Start by interpreting your results
After an ADHD screening, check which instrument and version you used, read its limitations, and note the difficulties you want help with. A screening result is not a diagnosis. If difficulties affect daily life, you can seek professional support even when a result is below the instrument’s threshold. NICE advises against diagnosing ADHD from rating scales alone.
Open ADHD’s 18 questions are an optional, original self-reflection questionnaire for adults (18+), not an independently validated screening test. It cannot diagnose ADHD, identify a subtype, rank severity, or estimate your likelihood of having ADHD. You do not need to complete it—or reach any result—to seek care.
Results count the questions you answered Often or Very often in each category. You can review every answer and copy or download a text summary. These counts are not severity levels or diagnostic thresholds.
Write down real-life examples
If difficulties affect daily life, consider discussing your experiences with a qualified healthcare professional, regardless of your answers. You can bring specific examples and questions to the appointment; a reflection summary is optional.
- Missing deadlines because tasks felt impossible to start
- Emotional overwhelm that disrupted work or relationships
- Frequent interruptions or impulsive decisions
- Losing track of time and underestimating tasks
Consider whether a professional evaluation makes sense
If you want help understanding persistent difficulties or their possible causes, the next useful step may be to prepare for a healthcare visit—not to retake the questionnaire. A clinician can consider your history, functioning, health, and other possible explanations. Referral routes and which professionals assess ADHD differ by region and health system.
Prepare notes for a visit · How this questionnaire works
Try a few low-risk supports now
While waiting for an appointment, simple supports can help:
- Use external reminders and timers for time blindness
- Break tasks into the smallest possible steps
- Ask for accountability or body doubling when stuck
- Create routines that reduce decision fatigue
Share results with a clinician
If you decide to seek an evaluation, bring your notes and, only if useful to you, your reflection summary. Our doctor visit preparation page has a detailed guide. Clear examples and an honest timeline can help; no quiz result is required. NIMH explains common parts of adult assessment, while NICE states that diagnosis should not rely on rating scales alone.