What is ADHD?

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders. Often diagnosed in childhood, it is now more prevalent among adults and is characterised by a persistent pattern of inattention and or hyperactivity-impulsivity that can interfere with functioning or development, as outlined in the DSM-V.

Unlock Your Full Potential With Our ADHD Test!

Start ADHD TEST For $3.95

ADHD Myths

  • ADHD can be caused by diet and parenting.
  • ADHD can be caused from poor education and low socioeconomic status.
  • ADHD isn’t a real condition and people just need to try harder.

While the exact cause of ADHD is not fully understood, various contributing factors such as genetics, exposure to certain medications during pregnancy, head injuries, birth complications, and other neurodevelopmental disorders may increase the risk of developing ADHD.

Don’t be Fooled by Fake Quizzes

We understand your frustration. The internet is filled with unreliable tests and misinformation about ADHD, making it difficult to find trustworthy resources. Many online quizzes oversimplify ADHD symptoms or promote harmful stereotypes, which can lead to delayed diagnosis for those who need support, or unnecessary worry for those who don’t.

We believe everyone deserves access to accurate, professional guidance when exploring their mental health. That’s why our comprehensive ADHD pre-assessment tool is based on the DSM-5.

Take ADHD Quiz

Real ADHD Symptoms

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder symptoms can vary widely from person to person. Below are some commonly experienced ADHD symptoms that you may have encountered at some stage in your life, prompting you to consider the possibility of an ADHD diagnosis:

Disorganisation

Do you struggle with keeping things organised, managing your time well, and keeping your living or work space neat and tidy?

Emotional Dysregulation

Do your moods change a lot, going from happy to irritable or sensitive quickly? Does this affect how you get along with others and how you manage your daily activities?

Trouble Falling Asleep

Do you have difficulty falling asleep at night, even when you are exhausted from a long day and know you have to be up early?

Difficulty Following Through

Do you often start things with a lot of excitement but find it hard to finish them? Like beginning a project or task with energy, but then getting sidetracked or losing interest before it’s done?

Poor Time Management

Do you have difficulty managing your time effectively, and often arrive late to appointments, meetings, or social gatherings?

Difficulty Concentrating

Do you find it hard to stay focused on things like tasks, conversations, or activities, especially when they’re not very interesting or exciting to you?

Impulsivity

Do you often do things without really thinking about what might happen as a result? Like saying things without considering how they might affect others, making snap decisions, or doing risky things?

Restlessness

Do you often feel restless or fidgety, especially in situations that require sitting still for extended periods of time, like during meetings or classes?

Procrastination

Do you have a tendency to delay or put off tasks until the last minute, which then results in rushed or incomplete work?

Forgetfulness

Do you frequently forget appointments, deadlines, or important commitments, and lose track of personal belongings?

Did you answer Yes to one or more of the above symptoms?

start the ADHD Quiz Now

Diagnosing ADHD

To diagnose ADHD, practitioners in Western Medicine typically rely on the criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM)*. This handbook provides a standardised set of guidelines for identifying and diagnosing mental disorders, including ADHD.

According to the DSM-V, there are three different presentations of ADHD – or three types of ADHD – each characterised by the predominant symptoms exhibited by the individual: inattentive presentation, hyperactive-impulsive presentation, and combined presentation.

In this type of ADHD, features revolve around attention difficulties. People might find it hard to stay focused on tasks or activities, often making errors due to carelessness. Following instructions can be challenging, and they may appear forgetful or easily distracted. Organisation and time management might also be tough. Compared to other types, symptoms related to hyperactivity and impulsivity are usually less noticeable in this presentation. Do you have ADHD inattentive? Find out now.

In this type of ADHD, features revolve around hyperactive and impulsive symptoms. People might struggle to stay seated, frequently fidgeting or moving around restlessly. They may interrupt others in conversation, find it hard to wait their turn, and act impulsively without thinking through the consequences. Symptoms related to inattention usually take a back seat in this presentation. Do you have ADHD Hyperactive/Impulsive? Find out now.

In this type of ADHD, features involve a blend of symptoms including inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. People with ADHD-Combined experience challenges across various areas, such as focus, restlessness, and impulsive behaviour. This presentation presents as a more severe manifestation of the disorder that can significantly impact daily functioning. Do you have ADHD combined? Find out now.

Take adhd Quiz For $3.95

FAQs about ADHD

According to the DSM-5, ADHD is more frequently diagnosed in boys than in girls. Boys are more likely to display hyperactive and impulsive symptoms, which are more noticeable and often lead to earlier diagnosis. Girls with ADHD tend to exhibit inattentive symptoms, which can be subtler and, as a result, are often overlooked or diagnosed later. The criteria in the DSM-5 apply to both boys and girls, but the presentation of symptoms may differ between genders.

ADHD treatment often involves a combination of behavioural therapy and medication. Stimulant medications like methylphenidate (e.g., Ritalin) and non-stimulants are commonly used to manage symptoms. Behavioural interventions, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), help with developing coping strategies. Treatment plans are typically tailored to the individual’s needs, focusing on improving functioning in daily activities.

While the exact cause of ADHD is unknown, the DSM-5 suggests that genetics play a significant role. Environmental factors, prenatal exposure to toxins, low birth weight, and brain injury may also contribute. ADHD is linked to the way certain neurotransmitters (like dopamine) function in the brain, affecting attention and impulse control. The DSM-5 recognises that ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder, and it often runs in families.

An ADHD diagnosis is based on the criteria in the DSM-5, which require that symptoms must appear before age 12 and occur in more than one setting (e.g., home, school, or work). A clinician, such as a psychologist,  psychiatrist or paediatrician will conduct a thorough assessment that includes observation, interviews, and reviewing the person’s history. The symptoms must also significantly interfere with social, academic, or work performance and cannot be better explained by another mental health condition.

ADHD symptoms often include difficulties with focus, forgetfulness, restlessness, and acting without thinking. These traits can fall into two categories: inattentiveness (struggling to concentrate) and hyperactivity/impulsivity (being overly energetic or acting quickly without thought). Many people experience a mix of both.

Ready To Get Started?

do the ADHD test Now


*The DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) is the gold standard used by Psychologists and Psychiatrists to diagnose mental health conditions. Created by the American Psychiatric Association, it’s a globally recognised guide that outlines the criteria for conditions like ADHD, Autism, and Bipolar Disorder and more. The most recent edition, the DSM-5-TR, was released in 2022.

DSM-5-TR offers detailed descriptions of various mental disorders, including their symptoms, prevalence, course, and associated features. It serves as a crucial reference for clinicians, researchers, educators, and policymakers in the field of mental health.

This manual helps clinicians accurately identify and diagnose mental health conditions, guiding treatment planning and interventions. It also facilitates communication among professionals by providing a common language and framework for understanding and discussing mental health disorders.

DSM-5-TR is periodically updated to reflect advancements in scientific understanding, changes in diagnostic criteria, and emerging trends in mental health research. It plays a vital role in shaping clinical practice, research initiatives, and public health policies related to mental health and psychiatric disorders.