Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterised by persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that interfere with daily functioning. This screening test is designed for adults and teens aged 13 and older who are concerned they may have ADHD symptoms. Taking just 5-10 minutes to complete, this assessment is based on the World Health Organisation’s Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS v1.1), a validated screening tool used by healthcare professionals worldwide.

Important Disclaimer:

This is a screening tool only, not a diagnosis. Only a qualified healthcare provider can diagnose ADHD after a comprehensive evaluation. Please discuss your results with your family doctor or psychiatrist. All responses are anonymous and confidential.

The Screening Test

Instructions

To complete this screening accurately, answer all questions based on how you have felt and conducted yourself over the last 6 months. Choose the frequency option that best describes your typical experience, not just isolated incidents. Be honest—there are no right or wrong answers. This honest self-assessment helps identify whether you should seek professional evaluation.

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 organising things when you have to do a task that requires organisation?

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): Count how many of the first 6 questions you answered with “Often” (3 points) or “Very Often” (4 points).

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

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

What this means: Your responses suggest symptoms consistent with ADHD that may be significantly impacting your daily life, work performance, relationships, or academic achievement. However, this is NOT a diagnosis—only a qualified healthcare professional can diagnose ADHD after a comprehensive evaluation that includes your developmental history, current symptoms, and ruling out other conditions.

Next steps:

Important to know: ADHD is highly treatable. Effective treatments include medication (stimulants and non-stimulants), behavioural therapy, coaching, and accommodations at work or school. Many Canadian adults find that diagnosis and treatment significantly improve their quality of life.

If You Scored Moderate (6-8 symptoms)

What this means: You’re experiencing some symptoms that could relate to ADHD, though it’s important to note that other conditions can cause similar problems. Anxiety disorders, depression, sleep disorders, stress, thyroid issues, and certain medications can all produce attention and concentration difficulties.

Next steps:

Keep in mind: Even if you don’t meet full criteria for ADHD, your symptoms deserve attention. Your doctor can help identify the underlying cause and recommend appropriate treatment or strategies.

If You Scored Lower (5 or fewer)

What this means: Your responses suggest fewer symptoms consistent with ADHD at this time. However, if you still have concerns about attention, concentration, organisation, or other symptoms that are affecting your life, work, relationships, or wellbeing, you should speak with a healthcare provider.

Remember: This screening tool provides guidance only and may not capture all aspects of ADHD, especially in people who have developed strong compensatory strategies. If symptoms concern you or impact your functioning, seek professional advice regardless of your score. Women and girls, in particular, may present with less obvious hyperactivity symptoms and still have ADHD.

When to Seek Professional Help

Recognising when to reach out for professional support is an important step in managing potential ADHD symptoms. You should contact a healthcare provider if your symptoms are interfering with your work performance, academic studies, or personal relationships. It’s particularly important to seek help if you’ve been struggling with these issues since childhood, as ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition that begins early in life. If coping strategies that previously worked for you are no longer effective, or if your symptoms are causing significant emotional distress, professional guidance can make a meaningful difference. Even if you have concerns despite normal test results or assessments in other areas, it’s worth discussing your experiences with a qualified professional.

When you pursue an ADHD evaluation in Australia, you can expect a comprehensive assessment process. This typically includes a detailed clinical interview exploring both your current symptoms and childhood experiences, as well as an assessment of how these symptoms impact your daily functioning across different life domains. Your healthcare provider will carefully consider other possible explanations for your symptoms to ensure an accurate diagnosis. The evaluation may involve standardised questionnaires or cognitive testing, and where appropriate, gathering collateral information from family members or close friends who can provide additional perspective on your symptoms.

Treatment & Support

If you receive an ADHD diagnosis, effective treatment options are available in Australia that can significantly improve your quality of life. Treatment typically involves a multimodal approach tailored to your individual needs and circumstances.

Medication forms a cornerstone of ADHD treatment for many adults. Stimulant medications are the most commonly prescribed and have substantial evidence supporting their effectiveness. These include medications like methylphenidate and dexamphetamine, which help regulate neurotransmitter activity in the brain. Non-stimulant alternatives are also available for those who don’t respond well to stimulants or experience problematic side effects. All ADHD medications must be prescribed and carefully monitored by a psychiatrist or, in some cases, a GP with specific training in ADHD management.

Therapy and support services complement medication management effectively. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) adapted for ADHD helps you develop practical strategies for managing symptoms and addressing unhelpful thought patterns. ADHD coaching and skills training focus on building executive function capabilities, including organisation, time management, and emotional regulation. Psychoeducation about ADHD helps you understand your condition better, while support groups provide connection with others facing similar challenges.

Practical accommodations can make a substantial difference in daily functioning. These might include workplace adjustments under the Disability Discrimination Act, educational support through university disability services, personalised time management strategies, and environmental modifications that reduce distractions.

Finding help in Australia begins with your GP, who serves as the first contact for referrals to psychiatric services or specialist ADHD clinics. ADHD Australia provides national information, resources, and support for individuals and families. Mental health support is available through Lifeline (13 11 14), Beyond Blue (1300 22 4636), and Headspace for young people. For urgent advice outside business hours, contact 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84).

Scientific Source & Disclaimer

This screening tool is based on the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS) v1.1, a validated instrument developed by the World Health Organisation in collaboration with leading ADHD researchers. The ASRS has been extensively studied and demonstrates strong reliability and validity for identifying symptoms consistent with adult ADHD in the general population.

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 and cannot replace professional medical evaluation. It provides educational guidance only, and results should always be discussed with a qualified healthcare provider. A diagnosis of ADHD requires comprehensive assessment by a trained professional, typically a psychiatrist or clinical psychologist with expertise in ADHD. This tool is for informational and educational purposes only. We do not collect, store, or share personal health information, ensuring full compliance with Australian privacy legislation and principles. If you’re experiencing a mental health crisis, please contact emergency services on 000 or Lifeline on 13 11 14.