Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

What is ADHD?

ADHD stands for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. This diagnosis is a neurodevelopment disorder that affects many people, including adults and children, with lasting symptoms into adulthood. Because a diagnosis can’t be seen on medical imaging or through a blood test, it is diagnosed though the presence of key symptoms.

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Do You Have ADHD?

This quiz is designed to help you reflect on common symptoms associated with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

Although it is not a diagnostic tool, it may provide insight into your experiences.

For each statement, indicate how often you experience the following behaviors.

1 / 8

I feel restless or fidgety, even when sitting still.

2 / 8

I struggle to complete tasks or follow through on assignments.

3 / 8

I often find myself daydreaming or losing track of time.

4 / 8

I often interrupt others or have trouble waiting my turn.

5 / 8

I have difficulty organizing tasks and activities.

6 / 8

I frequently lose or misplace things.

7 / 8

I am easily distracted by external stimuli.

8 / 8

I have trouble staying focused on tasks or activities.

0%

What are the key symptoms of ADHD?

ADHD is characterized by persistent symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that interfere with daily functioning. Common signs include difficulty focusing, forgetfulness, excessive talking, restlessness, and trouble following instructions or completing tasks.

Do I have ADHD?

Here are some questions to consider. Do you have difficulty staying focused on tasks/activities? Do you tend to make careless mistakes in work or school and can seem distracted when spoken to? Do you sometimes have moments of endless energy and movement such as fidgeting, tapping, talking, or overall restlessness? Do you often make hasty decisions without thinking of the consequences? Examples of this may include interrupting conversations, making important decisions on a whim, or even engaging in impulsive behaviors. Remember, all of these symptoms can display differently in children, adults, by gender, or even developmental stage. Remember that there are many ways to manage the symptoms of ADHD.

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Do I Have ADHD Symptoms? (Adults)

Below are a series of questions designed to help identify potential ADHD symptoms in adults. Answer each question based on your experiences over the past six months. Rate each question on a scale of 1 to 5, where:

1 - Never 

2 - Rarely 

3 - Sometimes 

4 - Often 

5 - Very Often

Although it is not a diagnostic tool, it may provide insight into your experiences.

For each statement, indicate how often you experience the following behaviors.

1 / 20

Is personal organization, such as keeping a clean space or following schedules, a challenge for you?

2 / 20

Do you find it hard to listen attentively during conversations or retain what the person is saying?

3 / 20

Do you find it hard to stay focused when someone is speaking to you directly?

4 / 20

Do people often point out that you interrupt them or finish their sentences during conversations?

5 / 20

How often do you delay starting tasks, even those you know are important?

6 / 20

How often do you feel overwhelmed by routine tasks due to feeling disorganized?

7 / 20

Do you struggle to prioritize tasks, often tackling easy or unnecessary ones first while important ones are delayed?

8 / 20

How often do you feel compelled to do things as if driven by a motor, unable to relax or slow down?

9 / 20

Do you struggle to concentrate on tasks or activities that are boring or repetitive?

10 / 20

Do you often lose track of time or become so deeply absorbed in an activity that you neglect other important tasks or responsibilities?

11 / 20

Is working or contributing in group settings often difficult because of losing focus or feeling restless?

12 / 20

How often do you find it difficult to finish tasks, even ones you are excited to start?

13 / 20

Do you often make careless mistakes at work or in daily tasks because of overlooking details?

14 / 20

How often do you act on a thought immediately without considering the potential consequences?

15 / 20

How often do you have trouble remembering appointments, details, or tasks without other people reminding you?

16 / 20

How often do you feel restless or uncomfortable when asked to sit still for long periods?

17 / 20

How often do you misplace or lose items like keys, phone, or important documents?

18 / 20

Are you easily distracted by background noise, even when you are trying to focus?

19 / 20

Do you experience rapid or frequent mood swings that seem to come out of nowhere?

20 / 20

Do you frequently notice yourself getting distracted by thoughts, surroundings, or noise?

0%

What causes ADHD?

ADHD is believed to be caused by a combination of genetic, neurological, and environmental factors. Research shows that it often runs in families, suggesting a strong genetic link, and brain imaging studies indicate differences in brain structure and activity, particularly in areas that control attention and impulse regulation. Environmental influences—such as premature birth, low birth weight, exposure to toxins (like lead), or prenatal substance exposure—may also contribute, but they do not cause ADHD on their own.

