ADHD questionnaires for adults: what to know

It asks about patterns such as distractibility, forgetfulness, restlessness, impulsive decisions and difficulty organising tasks. A clinician interprets the answers alongside how long the difficulties have been present, whether they began in childhood, and how they affect daily life.

A score above a questionnaire threshold suggests that a fuller assessment may be useful. It does not confirm ADHD or measure the person's worth, intelligence or effort. Scores can also be influenced by poor sleep, anxiety, low mood, substance use, medicines, physical illness or a stressful period.

Assessment looks for a persistent pattern across more than one setting, such as home, education or work, with meaningful effects on functioning. Examples from a partner, relative or old school records may help clarify earlier patterns when the person is comfortable sharing them.

Answer according to your usual experience rather than a particularly good or difficult day. Think about recent routines, missed deadlines, unfinished tasks, interruptions, misplaced belongings and situations that require sustained attention. Choose the response that fits most closely instead of trying to produce a particular result.

Take the completed form to a GP, psychiatrist or another qualified mental health professional. Bring a list of current medicines, relevant health conditions and specific examples of how the difficulties affect work, study, relationships, driving, finances or household responsibilities. A Mental Health Assessment may include a clinical interview and checks for other explanations.

Arrange a routine appointment when attention, organisation, restlessness or impulsivity repeatedly disrupt responsibilities, relationships or safety, regardless of the questionnaire score. Difficulty Concentrating, Feeling Anxious and Irritability can each have several possible causes, so a clinician can assess the pattern rather than relying on one symptom.

Seek urgent help through a local emergency service or emergency department if you might harm yourself or someone else, feel unable to stay safe, develop severe agitation or confusion, or have a sudden major change in behaviour. These warning signs need prompt assessment and should not wait for an ADHD appointment.

You could ask which questionnaire is being used, what your score suggests, what else might explain your difficulties, and what the full assessment involves. Also ask whether information from childhood or another person would be helpful, and what support is available while you wait for an assessment.