Free ADHD Test for adults
by Dr Natalie Cawley, PhD, Counselling Psychologist & Certified Neurodiversity Trainer
Take our free online ADHD test for anyone who believes they have traits of ADHD or ADD.
What is ADHD?
ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects attention, impulse control and activity levels. It's not linked to intelligence or effort — many people with ADHD have particular strengths in creativity, problem-solving under pressure, and hyperfocus on areas of genuine interest. According to NHS England, NICE estimates around 3-4% of UK adults have ADHD.
Do you have symptoms of ADHD?
If you have completed our test and the results suggest you may have symptoms of ADHD you may wish to seek a formal diagnosis. We have a number of formal adhd assessment providers. Simply visit our adhd diagnosis page and get in touch to start the process.
ADHD symptoms can be easily overlooked in anyone as they often present more subtly and can even be mistaken for other mental health conditions. However, finding out that you have ADHD, a condition that affects the way your brain functions, can help you navigate the many challenges you may face at work, at home, and in social settings.
There are different variations of ADHD, and it can look different from person to person. That said, prominent signs and symptoms may include (but aren't limited to):
🎯
Losing focus quickly
⏰
Struggling with time management
⚡
Hyperactivity
💭
Impulsiveness
📋
Forgetting to carry out tasks
🌀
Distracting, unrelated thoughts
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Misplacing important items
Our ADHD quiz is a straightforward and supportive tool designed by neurodiversity professionals to highlight if you show any symptoms of ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) or ADD (attention deficit disorder). However, please note this test does not count as a diagnosis. If you score highly or feel the results resonate with your experiences, you can contact your GP to arrange a formal diagnosis.
Do you need a full diagnosis? or do your results to our quiz indicate you may have a neurodivergent issue? If so you can find out more information about ADHD here.
What this quiz is based on: Our questions are adapted from the World Health Organisation's Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS v1.1), a screening tool developed by the WHO and the Workgroup on Adult ADHD and widely used internationally to help identify traits consistent with ADHD in adults. They've been reviewed for accuracy and appropriate framing by Dr Natalie Cawley, PhD, Counselling Psychologist. This is a screening tool, not a diagnostic instrument — see how your score is interpreted →
What this quiz can — and can't — tell you
✓ What it can do
Give you a clearer picture of the traits you're experiencing — often the hardest part of the process to start alone.
✕ What it can't do
Confirm or rule out ADHD. Only a qualified professional can do that — see "What does an ADHD diagnosis involve?" further down this page for the full process.
Take the ADHD test now...
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Seeking a formal diagnosis
Our tests and quizzes can give you an indication that your traits may suggest ADHD, but they can neither confirm nor deny that you have ADHD. However, Exceptional Individuals can support your pursuit of a formal diagnosis.
We know that being formally diagnosed can be a huge step in learning about yourself, your acceptance of the way you work, and in seeking further support. This is why we've partnered with providers that can diagnose neurodivergences such as ADHD. They go beyond simply putting a name to the way you experience the world, offering strategies and insights that empower you to thrive.
Through our diagnosis partners' thorough processes, you can gain crucial clarity and confidence. From here, we can help embed support like workplace adjustments for your ADHD into your life. From making you aware of neuroinclusive job roles to Workplace Needs Assessments, Exceptional Individuals can guide you towards not only a formal diagnosis, but a more ADHD-friendly life, too.
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What others found
Jesse, recently and later in life diagnosed with ADHD, found the administrative side of getting support genuinely overwhelming at first. Working with Exceptional Individuals changed that — the team were patient, well organised, and never rushed him, even when he needed more time to process things. Being matched with the right coach made a lasting difference to how he works and thinks. As Jesse put it, they "made the process feel possible."
Other tests you might find useful
ADHD often occurs alongside other neurodivergent traits. Take a look at our related tests.
What does an ADHD diagnosis involve?
The journey to an ADHD diagnosis will likely look slightly different for most people. However, the process will always be conducted by a qualified healthcare professional, such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, or specialist nurse, and can generally involve:
An initial appointment
This is an opportunity to discuss your symptoms with a professional, and to decide whether an ADHD assessment should be pursued.
NHS vs private referral routes
NHS route: Free, but waiting times for an adult ADHD assessment vary significantly by area and are often long — in some parts of the UK, waits can extend well beyond a year. Ask your GP about your local ADHD waiting list, or ask whether "Right to Choose" applies to you — this NHS policy can let you select an alternative NHS-funded provider, sometimes with a shorter wait, regardless of where you live.
Private route: Faster access — often within weeks rather than months or years — but self-funded. As referenced below, private ADHD assessments in the UK typically cost between £600–£1,200. Our formal diagnosis partners can talk you through what's involved and match you with a suitable provider.
Both routes lead to the same standardised diagnostic process once you're seen (see below) — the main differences are cost and waiting time.
A clinical interview
This is a longer appointment (usually around 1-1.5 hours), where the following can be focused on:
- Your symptoms and their frequency and severity
- The impact of your symptoms on your daily life
- When you symptoms started
- Your medical and family history
Questionnaires and rating scales
These can be really helpful in assessing the severity of your symptoms, and can make it easier to draw links between what you're experiencing, and common behaviour patterns. Tools often used include:
- Conners' Rating Scales
- Vanderbilt Assessment Scales
- Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS)
- Brown ADD Scales
- Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF)
Observational or performance based testing (optional)
This stage isn't always necessary, but the likes of neuropsychological testing can help in assessing attention, memory, and executive function.
