ADHD Test: Identifying Symptoms in Teens and Children
Clinically Reviewed by Dr. Rob Gent, PhD, LPC
If you or your child, teen, or young adult are struggling with distracted behavior, trouble focusing, or restless behavior it could be a sign that they are struggling with symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Our ADHD test can help provide pre-diagnostic steps to help adolescents, teens young adults, or their parents identify possible symptoms of ADHD and learn important next steps.
Key ADHD Highlights
- ADHD stands as a widely recognized neurodevelopmental disorder impacting kids, teenagers, and many young adults.
- Catching ADHD early on is crucial for managing it well and treating it effectively.
- The symptoms of ADHD can differ, often showing up in unique ways between boys and girls.
- Our ADHD test is designed to spot potential signs of ADHD in both teens and children.
- For an accurate diagnosis of ADHD, a thorough evaluation by a mental health professional is necessary.
Table of Contents
Who is this ADHD Symptoms Test For?
Our ADHD symptoms test is for teens, children, young adults or parents who want to identify possible symptoms of ADHD in their child.
How do I Know If My Teen or Child Has ADHD?
If your teen is showing consistent or chronic signs of not paying attention, being overly active, acting on impulse, or having trouble focusing or completing everyday activities, they may be struggling with ADHD. Learn more about our ADHD quiz and how it could identify possible symptoms by reading below.
Signs and Symptoms of ADHD in Teens and Children
Chronic or consistent signs and symptoms of ADHD in children, teens, and young adults that parents should be on the lookout for can include:
- Appearing not to listen when spoken to
- Appearing distracted
- Being forgetful
- Disliking or avoiding tasks, such as schoolwork, that require attention and mental effort
- Having trouble paying attention to details
- Having trouble remaining on-task and finishing tasks
- Losing important items, such as car keys, glasses, schoolwork, textbooks or wallets
- Making careless mistakes in schoolwork
ADHD in Boys vs. Girls
ADHD manifests differently in children, teens, and young adult boys and girls, affecting diagnosis and treatment. Boys and males may display more overt hyperactive and impulsive behaviors, such as constant motion and frequent interruptions. In contrast, girls and females may be more likely to exhibit inattentive symptoms, like difficulty focusing and impulsivity or task paralysis.
If you’re wondering if your son or daughter has ADHD symptoms, taking our impulsivity assessment below could help you find healing treatment earlier.
The Importance of Early Detection of ADHD
The earlier parents or children, adolescents, teens, or young adults can identify ADHD symptoms, the better. Identifying ADHD early on allows for timely intervention, which can significantly improve a child’s academic performance, social skills, and overall quality of life. Parents who identify and get ADHD symptoms treated earlier may also save their child from co-occurring mental health conditions that may develop alongside ADHD if untreated, such as anxiety, depression, or suicidal ideation.
What is the Purpose of Our ADHD Symptoms Test?
Our ADHD symptoms test is designed to spot possible signs and symptoms of ADHD in both teens and children, or for parents who are concerned that their child is shown possible symptoms of ADHD. This understanding helps catch possible symptoms of ADHD early on, making it easier for parents and young people to find the right treatment for their child’s specific type of ADHD.
Types of ADHD This Test May Identify
Our ADHD assessment may identify symptoms of the following types of ADHD:
- Impulsive/Hyperactive ADHD
- Inattentive/Distracted ADHD
- Combined Impulsive and Hyperactive ADHD
ADHD Symptoms Test
Our ADHD symptoms test may help children, teens, young adults, or parents wondering if their child may be experiencing symptoms of ADHD.
For each question in the ADHD symptoms test below, please choose a response based on how often it applies to you (if you’re a teenager or a young adult) or your child (if you’re the parent). The most honest responses will lead to the most accurate results. This fast and simple online test usually takes about five minutes. After you hit “Submit,” please scroll back down on the page for your results.
*It’s important to note that teens and young adults should not use our ADHD test as a diagnostic tool. If you believe your adolescent, teen, or young adult is struggling ADHD, seek an official assessment from a trained mental health professional.
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Understanding Your ADHD Test Results
Our ADHD test results will indicate the severity of possible symptoms associated with ADHD from little to no indication, mild indication, or a strong indication of ADHD symptoms.
These test results may indicate that you or your child has ADHD symptoms, and that treatment may be helpful. However, it’s important to note that these ADHD test results should not be considered a diagnosis, and an ADHD diagnosis should always be done by a trained mental health professional.
How is ADHD Treated and Diagnosed?
The diagnosis and treatment of ADHD can involve a comprehensive evaluation by a qualified mental health professional. This may include a clinical interview, assessment of symptoms, and consideration of a child, teen, or young adult’s personal history.
One of the first steps is to consult with a licensed mental health professional. They can provide a proper diagnosis based on the criteria outlined in the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). This will help determine the severity of a child, teen, or young adult’s symptoms and guide them toward the appropriate treatment plan, including healthcare options.
Once a formal diagnosis is made, ADHD treatment can involve several types of therapy that can be effective, including:
- Attachment-Focused Therapy
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
- Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)
- Experiential Therapy
Treatment Centers and Options for ADHD
There are a range of mental health treatment centers that can help adolescents, teens, and young adults if they are struggling with ADHD. Here are some of the treatment programs that can help young people heal ADHD:
- Transitional living programs offer young adults a supportive environment to develop independence while receiving tailored treatment for ADHD and other mental health issues.
- Therapeutic boarding schools provide a structured, supportive environment for teens to receive comprehensive treatment and academic support.
- Residential Treatment Centers (RTCs) provide intensive, structured environments for in-depth therapy and support.
- Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHPs) and Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOPs) cater to young people who need flexible yet focused treatment options while living at home.
- Virtual IOPs offers a flexible and accessible option for adolescents, teens, and young adults seeking treatment for ADHD from the comfort of their homes.
What Happens if ADHD Goes Untreated?
If ADHD goes untreated, children, teens, and young adults may experience ongoing challenges in various aspects of their lives. This can include difficulties in academic performance, relationships, work productivity, and overall well-being. Untreated ADHD can also lead to low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, and even substance abuse issues for teens and young adults.
ADHD: Next Steps
If you or your child, adolescent, teen or young adult has taken or ADHD symptoms test and the results indicate possible symptoms, it can be important to seek an official diagnosis from a trained mental health professional at a treatment program or clinic. ADHD may co-occur with other mental health conditions and can make life extremely difficult for teens and children. Seeking help from a mental health care professional, such as a child psychiatrist or psychologist, is an important next step for any parent for proper evaluation and treatment of ADHD their child’s ADHD.
Contact us ff you’re concerned about your child, teen, or young adult. We’re here to help your child overcome ADHD symptoms and we’ll walk you through each step of the healing journey.