Understanding the Process of Getting Tested for ADHD: From Online Quizzes to Formal Diagnosis

ADHD is a neurotype that people of all ages can possess, but for many adults, getting diagnosed later in life can feel like a confusing and overwhelming process. The realization that you may have ADHD often comes after years of feeling different or struggling with certain aspects of life that others seem to manage effortlessly—like staying organized, completing tasks, or maintaining focus. Fortunately, recognizing the signs and pursuing an evaluation can provide clarity and the opportunity to seek the support you need.

Understanding the process of receiving an ADHD diagnosis, from noticing signs of ADHD in yourself to taking online ADHD quizzes to pursuing a professional assessment, is helpful in understanding what steps to take in your diagnostic journey and path forward. 
 

Signs of ADHD in Adults

ADHD is often stereotypically associated with children, but adults can be ADHDers too, and many have gone undiagnosed until later in life due to a general lack of understanding about the neurotype. While some traits may become less pronounced with age, others persist or even intensify due to the demands of adult life. While the common traits of ADHD are listed below, it’s important to remember that every ADHDer can have a different mix of traits; some people may experience certain traits more intensely than others and vice versa. 
 

1. Difficulty with Focus and Concentration

Adult ADHDers often struggle to focus on tasks, especially those they find uninteresting. They may find themselves zoning out during conversations, skipping from one task to another, or daydreaming when they should be paying attention. Personally, I often find myself switching between tasks, unable to devote my full attention to any one thing. 
 

2. Poor Time Management and Organization

Keeping up with deadlines, managing time effectively, and organizing work or personal tasks can be a constant challenge. ADHDers may find themselves frequently late, missing important deadlines, or procrastinating until the last minute. I experience “time blindness” very frequently, where I start getting ready for something with what I think is plenty of time only to find myself panicking and rushing at the end because somehow the time has completely disappeared on me! 
 

3. Forgetfulness and Disorganization

Even simple daily tasks, like remembering to pay bills or keeping track of appointments, can be difficult for ADHDers. Their homes or workspaces may be disorganized, and they may often lose important items like keys, phones, or documents. It’s taken me a long time to realize that I need to keep the things I use on a daily basis, like my keys, laptop, notebook, etc, in a specific place that’s easily visible. If I don’t put it back in the specific place or I try to put it “away”, I will forget that it’s there. 
 

4. Impulsivity

Impulsivity can manifest in different ways for adult ADHDers, such as making quick decisions without thinking through the consequences, interrupting others during conversations, or being prone to emotional outbursts. For me, impulsivity looks like internally jumping to conclusions about things and also struggling to follow through on necessary daily tasks because something else more interesting catches my attention. 
 

5. Restlessness or Hyperactivity

While hyperactivity is more commonly recognized in children with ADHD, adults can experience a sense of restlessness. They may feel the need to constantly be on the move, have difficulty relaxing, or engage in risky behaviors to cope with their hyperactive tendencies. For adults like myself, it can present as anxiety and even panic. 
 

6. Trouble with Task Completion

Adults with ADHD may start numerous projects, but struggle to finish them. They may get excited about new ideas or tasks but lose interest or get distracted before completion. I can’t even tell you how many unfinished novels, stories, and other projects I have!
 

7. Emotional Sensitivity and Overwhelm

Many adult ADHDers are emotionally sensitive, experiencing strong reactions to stress or changes in routine. They may become easily overwhelmed by tasks or responsibilities, leading to frustration or feelings of inadequacy. Many ADHDers, myself included, also experience Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria, which can manifest in a number of ways for people. For me, it looks like taking things personally and as a reflection of my character, even when they are not meant to be, like if I forget to wash a dish or clean something up. 

Recognizing these signs is the first step toward understanding whether ADHD could be a part of your experience. However, self-identification is only the beginning.
 

Online ADHD Quizzes and Tests

The internet offers an array of ADHD quizzes and tests designed to help people identify whether they might have traits associated with ADHD. While these quizzes can’t provide a formal diagnosis, they can be a useful starting point for self-reflection.
 

Are Online ADHD Tests Reliable?

Online ADHD tests are usually based on the DSM-V criteria, which are used by professionals to diagnose ADHD. These tests often include questions about attention, organization, impulsivity, and other common ADHD traits. They are typically self-assessments, where you rate your experience with certain behaviors on a scale (e.g., never, sometimes, often, always). Some well-known online ADHD quizzes include:
 

• ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS): Developed in conjunction with the World Health Organization, this tool helps screen adults for ADHD. It focuses on behaviors related to inattentiveness and hyperactivity.
   

• ADDitude ADHD Test for Adults: This widely used online test asks a series of questions designed to assess behaviors commonly associated with ADHD in adults.
   

• Psychology Today ADHD/ADD Test: A longer test that delves into multiple aspects of ADHD symptoms, including hyperactivity, impulsiveness, and attention difficulties.
   

While these quizzes can provide insight, they are not a replacement for a formal evaluation by a mental health professional. Online quizzes should be considered a first step—something that can motivate you to seek out a professional diagnosis if your results suggest you may have ADHD traits.
 

What to Expect from a Professional ADHD Diagnosis

The process of getting an official ADHD diagnosis typically involves multiple steps. It’s a comprehensive evaluation that includes input from various sources, including self-reports, clinical interviews, and sometimes feedback from family members or close friends. 
 