Other causes are ruled out
The symptoms of ADHD can also be caused by other conditions, so a clinician must rule out:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Learning disorders
- Autism spectrum disorder
- Thyroid issues
- Sleep disorders
- Substance use
Using diagnostic criteria
Usually, the DSM-5 criteria is used to assess ADHD. This looks for:
- 5+ symptoms of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity for adults (6+ for children)
- Symptoms that have been present for at least 6 months
- Symptoms that have been present since before age 12
- Symptoms that occur in 2 or more settings (e.g., home and work)
- Symptoms that cause clear impairment
Diagnosis, feedback, and treatment plan
Your clinician should take all of the above into consideration and provide you with a clear answer. This will either be that you have ADHD (and which type), or you do not. They may also let you know about any related conditions they have identified, like anxiety.
If you are diagnosed with ADHD, you will be able to discuss treatment options. This could include medication, therapy, lifestyle adjustments, and/or workplace accommodations.
What workplace adjustments can be made for those with ADHD?
The kinds of adjustments needed in the workplace will vary between each individual with ADHD - there are no one-size-fits-all changes that can be made to suit everyone. However, these are some of the most common workplace adjustments made for those with ADHD in our experience:
- Environmental changes, such as a quieter workspace, and flexible seating such as standing desks that allow for movement
- Flexible schedules, such as adjusted start and finish times to capture hours of peak focus, frequent breaks, and time blocking tools
- Task support, such as clear instructions, project management software, reminder alerts, and accountability partners
- Focused communication, such as consistent check-ins, feedback, and absolutely clarity around expectations and deadlines
How much does a formal ADHD diagnosis cost privately?
The costs will vary depending on the provider, but in our experience it can cost between £600–£1200 GBP (approximately $770–$1,550 USD).
FAQs
Common questions about our free ADHD test
Do I have ADHD?
Getting started
There's no single sign that confirms ADHD — it affects people differently, and symptoms can look different from person to person. Common experiences people recognise in themselves include losing focus quickly, struggling with time management, feeling restless, or being easily distracted, even during conversations. If several of these feel familiar, our free ADHD test can help you explore this further, though only a formal assessment can confirm a diagnosis.
How does the ADHD test work?
About the test
Navigating our ADHD test is simple. Enter your name, and then answer each question as either rarely, sometimes, often, or very often. After you've selected the answer most relevant to you, you can click the arrow to move on. At the end of the quiz, you can enter your email address for the results to be emailed directly to you.
What do I do with my results?
About the test
The results are not a true diagnosis, simply an insight into the ADHD traits that you might be experiencing. From here, you can contact your GP who can arrange for a formal test to be conducted.
How long does the ADHD test take?
About the test
This is a short test that will only take around 5-10 minutes to complete. This will provide you with a good amount of insight without a significant time commitment.
Is this test suitable for children?
About the test
This ADHD test is designed specifically for adults only.
Can this test diagnose ADHD?
About the test
Unfortunately not. Although our test provides valuable insights, it is not a formal diagnosis by a qualified healthcare professional. If you suspect you have ADHD, we recommend contacting your GP for an appointment and to take the necessary next steps.
What is the difference between ADHD and ADD?
ADHD is what used to sometimes be called ADD. ADD is now an outdated term, and stood for Attention Deficit Disorder - it mainly referred to the inattentive type of ADHD. ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is now a term that accommodates the Hyperactive-impulsive and combined presentations of the disorder.
Can I get diagnosed with ADHD on the NHS?
Diagnosis
Yes, ADHD can be diagnosed and managed by the NHS for both children and adults, as well as through private providers.
Could this be Autism instead of ADHD?
ADHD and autism can share some overlapping traits — such as difficulty with routine, sensory sensitivities, or challenges in social situations — and the two conditions frequently co-occur. The best way to tell them apart is a professional assessment, but taking both our ADHD test and our autism test can help you notice which traits feel most familiar to you before you take that step.
Who are ADHD tests for?
Getting started
Our ADHD test is ideal for anyone who feels they have been experiencing symptoms of ADHD and wants to understand their own strengths and where they may need support. If you align with any of the following experiences, then our test is for you: persistent challenges with focus, managing time, or impulsive behaviour; challenges at work including meeting deadlines, being easily overwhelmed with multi-step instructions, or being easily distracted in meetings; being a parent of a child with ADHD who recognises traits in yourself; trouble concentrating at school, college, or university; having been diagnosed with anxiety, depression, or other mental health conditions and feeling ADHD might be contributing to it; having a child who is hyperactive, impulsive, and unable to sit still; having a family history of ADHD or ADD; currently being in therapy or CBT where your therapist has suggested you may have ADHD; or having friends who have recognised ADHD traits in you.
Why should I take an online ADHD test?
Getting started
An ADHD test can identify if your symptoms are significant enough to impact your daily life, and whether you should take the next steps towards support. By taking this online test, you can gain a better understanding of how your brain works and which tasks you need additional support with. From there, you can choose to take further action through your GP. We're frequently seeing ADHD being talked about on the news and on social media, which means the stigma is slowly disappearing and a positive light is being shed on the condition. With more information and conversations out there than ever before, it's easy to recognise the traits of ADHD that you might be experiencing. That's where we can help. Our free online test is the perfect place to start your journey to a diagnosis.