This ADHD test is a brief test for the self-assessment by the individual. This brief 3-minute test can be used for screening only and is not diagnostic. The formal assessment of the disorder cannot be replaced by this test, but this test will provide valuable information regarding the presence of symptoms and will recommend consulting a mental health professional if required.

ADHD Test

Final Result:

What is ADHD

ADHD is the most common neurobehavioral disorder of childhood, among the most prevalent chronic health conditions affecting school-aged children, and the most extensively studied mental disorder of childhood.

ADHD is characterized by inattention, including increased distractibility and difficulty sustaining attention; poor impulse control and decreased self-inhibitory capacity; and motor overactivity and motor restlessness.

Affected children commonly experience academic underachievement, problems with interpersonal relationships with family members and peers, and low self-esteem.

ADHD often co-occurs with other emotional, behavioural, language, and learning disorders.

Prevalence of ADHD

Studies of the prevalence of ADHD across the globe have generally reported that 5% of children are affected, although rates vary considerably by country.

The prevalence rate in adolescent samples is 2-6%.

2.5% in adults

History of ADHD

Name of ADHD has evolved over a period of centuries.

Mid-1800s: Minimal Brain Damage

Mid-1900s: Minimal Brain Dysfunction

1960s: Hyperkinesia

1980: Attention-Deficit Disorder

With or Without Hyperactivity

1987: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

1994 (DSM IV): ADHD

Diagnostic Criteria of ADHD in DSM 5

A.     Either inattention or hyperactivity or both are required to meet the criteria.

INATTENTION

6 or more symptoms Persisted for at least 6 months to a degree that is inconsistent with developmental level and that negatively impacts directly on social and academic/occupational activities

·        Lacks attention to detail; makes careless mistakes.

·        has difficulty sustaining attention

·        doesn’t seem to listen.

·        fails to follow through/fails to finish instructions or schoolwork.

·        has difficulty organizing tasks.

·        avoids tasks requiring mental effort.

·        often loses items necessary for completing a task.

·        easily distracted.

·        is forgetful in daily activities.

Hyperactivity/ Impulsivity

6 or more symptoms Persisted for at least 6 months to a degree that is inconsistent with developmental level and that negatively impacts directly on social and academic/occupational activities

·        Fidgets or squirms excessively

·        leaves the seat when inappropriate

·        runs about/climb extensively when inappropriate

·        has difficulty playing quietly

·        often “on the go” or “driven by a motor”

·        talks excessively

·        blurts out answers before the question is finished

·        cannot await their turn

·        interrupts or intrudes on others

B. Several inattentive or hyperactive-impulsive symptoms were present prior to age 12 years.

C. Several inattentive or hyperactive-impulsive symptoms are present in two or more settings.

D. There must be clear evidence of clinically significant impairment in social, academic, or occupational functioning.

E. Symptoms do not occur exclusively during the course of a pervasive developmental disorder, schizophrenia, or other psychotic disorder, and are not better accounted for by another mental disorder (e.g., mood disorder, anxiety disorder, dissociative disorder, personality disorder).

Private child ADHD assessments can also be used to diagnose children with ADHD.

Causes of ADHD

No single factor determines the expression of ADHD; Mothers of children with ADHD are more likely to experience birth complications, lengthy labour, and complicated delivery.

Maternal smoking and alcohol use during pregnancy and prenatal or postnatal exposure to lead are commonly linked to the development of ADHD.

Description of the ADHD Test

This ADHD test is based on the DSM 5 criteria as well as the clinical interview conducted by mental health professionals to screen the symptoms of ADHD.

This is a brief test for screening purpose only, and cannot replace the formal assessment by a mental health professional.

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