Free ADHD Test for Adults

Do I have ADHD? Take this free online screening quiz to find out.

This evidence-based ADHD self-assessment helps you identify whether your experiences may be consistent with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Based on the World Health Organisation's Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS v1.1), it is one of the most widely used and validated ADHD screening tools for adults worldwide.

The quiz takes less than 2 minutes, your answers are completely confidential, and results are instant. No email required.

Important Disclaimer

This is a screening tool, not a diagnostic instrument. Only a qualified healthcare professional can diagnose ADHD. This tool is intended for informational and educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice.

Question 1 of 617%

How often do you have trouble wrapping up the final details of a project, once the challenging parts have been done?

Important Information

Please read the following before interpreting your results

This screening tool is based on the ASRS-v1.1 Part A and is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a diagnostic instrument.

A positive result on this screener does not mean you have ADHD. Only a qualified healthcare professional, such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, or specialist nurse, can diagnose ADHD following a comprehensive clinical assessment.

A negative result does not rule out ADHD. If you are experiencing significant difficulties with attention, organisation, or impulsivity, we encourage you to speak with your GP regardless of your score.

This tool is designed for adults aged 18 and over. It has not been validated for use in children or adolescents.

Your responses are processed entirely in your browser and are not stored, transmitted, or shared with anyone. We do not collect any personal data through this tool.

ADHD Mentor provides practical mentoring support and is not a clinical or medical service. Caitlin Hollywood is not a doctor, psychologist, or licensed therapist. Mentoring is not a substitute for medical diagnosis or treatment.

About the ASRS v1.1

The science behind this ADHD screening tool

The Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS v1.1) was developed by the World Health Organisation (WHO) in collaboration with researchers at Harvard Medical School and New York University. It is part of the WHO Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI) and is one of the most widely studied ADHD screening tools in the world.

The full ASRS consists of 18 questions covering the DSM diagnostic criteria for adult ADHD. The six-question Part A screener used here has been shown to be the most predictive subset, with strong sensitivity and specificity for identifying individuals who are likely to meet criteria for ADHD upon full clinical evaluation.

Research has demonstrated that the ASRS Part A screener has a sensitivity of 91.4% and specificity of 96.0% in clinical settings, making it one of the most accurate brief screening instruments available. It uses a dichotomous scoring method where each item is scored against a clinically determined threshold, and a total score of 4 or more out of 6 indicates that symptoms are highly consistent with ADHD in adults.

References

  1. Kessler, R. C., Adler, L., Ames, M., Demler, O., Faraone, S., Hiripi, E., ... & Walters, E. E. (2005). The World Health Organisation Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS): a short screening scale for use in the general population. Psychological Medicine, 35(2), 245–256.
  2. Adler, L. A., Spencer, T., Faraone, S. V., Kessler, R. C., Howes, M. J., Biederman, J., & Secnik, K. (2006). Validity of pilot Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS) to rate adult ADHD symptoms. Annals of Clinical Psychiatry, 18(3), 145–148.
  3. Ustun, B., Adler, L. A., Rudin, C., Faraone, S. V., Spencer, T. J., Berglund, P., ... & Kessler, R. C. (2017). The World Health Organisation Adult Attention-Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder Self-Report Screening Scale for DSM-5. JAMA Psychiatry, 74(5), 520–527.

The Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS-v1.1) Symptom Checklist was developed in conjunction with the World Health Organisation (WHO), and the Workgroup on Adult ADHD including Lenard Adler, MD, Ronald C. Kessler, PhD, and Thomas Spencer, MD. The questions in this tool are reproduced for educational and screening purposes. © World Health Organisation. All rights reserved.

Signs and Symptoms of ADHD in Adults

Common experiences that may indicate adult ADHD

ADHD in adults often looks different from the stereotype of a hyperactive child. Many adults with ADHD struggle with internal restlessness rather than visible hyperactivity. The most common symptoms of ADHD in adults include:

Difficulty concentrating or staying focused on tasks

Struggling with time management and time blindness

Forgetting appointments, deadlines, or commitments

Difficulty organising tasks and managing paperwork

Starting many projects but struggling to finish them

Feeling restless or fidgeting during meetings

Impulsive spending or decision-making

Emotional dysregulation and rejection sensitivity

Procrastination and difficulty getting started

Losing things regularly (keys, phone, wallet)

If several of these experiences resonate with you, it may be worth taking the ADHD screening quiz above and speaking with your GP. You can read more about ADHD symptoms in adults, ADHD in women, and ADHD masking on our blog.

