ADHD Test For Adults

Struggling to manage finances? Always running late? You may suffer from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, better known as ADHD. Defined as an incurable chronic condition including attention difficulty, hyperactivity, and impulsiveness; ADHD can make simple day-to-day activities a chore, place a strain on your relationships and much more.

Contrary to popular belief, ADHD is not caused by poor parenting, traumatic life experiences, video games, television, lack of physical activity, or processed foods. In fact, research shows it’s mostly a result of genetics as well as chemical, activity, structural, and communication difference found in the brain.

While the only way to know for sure is to see a doctor--as the disorder can easily be confused with depression or anxiety. If anyone has ever asked whether you have ADHD or even if you’ve wondered yourself, ask yourself the below questions to help decide whether you need to take the next step.

Do you struggle to wrap up final details on projects at school or work?
Do you have difficulty getting organized?
Do you have difficulty remembering appointments or obligations?
Do you have difficulty concentrating when people are speaking directly to you?
Do you often interrupt others when they are busy?
Do you have difficulty remaining seated during meetings or other situations in which you are expected to remain seated?

If you answered “sometimes,” “often,” or “very often,” to the above questions, according to the Adult ADHD Self-Report Symptom Checklist developed in conjunction with the World Health Organization (WHO), and the Workgroup on Adult ADHD, you should seek a more in-depth clinician opinion.

Of course, determining whether you have ADHD cannot be achieved during a quick doctor’s visit. According to the Attention Deficit Disorder Association, a thorough assessment “requires a complete physical and psychiatric medical history” as well as multiple screenings to rule out any “possible physical disorders.”

Because the condition can be difficult to diagnose, particularly in adults, it’s also crucial that you work with a professional whose trained to rule out other conditions and make an appropriate diagnosis. A good place to start? Attention Deficit Disorder Association or your local Mental Health Association can refer you to a general physician, psychologist, or psychiatrist equipped with the knowledge to reach a proper diagnosis.

Meanwhile, the cost of going untested or untreated could result in:

Addiction to alcohol, tobacco, and drugs in an effort to self-medicate.
Never reaching your full potential in your career, relationships or education.
Financial woes due to impulsivity.
Repeated patterns of relationship issues, including divorce.
Health problems due to compulsive poor eating, neglecting exercise, or forgetting to take important medication.

Don’t get caught up on the negative stigma associated with ADHD. Get tested today!