There is no single cause, and ADHD is not caused by parenting style, too much sugar, or screen time—though these factors can influence symptom severity or behavior management.

How to get tested for ADHD?

Diagnosis typically requires a comprehensive evaluation to be completed by a skilled clinician such as a pediatrician, psychologist, or psychiatrist. The process can entail questionnaires and interviews with parents/teachers as well as a clinician observing the individual in a supervised environment looking for ADHD behaviors.

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Does My Child Have ADHD?

Below is a series of questions designed to help identify potential ADHD symptoms in children. Answer each question based on your child's behaviors over the past six months. Rate each question on a scale of 1 to 5, where: 

1 - Never 

2 - Rarely 

3 - Sometimes 

4 - Often 

5 - Very Often

Although it is not a diagnostic tool, it may provide insight into your child's experiences.

1 / 20

Does your child tend to be disorganized, leaving items scattered or failing to prepare for activities?

2 / 20

Does your child talk excessively, even when it is inappropriate or unnecessary?

3 / 20

Does your child resist tasks that require sustained mental effort, like studying or reading?

4 / 20

Does your child seem inattentive during conversations or while following instructions?

5 / 20

Does your child get frustrated or upset when transitioning between different activities?

6 / 20

Does your child find it challenging to sit still, often fidgeting or squirming?

7 / 20

Does your child exhibit noticeable mood swings or emotional outbursts?

8 / 20

Does your child often appear distracted, even when directly spoken to?

9 / 20

Does your child have trouble maintaining focus on tasks, easily diverted by other stimuli?

10 / 20

Does your child frequently lose items like school supplies, toys, or personal belongings?

11 / 20

Does your child frequently interrupt others during conversations or activities?

12 / 20

Does your child often have difficulty finishing tasks or assignments at home or school?

13 / 20

Does your child have difficulty forming or maintaining friendships with peers?

14 / 20

Does your child often act hastily, resulting in careless mistakes on schoolwork or other tasks?

15 / 20

Does your child frequently misplace important materials needed for school or daily routines?

16 / 20

Does your child struggle to stay focused on homework or other activities requiring concentration?

17 / 20

Does your child often forget to complete routine tasks, like chores or taking out their belongings?

18 / 20

Does your child have trouble waiting for their turn during games or other structured activities?

19 / 20

Does your child struggle with falling asleep or staying asleep through the night?

20 / 20

Does your child show signs of zoning out or daydreaming during important moments?

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What is the difference between ADD and ADHD?

Attention-deficit disorder (ADD) and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) have been confused in the past – not only due to the similar names but also due to the overlapping symptoms. As you may notice, ADD did not include hyperactivity, whereas ADHD does. However, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) in more recent years have started to simply categorize ADHD into three categories, the first of which is what we would have typically called “ADD”. This first category subtype of ADHD that was previously known as ADD is the predominantly inattentive presentation – this is where individuals mainly struggle with inattention and are easily distracted but do not significantly demonstrate hyperactivity or impulsivity. Subtype number 2 of ADHD is predominantly hyperactive-impulsive in presentation – this includes fidgeting, interrupting and acting before considering consequences. The last subtype is a combined presentation where both inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity are both present in an individual.

How to treat ADHD?

Ultimately, there is no “cure” for ADHD, however there is hope! If this is something that really affects your life, you can look at a variety of treatment options – ranging from medical management to behavior intervention approaches.

Education – The education and support that individuals and families receive with this diagnosis can have a major impact! It has shown to make significant differences in managing symptoms when the individual and their close circle are able to be educated and work on establishing a supportive environment together.

Behavior – Especially if diagnosed in childhood, behavioral interventions can help the child develop coping mechanisms and positive strategies that work with managing the symptoms. This is very beneficial in creating patterns that help adolescents and adults thrive as they grow. This option is necessary with and without the medical management. Many individuals are able to manage their symptoms well enough to not need medical management.

Medical – Typically, stimulant medications are prescribed, helping develop coping mechanism and positive behavior strategies. You may have heard of Adderall, Ritalin, Concerta, and Vyvanse? These are just a few options that are used as treatment. However, the increased popularity of symptom management has created a trend of more holistic options that are called Nootropics.

What are the long term affects of ADHD?

One of the main symptoms of untreated ADHD is difficulties with emotional regulation and executive functioning, including time management. Those that have not been able to find strategies to stay organized often find themselves overwhelmed with small tasks and tend to have difficulties managing sudden shifts in mood.

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