Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterised by persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that interfere with daily functioning and development. This screening test is designed for Australian adults and teenagers aged 13 and over who are experiencing difficulties with attention, concentration, organisation, or impulsivity. The test takes 5-10 minutes to complete and is based on the World Health Organisation’s Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS v1.1), a scientifically validated screening tool used by healthcare professionals worldwide.

Important Disclaimer: This is a screening tool only, not a medical diagnosis. Only a qualified healthcare professional can diagnose ADHD after a comprehensive evaluation. Please discuss your results with your GP, psychologist, or psychiatrist. Your responses are completely anonymous and confidential.

The Screening Test 

Instrcutions

How to Complete This Screening: 

Answer each question based on how you’ve been feeling and behaving over the last 6 months, not just recently. Choose the frequency option that best describes your experiences. Be honest with yourself – there are no right or wrong answers, and this screening is designed to help you understand your symptoms.

Rating scale for all questions:

Part A: 6 Core Screening Questions

1. How often do you have trouble finishing the final details of a project, once the challenging parts have been done?

2. How often do you have difficulty organizing things when you have to do a task that requires organization?

3. How often do you have problems remembering appointments or obligations?

4. How often do you avoid or delay getting started on tasks that require a lot of thought?

5. How often do you fidget with your hands or feet, or squirm in your seat when you have to sit for a long time?

6. How often do you feel overly active and compelled to do things, like you were driven by a motor?

Part B: 12 Additional Questions

1. How often do you make careless mistakes when working on boring or difficult tasks?

2. How often do you have difficulty keeping your attention when doing boring or repetitive work?

3. How often do you have difficulty concentrating on what people say to you, even when they are speaking directly to you?

4. How often do you misplace or have difficulty finding things at home or at work?

5. How often are you distracted by activity or noise around you?

6. How often do you leave your seat in meetings or other situations where you’re expected to remain seated?

7. How often do you feel restless or fidgety?

8. How often do you have difficulty relaxing when you have time to yourself?

9. How often do you find yourself talking too much in social situations?

10. How often do you finish other people’s sentences before they can finish them?

11. How often do you have difficulty waiting your turn in situations where turn-taking is required?

12. How often do you interrupt others when they are busy?

Results & Interpretation 

How Scoring Works

Part A (Questions 1-6) – Core Symptoms: If 4 or more questions were answered with “Often” (3 points) or “Very Often” (4 points), this indicates a high likelihood of clinically significant ADHD symptoms that warrant professional evaluation.

Total Score (All 18 questions): Count how many questions you answered with “Often” or “Very Often”:

Remember, this screening provides guidance only. The presence of symptoms doesn’t automatically mean ADHD – a professional evaluation is necessary for diagnosis.

If You Scored High (9+ symptoms marked “often/very often”)

What this means: Your responses suggest symptoms consistent with ADHD that may significantly impact your daily life, work, relationships, or study. However, this is NOT a diagnosis – only a qualified healthcare professional can diagnose ADHD after a comprehensive evaluation that includes your developmental history and current functioning.

Next steps: Book an appointment with your GP and explain your concerns about ADHD. Bring your test results to the appointment to show the patterns you’ve identified. Request a referral for a comprehensive ADHD evaluation (usually to a psychiatrist or clinical psychologist experienced in ADHD assessment). Keep a symptom diary before your appointment noting specific examples of how symptoms affect your daily life.

What to know: ADHD is highly treatable with the right combination of medication, therapy, and practical strategies. Many Australian adults discover they have ADHD later in life and finally understand lifelong struggles. Assessment waiting times can be long in the public system – private options may be faster but more expensive. Medicare provides rebates for psychology sessions under a Mental Health Care Plan.

If You Scored Moderate (6-8 symptoms)

What this means: You experience some symptoms that could relate to ADHD, though it’s important to note that other conditions can cause similar difficulties. Anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, chronic stress, thyroid problems, and other health issues can all affect attention, concentration, and organisation.

Next steps: Discuss your concerns with your GP and describe how these symptoms impact your life. Consider what situations or factors trigger or worsen your symptoms. Rule out other possible causes through appropriate medical assessment. Monitor whether symptoms worsen over time or remain stable.

Important considerations: Your score suggests symptoms worth investigating, even if they don’t reach the threshold for ADHD. Executive function difficulties can occur for many reasons beyond ADHD. A comprehensive evaluation will help identify the underlying cause and appropriate treatment.

If You Scored Lower (5 or fewer)

What this means: Your responses suggest fewer symptoms typically associated with ADHD. However, ADHD can present differently in different people, particularly in women and adults who have developed strong coping mechanisms that mask symptoms.

Remember: This screening tool provides guidance only and may not capture all presentations of ADHD. If you still have concerns about attention, concentration, hyperactivity, or other symptoms affecting your quality of life, speak with a healthcare provider. Some people score lower on screenings because they’ve unconsciously built their lives around avoiding difficult situations, but still struggle significantly in certain areas.