1. Initial Consultation with a Healthcare Provider

The first step in the formal diagnosis process is to consult with a healthcare provider who has experience with ADHD. This could be a psychologist, psychiatrist, or other mental health professional. During this initial meeting, the provider will ask about your traits, experiences, personal history, and why you believe you might have ADHD.
 

2. Clinical Interview

The clinical interview is a key part of the diagnostic process. This interview is typically in-depth, with questions about your childhood behavior, current symptoms, and how ADHD traits impact your daily life. The goal is to gather a full picture of how your brain works, how it processes information, and how it responds to various environments.

Some questions that might come up in a clinical interview include:

• Do you often struggle to finish tasks at work or home?
   

• Have you always found it hard to stay organized?
   

• Do you feel restless or have trouble sitting still?
   

• Do you find yourself interrupting others or blurting out thoughts during conversations?
   

• How do you manage your time, and do you often miss deadlines or appointments?
   

• Have you had similar challenges since childhood?
   

3. ADHD Symptom Checklists

During the diagnostic process, you will likely be asked to complete one or more ADHD symptom checklists based on the DSM-V criteria. These checklists will ask about the frequency and intensity of various behaviors related to inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. You may also be asked to have a spouse, friend, or family member complete a similar checklist to provide an outside perspective on your behavior.
 

4. Cognitive or Psychological Testing

Some providers may recommend cognitive or psychological testing to rule out other potential causes. These tests might include assessments of memory, executive functioning, and processing speed. The goal is to differentiate ADHD from other neurotypes or mental health challenges that can present similar symptoms, such as anxiety, depression, or learning differences.
 

5. Review of History and Documentation

Your healthcare provider may also ask for any relevant medical, school, or work records that provide insight into your behaviors over time. These documents can help identify whether ADHD traits were present in childhood—a key factor in diagnosing ADHD, as it is a lifelong neurotype.
 

ADHD Diagnosis Online

With the rise of telehealth services, many people now wonder whether it’s possible to receive an ADHD diagnosis online. The answer is yes—many licensed professionals are able to conduct evaluations and provide diagnoses via video assessments. The steps involved in an virtual adult ADHD diagnosis are largely the same as those for in-person assessments, including clinical interviews and ADHD symptom checklists.

Benefits of Online ADHD Diagnoses:

• Convenience: You can complete the evaluation from the comfort of your home, which can be especially helpful for those with limited access to mental health professionals in their area.
   

• Accessibility: Online services can reach individuals who may not have otherwise been able to pursue a diagnosis due to geographical or mobility limitations.
   

• Reduced Anxiety: Some people find that the online format reduces anxiety or stress associated with in-person consultations.
   

However, it’s important to ensure that the provider you choose is licensed and qualified to diagnose ADHD. Look for providers who specialize in neurodiversity and mental health, and don’t hesitate to ask questions about their diagnostic process before committing to an assessment.
 

Benefits and Drawbacks of an ADHD Diagnosis

Benefits

• Validation and Understanding: Many adults who receive an ADHD diagnosis report a sense of relief and validation. Understanding why certain tasks are difficult can provide clarity and help individuals develop self-compassion.
   

• Access to Support: A formal diagnosis can open the door to treatments, ADHD workplace accommodations, and resources. Professional support for adults can include ADHD therapy, medication, or ADHD coaching.
   

• Improved Relationships: For some, an ADHD diagnosis improves communication and understanding in relationships, as partners or family members gain insight into how ADHD impacts behavior.
   

Drawbacks

• Stigma: Unfortunately, ADHD is still stigmatized in some circles. Individuals may face judgment or misconceptions about their neurotype. For individuals who choose to take ADHD medication, there is at times an added stigma from the general public and from prescribers alike about the medication, even though medication can be life changing for many ADHDers.
   

• Cost: Getting a formal diagnosis can be expensive, especially if insurance does not cover mental health evaluations.
   

• Misdiagnosis: ADHD shares overlapping traits with other conditions, such as anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder. Misdiagnosis is possible, especially if the provider is not experienced with ADHD in adults.
   

ADHD Misdiagnoses

Due to overlapping symptoms, ADHD is frequently misdiagnosed as other mental health conditions. Common misdiagnoses include:
 

• Anxiety: Many adults with ADHD experience anxiety, especially when it comes to managing daily tasks or social situations. However, the anxiety may stem from ADHD traits rather than being a separate issue. This is more commonly misdiagnosed in women because their repressed hyperactivity may present as anxiety.
   

• Depression: Difficulty with task completion or procrastination can mimic signs of depression. While depression and ADHD can co-occur, it’s important for clinicians to differentiate between them. Additionally, depression that stems from ADHD is likely to be improved when the ADHD is accommodated and medicated, so it’s important to know which is the primary diagnosis. 
   

• Bipolar Disorder: Some people with ADHD are misdiagnosed with bipolar disorder due to the emotional dysregulation that can accompany ADHD. However, there is a big difference between ADHD hyperactivity and mania. 
   

Conclusion

The process of getting tested for ADHD, whether online or through in-person consultations, can be a life-changing experience for many adults. Understanding the signs, pursuing a professional diagnosis, and accessing appropriate support can empower individuals to live more fulfilling, authentic lives. If you suspect you might have ADHD, learning more about the neurotype, taking online quizzes, and seeking out professional support can be hugely impactful for your quality of life.