ADHD Test for Adults
Take our free ADHD test for adults. Based on clinical ADHD screening criteria, this 15-question self-assessment helps identify symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
What is ADHD?
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how the brain manages attention, impulse control, and activity levels. It's not a character flaw or a lack of willpower — it's a difference in how the brain is wired.
ADHD is typically divided into three presentations: predominantly inattentive (difficulty focusing, following through, and staying organised), predominantly hyperactive-impulsive (restlessness, acting without thinking), and combined type (both sets of symptoms). Most adults with ADHD have the combined or inattentive type.
Around 5-7% of adults are estimated to have ADHD, though many were never diagnosed as children. Diagnosis rates in adults have risen significantly over the past decade as awareness has improved.
ADHD symptoms in adults
Adult ADHD often looks different to the childhood presentation. Hyperactivity tends to become internal — a restless, racing feeling — rather than physical. Common symptoms include chronic disorganisation, difficulty starting tasks, losing track of conversations, forgetting appointments, and struggling to prioritise.
Many adults with ADHD also experience emotional dysregulation: intense frustration, quick anger, or low frustration tolerance that seems out of proportion. Rejection-sensitive dysphoria (an intense emotional reaction to perceived criticism) is also very common, though it's not yet part of the formal diagnostic criteria.
ADHD frequently co-occurs with anxiety, depression, and sleep disorders — which can make it harder to identify. If you're managing multiple overlapping conditions, it's worth raising ADHD specifically with a doctor rather than assuming everything is explained by one diagnosis.
About this test
This ADHD screening is based on the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS-v1.1), developed by the World Health Organization (WHO) and validated in multiple clinical studies. It's one of the most widely used tools for initial ADHD screening in adults.
The test covers the two core ADHD symptom domains: inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity. Your score gives an indication of whether your symptom pattern is consistent with ADHD criteria — it does not provide a diagnosis.
A high score means your symptoms are worth discussing with a GP or psychiatrist. ADHD is diagnosed through a structured clinical interview, not a questionnaire alone. But a screening score gives you something concrete to bring to that conversation.
Getting help for ADHD in Australia
In Australia, a formal ADHD diagnosis is made by a psychiatrist, paediatrician (for children), or an authorised GP. The most practical first step is booking an appointment with your regular GP and mentioning that you'd like to explore ADHD — bring your screening results as a starting point.
Under the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS), Australians can access subsidised mental health care through a GP Mental Health Treatment Plan. This covers up to 10 individual sessions per year with a registered psychologist, which can help with the emotional, organisational, and coping challenges that accompany ADHD. Once diagnosed, stimulant medications for ADHD (methylphenidate and mixed amphetamine salts) are listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), making them significantly more affordable.
Key Australian resources for ADHD include: ADHD Australia (adhdaustralia.org.au) — the national peak body providing information, advocacy, and a national directory of ADHD-informed clinicians; the ADHD Foundation Australia; and Beyond Blue (beyondblue.org.au), which offers support for the anxiety and depression that commonly co-occur with ADHD. Wait times for specialist assessment vary significantly by state — some private psychiatrists can see you within weeks, while public mental health services may have longer waits.
How to Interpret Your Results
| Score Range | Category | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| 0–15 | Low Likelihood | Your responses suggest a low likelihood of ADHD. Your attention and focus levels appear to be within the typical range. |
| 16–30 | Mild Indicators | Your responses indicate some ADHD-related behaviors. These may be situational or stress-related. Consider monitoring your symptoms over time. |
| 31–45 | Moderate Indicators | Your responses suggest a moderate level of ADHD-related symptoms. It may be beneficial to discuss these experiences with a healthcare professional. |
| 46–60 | Strong Indicators | Your responses indicate a significant presence of ADHD-related symptoms. We strongly recommend consulting with a qualified healthcare provider for a comprehensive evaluation. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can adults have ADHD?
Yes. ADHD is lifelong — it doesn't disappear after childhood. Many adults are diagnosed for the first time in their 30s, 40s, or later, often after a child in the family receives a diagnosis.
Does a high score mean I have ADHD?
Not necessarily. A high score means your symptoms are consistent with ADHD criteria and worth discussing with a doctor. Only a full clinical assessment can confirm a diagnosis.
What should I do if I score high?
Book an appointment with your GP and mention you'd like to explore ADHD screening. Bring your test results as a starting point for the conversation. They may refer you to a psychiatrist or specialist.
Can anxiety or depression cause ADHD-like symptoms?
Yes — anxiety and depression both affect concentration and energy. A good clinician will consider the full picture before reaching a diagnosis.
How much does an ADHD assessment cost in Australia?
A private psychiatry assessment typically costs $300–$600 out of pocket after Medicare rebates. Some GPs with ADHD training can diagnose ADHD at lower cost. Public mental health services are more affordable but generally have longer wait times.
Is ADHD medication subsidised in Australia?
Yes. Once diagnosed, stimulant medications for ADHD (methylphenidate, dexamphetamine, and lisdexamfetamine) are listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), making them significantly more affordable with a valid prescription.