When to Seek Professional Help 

Contact a Healthcare Provider If:

Symptoms significantly interfere with your work performance, study, or career progression. You’ve struggled with these issues since childhood but were never evaluated. Previous coping strategies no longer work or feel exhausting to maintain. Symptoms cause emotional distress, low self-esteem, or relationship problems. You have concerns about ADHD despite your test results. You’re experiencing significant life difficulties in multiple areas (work, home, relationships).

What to Expect in an ADHD Evaluation

A comprehensive ADHD assessment in Australia typically includes:

Clinical interview about current symptoms and childhood history (ADHD must have been present before age 12). Assessment of how symptoms impact daily functioning across different settings (work, home, social situations). Consideration of other possible explanations for symptoms (depression, anxiety, sleep disorders, etc.). Standardised questionnaires or rating scales (such as this ASRS). Possible cognitive testing to assess attention and executive functions. Information gathering from family members or partners if appropriate and with your consent.

Duration and cost: Public system assessments through CAMHS (for under 18s) or adult mental health services can have long waiting lists but are free or low-cost. Private psychiatrist assessments typically cost $500-$1,500+ with some Medicare rebate available. Clinical psychologists can provide assessments for $400-$1,000+ with Medicare rebates available under a Mental Health Care Plan.

Treatment & Support

Treatment Options in Australia

If diagnosed with ADHD, treatment typically includes a combination of approaches tailored to your individual needs and circumstances.

Medication: Stimulant medications (such as methylphenidate or dexamphetamine) are the most common and effective first-line treatment for ADHD in Australia. Non-stimulant alternatives (such as atomoxetine) are available if stimulants aren’t suitable. All ADHD medications are prescribed and monitored by a psychiatrist or, in some cases, a GP with experience in ADHD management. Most require regular reviews and PBS criteria may apply for subsidised costs.

Therapy & Support: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) adapted for ADHD helps develop practical coping strategies and address negative thought patterns. ADHD coaching and skills training focuses on time management, organisation, and executive function skills. Psychoeducation about ADHD helps you understand your brain and work with it rather than against it. Support groups (online and in-person) connect you with others managing ADHD.

Practical Accommodations: Workplace adjustments under disability discrimination law may include flexible hours, written instructions, noise-reducing headphones, or task management support. Educational support through disability services at universities and TAFEs. Time management strategies and tools (apps, timers, visual schedules). Environmental modifications to reduce distractions and support focus.

Self-Management Strategies: Break tasks into smaller, manageable steps. Use external reminders (alarms, apps, sticky notes). Create structured routines and habits. Minimise distractions in your environment. Exercise regularly (particularly beneficial for ADHD). Get adequate sleep and maintain consistent sleep schedule. Use body doubling (working alongside others) for motivation.

Finding Help in Australia

Your GP: First point of contact for ADHD concerns and referrals. Can provide Mental Health Care Plan for subsidised psychology sessions. Some GPs with ADHD experience may prescribe medication after specialist assessment.

ADHD Support Organisations:

Professional Services:

Mental Health Support:

For Young People (under 25):

Understanding ADHD in Adults

How ADHD Presents in Adults

ADHD in adults often looks different from childhood ADHD. While hyperactivity may decrease, inattention and executive function difficulties often persist or become more problematic as life demands increase.

Common adult ADHD challenges: Chronic disorganisation and difficulty managing responsibilities. Time blindness (poor sense of time passing). Difficulty starting or completing tasks (executive dysfunction). Impulsive decision-making (spending, relationships, career). Emotional dysregulation and rejection sensitivity. Relationship difficulties due to forgetfulness or inattention. Underemployment or frequent job changes. Chronic lateness despite best intentions. Mental restlessness rather than physical hyperactivity.

Why adults seek diagnosis: Many Australian adults seek ADHD assessment after years of struggling and feeling like they’re “not living up to their potential.” Common triggers for assessment include: life becoming unmanageable (new job, parenthood, study), recognising symptoms in their child and seeing similarities, discovering ADHD content online that resonates strongly, or reaching a breaking point with existing coping strategies.

ADHD in Women

ADHD is significantly underdiagnosed in women and girls because it often presents differently. Women are more likely to have predominantly inattentive presentation (less visible than hyperactivity), develop coping mechanisms that mask symptoms, experience internalised symptoms (anxiety, low self-esteem), and be misdiagnosed with anxiety or depression when ADHD is the underlying cause.

Scientific Source & Disclaimer

This screening is based on: Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS) v1.1, developed by the World Health Organisation in conjunction with leading ADHD researchers. This is one of the most widely used and validated screening tools for adult ADHD globally and is commonly used in Australian clinical practice.

Reference: Kessler, R.C., et al. (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.

Important disclaimer: This online screening tool is not a diagnostic instrument. It provides guidance only and cannot replace professional medical evaluation by a qualified healthcare provider. Results should always be discussed with your GP, psychiatrist, or clinical psychologist. ADHD diagnosis requires comprehensive assessment by a trained professional that includes developmental history and evaluation of functional impairment. This tool is for informational and educational purposes only. We do not store personal health information and comply with Australian Privacy Principles.