Symptom Tests

Hyperactive and Impulsive ADHD Symptom Test for Adults

What do hyperactivity and impulsivity look like in an adult with ADHD? Could your feelings of restlessness, dissatisfaction, and shame be signs of attention deficit disorder? Take this symptom test to gauge whether your behaviors point to ADHD, and then share the results with an evaluating clinician.

Eileen Bailey
By Eileen Bailey Verified Medically reviewed by Roberto Olivardia, Ph.D. Reviewed on August 22, 2019
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Do I Have Hyperactive Impulsive ADHD?

The hyperactive impulsive subtype of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD or ADD) is relatively easy to identify in children. In adults, the symptoms are often more subtle and difficult to pinpoint — for example, hyperactivity sometimes settles into a general feeling of restlessness with age. However, while some childhood symptoms dissipate with time, others evolve and change and emerge. These symptoms can range from general annoyances to severe challenges that cause problems in relationships and at work.

Besides restlessness, adults with hyperactive impulsive ADHD may find it difficult to wait in line at the store, interrupt others while talking, monopolize conversations, and have poor driving histories. If this sounds like you, take this self-test.

Only a mental-health professional can tell for sure whether symptoms are severe, frequent, and pervasive enough to suggest a positive ADHD diagnosis. But this self-test may provide some behavior clues and suggestions about next steps.

This questionnaire is designed to determine whether you demonstrate symptoms similar to those of attention deficit disorder (ADHD) — and the hyperactive impulsive sub-type in particular. If you answer ‘Very Often’ or ‘Frequently’ to a significant number of these questions, consult a licensed mental health practitioner. An accurate diagnosis can only be made through clinical evaluation.

Based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), published by the American Psychiatric Association 

I have had car accidents.

When given similar tasks at work, I take longer than my coworkers do to complete assignments.

I forget doctor’s appointments, meetings for work, or plans with friends. I have been told that if it is important, I will remember, but that doesn’t seem to be true.

I get hit with late fees on my credit cards and/or utility payments more often than I would like to admit.

I change jobs often — either because I become bored with the job or because I am fired due to tardiness or not completing tasks.

I am easily distracted by activity around me at work. I work better in quiet, private environments.

I have lost jobs because of chronic tardiness.

People in my life – parents, teachers, and bosses – describe me as an underachiever. They may say I lack drive, call me a couch potato, or say that I am lazy.

My boss or coworkers have commented that I seem disinterested in the work I am doing and am often staring into space when I should be working.

People complain that I don’t remember things they told me or that I don’t seem to listen when they talk to me.

My friends have told me an artificially early time for dinner reservations or lunch dates because I am always late.

I procrastinate, especially when the project I need to do will require a sustained mental effort, such as paying bills, balancing the checking account, or doing taxes.

My mind drifts when I am talking to someone, and I often find that I have missed parts of the conversation.

When involved in something that I find interesting, I may lose track of time or have a hard time pulling myself away, even when I have other obligations.

I start a chore or project at home and then move on to a different task, leaving many chores and projects partially complete. I have a variety of unfinished tasks laying around my house.


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