Symptom Tests for Adults

ADD Test: Do I Have Inattentive ADHD?

Symptoms of ADD in adults can show up as lack of motivation, procrastination, and difficulty sustaining attention. Inattentive ADHD can cause problems with relationships, finances, and work. And it is absolutely worth diagnosing — and treating — at any age. Start with this free online ADD symptom test.

Eileen Bailey
By Eileen Bailey Verified Medically reviewed by Roberto Olivardia, Ph.D. Reviewed on October 8, 2019
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Do I Have ADD (aka Inattentive ADHD)?

Symptoms of inattentive attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (previously called ADD) — particularly in women — can go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed for years, even decades. Many adults are finally evaluated for ADD symptoms after their children get diagnosed — and they realize that they struggled with the same symptoms all their lives. ADD symptoms in adults can include lack of motivation, procrastination, and difficulty sustaining attention. ADD can cause problems with relationships, finances, and work. And it is absolutely worth diagnosing — and treating — at any age.

Only a mental-health professional can tell for sure whether symptoms are severe, frequent, and pervasive enough to suggest a positive ADD diagnosis. But this self-test may provide some behavior clues and suggestions about next steps.

This ADD test is designed to determine whether you demonstrate symptoms similar to those of attention deficit disorder — and the inattentive sub-type in particular. If you answer ‘Very Often’ or ‘Frequently’ to a significant number of these questions, consult a licensed mental health practitioner. An accurate diagnosis can only be made through clinical evaluation. This screener is based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), published by the American Psychiatric Association.

I often purchase items I don’t need, even when I can’t afford the items or I am watching my money.

I fidget whenever I need to sit still and concentrate. I tap a pencil, move my feet, or play with my hair, even when in meetings for work and often without consciously doing so.

I generally feel restless, as if I need to be perpetually doing something or going somewhere.

My friends have told me an artificially early time for dinner reservations or lunch dates because I am always late.

People in my life – parents, teachers, and bosses – describe me as an underachiever. They may say I lack drive, call me a couch potato, or say that I am lazy.

I fidget whenever I need to sit still and concentrate. I tap a pencil, move my feet, or play with my hair, even when in meetings for work and often without consciously doing so.

I find it difficult to control my emotions. I can anger quickly but the feeling quickly subsides and I may not even remember why I was mad the next day.

When given similar tasks at work, I take longer than my coworkers do to complete assignments.

I change jobs often — either because I become bored with the job or because I am fired due to tardiness or not completing tasks.

I feel compelled to move around. For example, when watching a movie, I feel driven to get up and move around after only a few minutes.

I seem unprepared because I forget or lose things like my keys, cell phone, and wallet.

I am easily distracted by activity around me at work. I work better in quiet, private environments.

My friends or family members often ask me not to monopolize conversations, saying that I talk excessively when we are together.

I often blurt out things without thinking, sometimes hurting other people’s feelings by sharing opinions that would be better unsaid.

When doing chores at home, I move from task to task, without finishing anything. Chores are more like a burst of whirlwind activity — things get moved around but rarely cleared off my to-do list totally.


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ADD Test for Adults: Next Steps

1. Take this Test: Full ADHD Symptom Test for Adults
2. Take This Test: ADHD Symptoms in Women and Girls
3. Find: Specialists or Clinics Near You
4. Take This Test: Do You Have Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria?
5. Take This Test: Do You Have Adult Autism?
6. Take This Test: Do You Have Emotional Hyperarousal?
7. Read: More About Inattentive ADHD in Adults