ADHD Symptoms in Adults

ADHD Symptoms in Adults: ADD Checklist & Test

Do I have ADD? Adults with ADHD symptoms including distractibility, impulsivity, disorganization, poor time management, emotional sensitivity, relationship problems, and/or trouble managing money should take this adult ADHD test to learn more about the ways attention deficit shows up later in life.

A book with ADHD marked with a highlighter.

ADHD Symptoms in Adults: ADD Checklist

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD or ADD) is a neurological condition defined by symptoms of inattention and/or hyperactive impulsivity that interferes with daily functioning in at least two settings — for example, at work and at home.


Symptoms of Adult ADHD May Include:

It’s never too late to benefit from ADHD treatment. If you recognize the signs of ADHD in yourself or your loved one after taking this ADHD test for adults, and the symptoms persistently disrupt life for at least 6 months, you may be dealing with ADHD. If you suspect that you have adult ADHD, contact your medical health-care professional for a diagnosis.

Check each of the following statements that apply to you or take the interactive ADHD symptom test for a free, anonymous assessment.

1. I have difficulty getting organized.

2. When given a task, I usually procrastinate rather than doing it right away.

3. I work on a lot of projects, but can’t seem to complete most of them.

4. I tend to make decisions and act on them impulsively — like spending money, getting sexually involved with someone, diving into new activities, and changing plans.

5. I get bored easily.

6. No matter how much I do or how hard I try, I just can’t seem to reach my goals.

7. I often get distracted when people are talking; I just tune out or drift off.

8. I get so wrapped up in some things I do that I can hardly stop to take a break or switch to doing something else.

9. I tend to overdo things even when they’re not good for me — like compulsive shopping, drinking too much, overworking, and overeating.

10. I get frustrated easily and I get impatient when things are going too slowly.

11. My self-esteem is not as high as that of others I know.

12. I need a lot of stimulation from things like action movies and video games, new purchases, being among lively friends, driving fast or engaging in extreme sports.

13. I tend to say or do things without thinking, and sometimes that gets me into trouble.

14. I’d rather do things my own way than follow the rules and procedures of others.

15. I often find myself tapping a pencil, swinging my leg, or doing something else to work off nervous energy.

16. I can feel suddenly down when I’m separated from people, projects or things that I like to be involved with.

17. I see myself differently than others see me, and when someone gets angry with me for doing something that upset them I’m often very surprised.

18. Even though I worry a lot about dangerous things that are unlikely to happen to me, I tend to be careless and accident prone.

19. Even though I have a lot of fears, people would describe me as a risk taker.

20. I make a lot of careless mistakes.

21. I have blood relatives who suffer from ADHD, another neurological disorder, or substance abuse.

If you answered yes to 15 of these questions, you show signs of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD or ADD). However, you can still have ADHD even if you answered yes to fewer than 15 of these questions. This informal test is intended as a general guide only; share it with your doctor for further analysis. If you think your child might have ADHD, take the ADHD test for kids.

Adults who think they may have ADHD should consult with a physician or other licensed mental health practitioner, and ask about an adult ADHD evaluation. Treatments are available that can help reduce substantially these symptoms.

Taken the Test? Here’s What To Do Next:

1. See if You’ve Experienced: Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria in Adults
2.. Take This Test: Emotional Hyperarousal in Adults
3. Download 6 Steps to a Thorough ADHD Evaluation
4. Research Your ADHD Treatment Options

Updated on March 18, 2021

10 Comments & Reviews

  1. Ok, can someone please tell me where to go for help (in Australia) because I do 20 of those 21 questions, and I’ve been this way my whole life.
    I’m 48 years old and I’m female

  2. I’m 16 and I answered yes to 11 of these questions, no to 5, and (maybe)/(I don’t know)/(this is stressful: skip) to 5. For the most part. Some of the no’s may be maybes and the maybes may be no’s. Can someone please tell me the likelihood of me having ADHD?

  3. Unfortunately, we as a society are not given the benefit of the doubt when it comes to topics such as ADHD. I somewhat agree and understand the reasoning behind it. However, who really suffers at the end…the patient who needs the medication but is given the ring around when wants to be prescribed ADHD medicine. After doing research on this topic with the help of my girlfriend, I have mustered up enough courage to finally set an appointment with a doctor in San Francisco. I have taken multiple exams online and in each exam I was honest in each answer; it does indicate that I have ADHD. I am truly hoping that the doctor I have made an appointment with see’s it the same way, does not send me on different tests and multiple appointments (all of which requires multiple copays, time off work, and other aspects of my life) just to end up being prescribed something I do not need.

    I am 35 years old, not a junkie, AND JUST WANT A BETTER QUALITY OF LIFE. (also been in the community college system for over 15 years without getting a degree, been told I have no discipline and put down for most of my life, and have extreme difficulty finish various tasks in all aspects of my life)

  4. Adderall works for ADD but this drug is no joke. Are food is so depleted etc. we get less than half of the 60 minerals etc. are body needs. I can’t believe people give something like a clean slow Meth to their child. I take adderall and I can physically feel how hard it is on my body, it permanently changed my appetite and I am an athlete with this sensitivity To how things affect and make my body feel and after I take Adderall I feel worn out like I worked out but tired instead of energized so I guess I’ll take another pill

  5. I am a female 60 who has survived without medication for ADHD . Unfortunately , it wasn’t available when I was in school years ago. All of my siblings have ADHD except one who has Add. I actually was never diagnosed by a neurologist but had been told by my boss that she thought I had ADHD . I was an honor student but noticed my studying skills had to be more lengthy for comprehension I never realized I had ADHD because I wasn’t aware that often times it is hereditary ,plus I compared my self to my brother who could have been a poster child for ADHD . So I thought I was fine after comparing myself to him.
    I take ani anxiety Zoloft which helps . I tried adderal but my anxiety was thru the roof so since I am older It’s been more manageable .

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