The hashtag #adhd is blowing up on TikTok with over 32 billion views, and Google Trends shows "Do I have ADHD?" searches are skyrocketing. Everyone's heard of the term, but not many seem to grasp it.
Are all of us suddenly exhibiting symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, or is there something else going on? The Breeze ADHD test will help you figure that out.
The Adult ADHD Self-Reporting Scale (ASRS) is an easy self-survey designed to estimate how common symptoms are in adults.
It was made with the World Health Organization and experts from New York University and Harvard Medical School (Dr. Lenard Adler, Dr. Ronald, C. Kessler, and Dr. Thomas Spencer).[1] The ASRS has 18 questions based on adult ADHD symptoms.
Studies have been done to check if the ASRS is reliable and valid. [2] People who had childhood ADHD took the survey, and their results matched well with clinician tests. Another study with 60 adults also found that the self-rating scale is reliable and valid.
The ADHD screening tool from Breeze is an adapted version of the Self-Reporting Scale (ASRS), created to help individuals assess their symptoms more simply and illustratively.
Remember: This test is not a substitute for a professional diagnosis. However, they can be a valuable starting point for self-reflection and seeking further support.
Our ADHD quiz was adopted from the well-researched Adult ADHD Self-Reporting Scale (ASRS) and created by certified professionals in this field.
The test might use a Likert scale (e.g., "Never," "Rarely," "Sometimes," "Often," or "Very Often") to gauge the frequency or intensity of these behaviors. After answering the questions, you can get these results:
This quick mental health assessment is for anyone who can relate to the symptoms we were talking about themselves. You can also share your results with a trusted mental health professional for further evaluation and diagnosis.
After you get your result, Breeze offers a personalized plan to empower your healing journey. You'll have a full 7 days to experience how Breeze can improve your life.
This guide isn't meant for moments when you need urgent help or a clear answer about what's going on with your mental health. If things feel really tough or urgent, it's better to speak with a healthcare professional or get help right away.
Briefly, ADHD (or ADD) is a brain-based difference that stems mostly from biological factors. People living with it tend to experience hyperactivity, impulsivity, lack of focus, and other symptoms they can’t control.
Some individuals exude energy and joy, while others may find it difficult to concentrate, even in peaceful settings.
Each person's experience is unique, but the core challenges are similar. Here are some things people with ADHD are likely to encounter:
ADHD's causes aren't fully known, but according to scientists, it’s a combination of genes, prenatal influence, and surroundings. [4]
This diagnosis might be tied to low dopamine, a brain chemical affecting attention and motivation. [5] People with it tend to have less dopamine in the front part of their brains, which controls emotions and behavior. That’s why it makes it hard to focus, stay motivated, and control impulses.
Additionally, ADHD can also cause emotional ups and downs, leading to quick, sometimes risky choices like speedy driving or substance use.
People with this diagnosis might feel too much or too little stimulation. Too much can make them anxious and restless, while too little can make them bored and unmotivated.
Waiting around can make them feel impatient and easily distracted. These ups and downs can significantly impact day-to-day activities.
ADHD is a complex condition that affects everyone differently. While experiences vary, many people share some common symptoms and behaviors, like difficulty focusing, impulsivity, hyperactivity, disorganization, and forgetfulness.
However, some less well-known but equally significant symptoms of ADHD iceberg:
People with ADHD often experience "brain fog" when it comes to their cognitive abilities. It might feel like you have things to do, but you're stuck in a fog, everything is blurry, so you can’t reach any task to accomplish.
ADHD paralysis is an overwhelming feeling of being stuck. It’s when your brain feels like it’s locked in place, making it nearly impossible to start or complete tasks. You want to move forward, but your brain is like a car stuck in the mud, its wheels spinning but not going anywhere. This can lead to procrastination and avoidance, making feelings of overwhelm and stress even worse.
Eating regularly can be a challenge for people with impulsive type. Forgetting about meals can lead to unpredictable eating patterns, making it difficult to maintain a healthy diet.
Planning, organizing, and prioritizing tasks. That's where executive dysfunction comes in.
People with executive dysfunction and/or ADHD frequently struggle to manage frustration, begin and complete tasks, remember and follow instructions with multiple steps, and stay on task.
Besides the cognitive one, there is an emotional factor in ADHD symptoms. Most of us don't typically express our feelings in public, especially when feeling anxious or lonely, so that’s how we cope.
However, emotional dysregulation—a condition in which a person struggles to control their emotional reactions—occurs in some ADHDers.
Other emotional symptoms include:
ADHD masking is when people employ it to hide their symptoms and appear "normal" to others. It involves holding back emotions and controlling impulses, but it demands a significant amount of mental energy.
It happens to many people with the symptoms of attention deficit. Loud noises, busy environments, or too much stimulation can be overwhelming, making it hard to focus and potentially causing shutdowns.
Have you noticed that when there's an important task or a meeting with your boss, you start pulling your hair, picking your skin, or fidgeting? If so, you are familiar with body-focused repetitive behaviors, which are a way to cope with anxiety or stress related to the diagnosis.
ADHD-related burnout is a long-term condition that lasts for at least three months and is marked by widespread fatigue, loss of function, and a decreased ability to handle stimuli. The cycle of ADHD burnout involves phases of hyperactivity, inattentiveness, impulsivity, and depression.
Disclaimer: Please note that not everyone with ADHD experiences all of these symptoms. It can vary from person to person.
This is different for everyone, and it can be a bit tricky to understand. The main issues are problems with paying attention and being hyperactive. However, the way these problems appear can vary a lot.
For people with inattentive type ADHD, it's hard to stay focused and finish tasks. They might seem forgetful, disorganized, and easily distracted. Doing things that require a lot of focus can feel formidable, so they might try to avoid them.
Hyperactive-impulsive type ADHD deals with different challenges. It’s like you have a lot of energy, making it hard to sit still or stay quiet. People with such type might fidget a lot, talk too much, and interrupt others. Sometimes, they can also do things without thinking about the consequences.
Additionally, there is a combined type of ADHD, which means you experience both inattention and hyperactivity. This type makes it even harder to stay focused, control impulses, and manage energy levels. It can affect daily life and tasks.
Getting a positive result on an ADHD test can be overwhelming, and it's okay to feel a mix of emotions.
Many people with ADHD thrive because of their unique strengths, like creative thinking and multitasking abilities.
Here are some examples from the individual treatment plan for everyone who passes the Breeze quiz.
Let’s take a look at recommendations on how to handle ADHD in real life:
Breeze: mental health app can also help. It's your one-stop app for understanding and managing your mental well-being.
Here's what you will get by using Breeze app:
So, if you want to feel more determined about your life or just want to improve your mental state, you can always check out our Breeze app and get some meaningful insights and recommendations according to your needs.
We covered ADHD from top to bottom—what it is and its symptoms. Additionally, we discussed a test that you can undertake to evaluate your likelihood of having ADHD.
Now, you can share results with your doctor and take the following steps if needed. Remember that only a licensed mental health professional can make an accurate diagnosis.
Kindness and openness are key to handling it. So, let's create a world where everyone, regardless of their experience with ADHD, feels understood and supported.
Get your personalized Breeze treatment plan now and start your journey toward better psychological well-being.