intervention strategies and school support to a behavioral therapy plan for ADHD.

Finding the right management plan can take a little trial and error, but once you find one that works for you and your family, it will be worth it.

Remember, not every child with ADHD has the same needs and routines, and what works for one may not work for another.

For some, it may be helpful to make a daily to-do list to help them stay organized and on track throughout the day. For others, creating calendar reminders and alarms helps them stay on task.

It’s important to find the approach that fits you and your family and helps make managing daily tasks and activities easier for you.

If you want to know more, you can find more tips for living with ADHD here.

If you think your child or teen has ADHD, you’ve already taken the first step — educating yourself about the condition.

The AAP recommends talking with your child’s doctor as the next step. They can refer you to a specialist who will provide an in-depth evaluation and make a diagnosis.

There are also organizations that can provide additional information, support, and resources to help you and your family manage the tasks of everyday life.

Some organizations that can help include:

Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD)
ADHD Coaches Organization (ACO)
National Attention Deficit Disorder Association (ADDA)

If you want to find out more about resources for ADHD, click here.

What's ADHD and How Is It treated?

Have you ever had trouble concentrating, found it hard to sit still, interrupted others during a conversation, or acted impulsively despite the chance of injury?

While most people — children and adults — experience all of these challenges from time to time, people living with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may face them constantly.

Symptoms of ADHD will affect how you function, and in children, can interfere with development.

So if you have ADHD, you might be wondering: Can I grow out of it? Can it get worse? What treatments work best for me? Why do I have so many bad ADHD days lately?

These questions and concerns are natural and not uncommon. With the right information, you can learn just what ADHD is about and how you can cope.

ADHD is a common neurodevelopmental disorder that affects how you behave.

Symptoms often include ongoing, persistent patterns of inattention, an inability to focus, hyperactivity, or impulsivity. These patterns may lead you to face challenges in how you function daily and develop skills.

ADHD is usually diagnosed in childhood — around ages 6-12 — but symptoms can become apparent at any age.

A late ADHD diagnosis might mean you’ve had symptoms since childhood, but they were either misdiagnosed or missed.

About 11% of children, 8.7% of adolescents, and 4. 4% of adults in the United States live with symptoms of ADHD. It’s more commonly diagnosed in males than females.

Not everyone experiences ADHD in the same way though.

Depending on the type of ADHD you have and your symptoms, some common challenges include:

hyperactivity: fidgeting, excessive talking, or restlessness
impulsivity: difficulty waiting for your turn or giving in to urges

You may also have a combo of both hyperactivity and impulsivity symptoms.

ADHD can feel and look different for everyone. Symptoms of ADHD in adults might differ from symptoms of ADHD in children, for example.

You might have a different experience with ADHD than another adult also diagnosed with the condition. This isn’t uncommon.

Symptoms will also depend on the type of ADHD you have. You may tend to experience ADHD procrastination or perhaps have difficulty waiting for your turn.

There are three main types of ADHD, which are called specifiers in the DSM-5:

Inattentive ADHD: This type is primarily characterized by difficulty paying attention or focusing on a task. There’s also a tendency to be easily distracted. No hyperactivity symptoms are usually present.
Hyperactive-impulsive ADHD: This type is mainly characterized by extreme, excessive, or disruptive behavior and low impulse control. Distractibility or difficulty focusing is rarely seen in this case. This is the least common type of ADHD.
Combined ADHD: The most common type. It combines symptoms of both inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive types.

General symptoms of ADHD include:

forgetfulness
being easily distracted
losing or misplacing things
abrupt or impulsive behavior
lack of motivation for specific activities or in general
difficulty organizing or completing tasks
not being able to follow instructions
constantly moving from one activity to another
engaging in behaviors that might put you or others in jeopardy
having a hard time focusing on a conversation

The exact cause of ADHD in either adults or children isn’t yet known. Experts believe it’s probably a combination of factors, including:

genetics
brain development
early life experiences
co-occurring conditions
brain injuries

There are no specific tests, such as C-rays or lab work, to diagnose ADHD. There are a few psychological tests, though.

The condition is usually diagnosed after spending a few sessions with a health professional.

Whether you’re concerned about your child’s behaviors or your own, a health professional will want to learn more about specific symptoms and when they began. They’ll probably also ask about your personal and family medical history.

Both ADHD and Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are neurodevelopmental disorders. This means they affect your brain and central nervous system in specific ways.

This doesn’t mean they’re associated or parallel conditions.