What to Do After Taking This ADHD Test

Your next steps whether you scored high or low

If your score suggests ADHD symptoms

A score of 4 or more on this screening does not mean you definitely have ADHD, but it does mean a full clinical assessment is worth pursuing. Here is what you can do:

If your score does not suggest ADHD symptoms

A low score does not completely rule out ADHD. The ASRS Part A is a brief screener and may not capture every presentation, particularly the inattentive type of ADHD. If you are still experiencing significant difficulties with attention, organisation, or impulsivity, speak with your GP regardless of your score. You might also find it helpful to explore whether your experiences could be related to anxiety, burnout, or AuDHD.

How Is ADHD Diagnosed in the UK?

Understanding the assessment process

In the UK, ADHD can only be diagnosed by a qualified specialist such as a psychiatrist, specialist nurse prescriber, or clinical psychologist with ADHD expertise. The process typically involves:

  • A detailed clinical interview covering childhood and current symptoms
  • Assessment against DSM-5 or ICD-11 diagnostic criteria
  • Ruling out other conditions that may mimic ADHD symptoms
  • Collateral information (e.g. school reports or input from someone who knew you as a child)

You can access assessment through the NHS (typical wait times are 12 months or more) or through private ADHD assessment. The Right to Choose pathway allows you to be seen by an NHS-funded private provider, often much sooner. Read our full guide on what happens at an ADHD assessment.

Frequently Asked Questions About This ADHD Test

Common questions about ADHD screening and diagnosis

Do I have ADHD?

Only a qualified healthcare professional can diagnose ADHD. However, this free online ADHD screening quiz based on the WHO ASRS v1.1 can help you identify whether your experiences are consistent with ADHD symptoms in adults. If you score 4 or more, it is worth speaking with your GP about a referral for a full ADHD assessment.

How accurate is this ADHD test?

This ADHD screening tool is based on the ASRS v1.1 Part A, developed by the World Health Organisation and Harvard Medical School. Research shows it has a sensitivity of 91.4% and specificity of 96.0% in clinical settings, making it one of the most reliable brief ADHD screening instruments available. However, it is a screening tool, not a diagnostic instrument.

Who is this ADHD test for?

This ADHD self-assessment is designed for adults aged 18 and over who suspect they may have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. It is not validated for children or adolescents. If you are concerned about ADHD in a child, speak with their GP or a paediatric specialist.

How long does the ADHD test take?

The ADHD screening quiz takes less than 2 minutes to complete. It consists of 6 questions from the ASRS v1.1 Part A, which research has shown to be the most predictive subset of the full 18-question scale.

Is this ADHD test free and confidential?

Yes, this ADHD test is completely free. Your responses are processed entirely in your browser and are not stored, transmitted, or shared with anyone. We do not collect any personal data through this screening tool.

What should I do after taking this ADHD test?

If your results suggest symptoms consistent with ADHD, the next step is to speak with your GP. You can ask about an NHS referral or use your Right to Choose to access providers like Psychiatry-UK. While waiting for an assessment, ADHD mentoring can help you develop practical strategies for managing day-to-day challenges.

What is the difference between ADHD screening and diagnosis?

A screening tool like this ADHD quiz identifies whether your symptoms are consistent with ADHD and whether further evaluation is warranted. A formal ADHD diagnosis requires a comprehensive clinical assessment by a qualified professional such as a psychiatrist or specialist nurse, which includes a detailed history, symptom evaluation, and ruling out other conditions.

Can you have ADHD without being hyperactive?

Yes. ADHD has three presentations: predominantly inattentive (sometimes called ADD), predominantly hyperactive-impulsive, and combined type. Many adults, particularly women, have the inattentive presentation and may struggle with focus, organisation, and time management without obvious hyperactivity.