You've been googling ADHD symptoms for weeks. You've watched the TikToks. You've taken three random quizzes that all said "you might have ADHD." But none of that actually tells you whether you have it or not.
An ADHD screening is the real first step. It's quick, it's validated by actual research, and it gives you a clear signal: either your symptoms are consistent with ADHD and a full evaluation is worth pursuing, or something else might be going on. Either way, you stop guessing.
What an ADHD screening actually is
A screening is a short, standardized questionnaire designed to flag whether your symptoms match the patterns seen in adults with ADHD. It's not a diagnosis--think of it as a filter that tells you whether a full clinical evaluation is worth your time and money.
The most widely used screening tool is the ASRS v1.1 (Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale), developed by the World Health Organization in collaboration with researchers at Harvard Medical School. It's the same tool clinicians use as part of their own evaluations.
The ASRS Part A consists of six questions. Each one asks how often you experience a specific symptom--like trouble finishing projects, difficulty organizing tasks, or feeling restless. You answer on a five-point scale from "Never" to "Very Often." The whole thing takes about two minutes.
If four or more of your answers fall in the clinically significant range, your results are "highly consistent with ADHD in adults." That's your signal to get a proper evaluation.
Screening vs. diagnosis
This distinction matters because a lot of people confuse the two--and either skip the screening (thinking they need to jump straight to a psychiatrist) or stop at the screening (thinking a quiz result is a diagnosis).
A screening tells you whether further investigation is warranted. It's fast, free (or low-cost), and requires no appointment. It flags symptoms but doesn't determine their cause.
A diagnosis is a clinical determination made by a licensed provider after a comprehensive evaluation. It uses DSM-5 criteria, rules out conditions that mimic ADHD (anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, thyroid issues), and results in a formal treatment plan. You need a diagnosis to access medication.
The screening is the bridge between "I think I might have ADHD" and "Let me find out for sure." Here's who can take you from screening to diagnosis and prescribing.
Common ADHD screening tools
Clinicians don't rely on random internet quizzes. They use validated instruments with published research behind them:
ASRS v1.1 (Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale): The gold standard for adult screening. Six questions, two minutes, developed by WHO/Harvard. This is what most providers start with, and it's what our free online screening uses.
Conners' Adult ADHD Rating Scales (CAARS): A more detailed assessment with 66 items covering inattention, hyperactivity/impulsivity, and associated problems. Typically administered during a formal evaluation rather than as a self-screening.
WURS (Wender Utah Rating Scale): Focuses on retrospective childhood symptoms. Used when providers need evidence that ADHD patterns existed before age 12 (a DSM-5 requirement).
DIVA 5.0: A structured interview that walks through DSM-5 criteria systematically. Used during clinical evaluations rather than self-screening.
For self-screening purposes, the ASRS Part A is the most practical starting point. It's brief, accurate, and designed specifically for adults to use on their own before seeking professional help.
What your screening results mean
After completing a validated screening, you'll land in one of two camps:
Results consistent with ADHD: This means your symptom pattern matches what clinicians see in adults with ADHD. It's not a guarantee of diagnosis--other conditions can produce similar symptoms--but it's a strong indicator that a full evaluation will be valuable. The logical next step is booking with a provider who can evaluate and prescribe. Many patients at ADHD One complete their evaluation the same day.
Results below the screening threshold: This doesn't necessarily mean you don't have ADHD. The ASRS Part A captures the most predictive symptoms, but ADHD presents differently in everyone--especially in women and adults who've developed strong coping mechanisms. If you scored below the threshold but daily life still feels unreasonably difficult, a clinical evaluation can still uncover what's going on.
What comes after screening
If your screening suggests ADHD, here's the typical path forward:
1. Full clinical evaluation (45--60 minutes). A licensed provider conducts a structured interview, uses diagnostic tools, reviews your medical and developmental history, and checks for conditions that overlap with ADHD. This is where screening becomes diagnosis.
2. Treatment planning. If ADHD is confirmed, your provider discusses options: medication (stimulant or non-stimulant), coaching for executive function skills, or a combination. Most adults benefit from medication plus some form of skill-building support.
3. Medication (if appropriate). Prescriptions can often be sent the same day as your evaluation. Your provider starts with a low dose and adjusts over 2--4 weeks to find the right level.
4. Ongoing management. ADHD treatment isn't one-and-done. Stimulant refills require monthly check-ins. Non-stimulants need dose adjustments. The refill process at ADHD One is designed to be simple and consistent.
Who should get screened
ADHD screening is worthwhile for any adult who regularly experiences:
• Chronic difficulty finishing tasks, especially once the "interesting part" is over
• Persistent disorganization that doesn't improve despite effort
• Regularly forgetting appointments, obligations, or important details
• Avoiding tasks that require sustained mental effort
• Restlessness, fidgeting, or an internal sense of being "driven by a motor"
• A lifelong pattern of underperformance relative to ability
If these sound familiar--and they've been present for most of your life, not just during a stressful period--screening is a two-minute investment that can change your trajectory.
Take the same screening tool doctors use. Free, private, 2 minutes.
Take the Free ADHD Test →Frequently asked questions
Is an online ADHD screening accurate?
When it uses a proven instrument like the ASRS v1.1, yes--it's the same tool providers use. The accuracy depends on honest self-reporting and using an unmodified, research-backed questionnaire. Random internet quizzes without clinical validation are unreliable. Stick to tools developed by recognized medical institutions.
Can I get diagnosed from a screening alone?
No. A screening flags potential ADHD symptoms but cannot produce a clinical diagnosis. Diagnosis requires a full check-up by a licensed provider who reviews your full symptom picture, rules out other conditions, and applies DSM-5 diagnostic criteria. The screening tells you whether that check-up is worth pursuing.
How is ADHD screening different for women?
Women with ADHD are more likely to present with inattentive symptoms (disorganization, forgetfulness, mental fog) rather than hyperactive ones (fidgeting, restlessness). They're also more likely to have developed coping strategies that mask symptoms. Standard screening tools still work, but women who score just below the threshold should strongly consider a full check-up--the screening may underestimate symptom severity in some cases.
My screening says ADHD is unlikely. Should I still get evaluated?
If your daily functioning is a lot impaired despite scoring below the threshold, yes. The ASRS Part A captures the most predictive symptoms but doesn't cover every way ADHD manifests. A clinical check-up can identify subtler presentations or uncover other conditions (anxiety, depression, sleep disorders) that may be causing your difficulties.
How much does it cost to go from screening to treatment?
The screening itself is free. A clinical check-up typically costs 00--00 (often covered by insurance). Medication costs vary: generic stimulants run 5--0/month depending on insurance. For a full cost breakdown, see our guide on ADHD check-up costs.