Although different diagnoses, symptoms of ADHD and autism do sometimes overlap. In fact, research indicates that approximately 1 in 8 children with ADHD have also received an ASD diagnosis.

The exact cause of this co-occurrence isn’t yet clear.

ADHD and bipolar disorder are also two separate and different mental health conditions, but they sometimes overlap.

A 2021 literature review found that 1 in 13 adults with ADHD also received a diagnosis of bipolar disorder.

The same review indicated that nearly 1 in 6 adults living with bipolar disorder was also diagnosed with ADHD.

Some children and adults with ADHD experience symptoms of anxiety disorders, though the connection between the two hasn’t been established.

If you live with ADHD, it might be challenging to distinguish between the symptoms of this condition and the signs of anxiety.

ADHD mainly affects your behaviors and ability to focus on a task. On the other hand, anxiety mostly refers to intense feelings of worry and fear.

Despite the differences, it’s estimated that symptoms of the two conditions overlap in about 25% of the cases.

No matter what age you were diagnosed at, ADHD can be treated and symptoms can be managed.

ADHD isn’t something you spontaneously “grow out” of, though. It requires the help of a health professional in most cases.

Some of the common treatment options for ADHD include:

medication
psychotherapy
behavior management

In many instances, a combination of all is necessary.

If you live with ADHD and other mental health conditions, your healthcare team might want to address first those symptoms that affect you the most.

Children with ADHD often undergo treatments based on behavioral therapy and medication. This depends on the particulars of the case, though. Bringing your child’s pediatrician into the conversation might offer you additional insight on the best options for them.

There are many types of prescription medications and over-the-counter options that are used to treat ADHD in both children and adults.

A physician, psychiatrist, or pediatrician will typically try different drugs and dosages to find the one that works best for you and your symptoms.

The process can sometimes take a while.

It’s natural to feel impatient or concerned about your treatment. You might even wonder if ADHD medication will change your personality or affect you in other ways. There’s no evidence to suggest this will be the case.

It’s natural to feel overwhelmed by a new diagnosis and all the treatment options that you might have to choose from.

ADHD can be managed, though. And you can be an active participant in this process.

In addition to medication and therapy, there are a few things you can do on your own to help you cope.

Some ways to support your ADHD treatment include:

eating a balanced diet daily that includes plenty of whole foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
getting plenty of exercise and activity throughout the day.
getting enough sleep. A minimum of 7 hours is recommended.
going out for walks or spending time outdoors every day
keeping your environment clutter-free
limiting screen time, including TV, computers, tablets, and phones
setting alarms and reminders for your to-dos or special dates
working on one thing at a time rather than multitasking
limiting distractions like loud noise, calendar pings, and keeping your phone within reaching distance all the time
keeping a list or journal to record some of your symptoms and experiences

In time and with practice, you can develop strategies that help you increase your concentration and control your impulses.

Every child and adult with ADHD is unique. ADHD doesn’t change who you are, only how you behave in some situations.

It’s definitely advisable to seek the help of a health professional to treat ADHD symptoms. It might be crucial to do so immediately if you’re:

giving in to urges and impulses that put your and other people’s safety at risk
thinking of hurting you or others
not being able to function in your daily life
experiencing physical symptoms
living with symptoms of other conditions such as depression or anxiety

ADHD can be managed and treatment options are available for both children and adults.

If you or a loved one are interested in learning more about the condition or seeking diagnosis and treatment, these resources can help:

American Psychiatric Association
American Psychological Association
National Alliance on Mental Illness
National Institute of Mental Health
U. S. Department of Health & Human Services

ADHD symptom test

The ADHD test includes many different symptoms that in one way or another indicate the presence of this mental disorder. However, the severity of the disease and its symptoms can vary greatly.

This test incorporates the results of previous studies to ensure the validity and reliability of the results for identifying symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

Do you have symptoms of ADHD? For each following statement, indicate how much you agree with it.

The ADHD test (IDR-ADHDST) is owned by IDRlabs. It builds on the work of Dr. Lenard Adler and colleagues who created the ADHD Questionnaire (ASRS). This test is not affiliated with any particular researcher or organization in the field of psychopathology.

