ADHD self-assessment quiz for women - Roey Pasternak, MD

ADHD self-assessment for women

This self-assessment is designed to help women identify potential ADHD symptoms. It is not a diagnostic tool, but it can be useful for understanding whether your experiences may align with ADHD symptoms, especially as they often present in women.

1 / 20

I often misplace or lose things like my keys, phone, or important documents.

Rarely or never

Sometimes

Frequently or always

2 / 20

I often feel overwhelmed in environments with a lot of sensory input, like loud noises or bright lights.

Rarely or never

Sometimes

Frequently or always

3 / 20

I spend a lot of time looking for things or catching up with tasks.

Rarely or never

Sometimes

Frequently or always

4 / 20

I am usually late for appointments or social gatherings.

Rarely or never

Sometimes

Frequently or always

5 / 20

I invest considerable time, funds, and effort in acquiring organizational tools but then don’t use them.

Rarely or never

Sometimes

Frequently or always

6 / 20

I have difficulty prioritizing tasks and managing my time effectively.

Rarely or never

Sometimes

Frequently or always

7 / 20

I am usually behind on paying my bills, even if the money is available.

Rarely or never

Sometimes

Frequently or always

8 / 20

I have a tendency to interrupt others during conversations.

Rarely or never

Sometimes

Frequently or always

9 / 20

I often feel sad and frustrated that I am not meeting my potential, even though I know I am smart and capable.

Rarely or never

Sometimes

Frequently or always

10 / 20

When I can’t find something important, I will go out and purchase another one, often finding that I have several of that item later on.

Rarely or never

Sometimes

Frequently or always

11 / 20

I feel embarrassed to have guests visit my home because it’s so cluttered and disorganized.

Rarely or never

Sometimes

Frequently or always

12 / 20

I often find myself daydreaming or getting lost in my thoughts, even during important conversations.

Rarely or never

Sometimes

Frequently or always

13 / 20

I have a history of difficulties in my relationships due to misunderstandings or miscommunications.

Rarely or never

Sometimes

Frequently or always

14 / 20

I experience a profound sense of internal restlessness.

Rarely or never

Sometimes

Frequently or always

15 / 20

I tend to avoid tasks that require sustained mental effort or concentration.

Rarely or never

Sometimes

Frequently or always

16 / 20

I often make impulsive decisions without fully thinking them through.

Rarely or never

Sometimes

Frequently or always

17 / 20

I have developed strategies to mask or compensate for these challenges in my daily life.

Rarely or never

Sometimes

Frequently or always

18 / 20

I frequently end up in awkward situations because I forgot an important date, like a birthday, or neglected to remember to send a thank-you note.

Rarely or never

Sometimes

Frequently or always

19 / 20

I find it challenging to follow through or finish tasks, especially if they are routine or mundane. I often miss deadlines.

Rarely or never

Sometimes

Frequently or always

20 / 20

I often spend time second-guessing myself after a conversation or social interaction, wondering if I shared too much information or said the wrong thing.

Rarely or never

Sometimes

Frequently or always

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that is often misunderstood as only affecting children. While the most common symptoms are easily recognized, it’s important to note that the expression of ADHD symptoms can change as a person ages.

Adults with ADHD might not exhibit the same type of hyperactive behaviors often seen in children but may continue to experience significant challenges with attention, impulsivity, and executive functioning.

In women, ADHD often presents differently than in men, resulting in women with ADHD being misdiagnosed because the symptoms are not only sometimes missed entirely but are also often mistaken for a mood disorder, anxiety, or other conditions.

If you think that you might have ADHD, this self-assessment is a good place to start, but it should not be used as a substitute for a thorough evaluation by a qualified mental health professional.