The ADHD symptom test is based on material that has been published in the following sources: Kessler RC, Adler L, Ames M, Demler O, Faraone S, Hiripi E, Howes MJ, Jin R, Secnik K, Spencer T, Ustun TB , Walters EE. The World Health Organization Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS): a short screening scale for use in the general population. Psychol Med. 2005 Feb;35(2):245-56. doi:10.1017/s0033291704002892. PMID: 15841682; Adler LA, Spencer T, Faraone SV, Kessler RC, Howes MJ, Biederman J, Secnik K. Validity of pilot Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS) to Rate Adult ADHD symptoms. Ann Clin Psychiatry. 2006 Jul-Sep;18(3):145-8. doi: 10.1080/10401230600801077. PMID: 16923651; Adler, L., Faraone, S., Sarocco, P., Atkins, N., Khachatryan, A. (2018). Establishing US norms for the adult ADHD self-report scale and characterizing symptom burden among adults with self-reported ADHD. The International Journal of Clinical Practice.

The work of Dr. Adler and colleagues looks at the main symptoms of ADHD. This work also describes certain diagnostic criteria that are intended for clinical use by trained mental health professionals. This test provides information for educational purposes only. IDRlabs and this test are in no way affiliated with the above researchers, organizations or institutions.

The ADHD symptom test is based on known research on the condition and other psychiatric disorders. However, all free online tests like this one are only introductory materials that will not be able to determine your inherent qualities with absolute accuracy and reliability. Therefore, our test provides information for educational purposes only. Detailed information about your mental state can only be provided by a certified specialist.

As the authors of this free online ADHD symptom ratio test, we have made every effort to ensure that this test is reliable and valid through numerous validations and statistical data controls. However, free online tests like this provide information "as is" and should not be construed as providing professional or certified advice of any kind. For more information about our online tests, please see our Terms of Service.

ADD test for children

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ADD(H) test for children

Test for ADD(H) for children up to 16 years of age inclusive in accordance with the methodology of the American DSM-V guide.

Number of questions: 18 .

For more information, see the article from the Notes.

...

To answer "Yes", the symptom must be:

- Stable during the last 6 months .

- Was expressed in measure not corresponding to the level of development .

- Had a negative impact on academic performance and/or professional activities .

...

The test is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose any disease.

Consult a doctor for diagnosis.

...

one

Often makes nervous movements with hands or feet, or fidgets and wriggles while sitting in a chair.

Yes

Often interrupts or annoys others.

For example, breaks into conversation, games or activities without invitation; can use other people's things without asking; for teenagers or adults - they can interfere with someone else's work or continue someone else's work themselves.

Yes

Often has difficulty waiting in line.

For example, in the shop or at the game.

Yes

four

Often blurts out an answer before the question has been fully asked.

For example, completes sentences when others are speaking; cannot wait for their turn to join the conversation.

Yes

Often too talkative.

Yes

It is often in constant motion and behaves as if a motor was attached to it.

For example, absolutely unable or unable to stay comfortably in one place in restaurants or meetings; perhaps people around him consider him a restless person or a person with whom it is difficult to deal with.

Yes

Often has difficulty playing or spending leisure time quietly.

Yes

eight

Often runs back and forth without restraint or climbs in situations where this is unacceptable.

Note: Teenagers and adults may not be running, jumping or climbing but may be restless and out of sorts.

Yes

Often leaves his seat in class or in other situations where the person is expected to be seated.

For example, leaving one's seat in a classroom, in an office or other place of work, or in other situations where one is expected to be seated.

Yes

ten

Often fails to pay due attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork, work, and other activities.

For example, does not notice or skips details, the work is not done accurately.

Yes

eleven

Often forgetful in daily activities.

For example, forgetfulness in housework, while doing errands; for older teenagers and adults - they forget to return calls, pay bills, come to a meeting or appointment (to a doctor, for example).

Yes

Often easily distracted by extraneous stimuli. For older teenagers and adults, this includes thoughts that are inappropriate for the time / place.

Yes

Often loses things needed for lessons or classes.

For example, notebooks, textbooks, pencils, books, tools, keys, paper forms, glasses, mobile phones.

Yes

fourteen

Often avoids, dislikes, or reluctantly takes on things that require sustained mental effort.

For example, schoolwork or school homework, for older teens and adults - preparing reports, filling out forms, studying long texts.

Yes

fifteen

Often has difficulty organizing lessons and classes.

For example, trouble moving from one task in a chain to another, difficulty keeping materials and personal belongings in order, sloppy, unorganized work, poor time management, failing to complete work on time.

Yes

Often does not follow instructions to the end and does not complete class work, chores, or duties in the workplace.

For example, starts work, but quickly loses focus and easily wanders off topic.

Yes

Often it seems that he does not listen to the speech addressed to him.

For example, his mind wanders somewhere else, even if there is no obvious distraction.

Yes

eighteen

Often has difficulty maintaining attention when performing tasks or during games.

Learn more