ADHD Quotient (ADQ) Test

Structure of the ADQ Test

The ADQ Test consists of 50 questions that cover five distinct areas often affected in individuals with ADHD:

• Inattention: Assessing difficulty sustaining focus and tendency toward distraction.
• Hyperactivity: Measuring physical restlessness and excessive energy.
• Impulsivity: Evaluating tendencies to act without forethought or interrupt others.
• Emotional Regulation: Examining challenges in managing emotions and frustration.
• Executive Functioning: Exploring difficulties with planning, organization, and task completion.

Each question has four possible responses: "definitely agree," "slightly agree," "slightly disagree," and "definitely disagree." Responses are scored 1 point if they align with ADHD traits, yielding a total score between 0 and 50.

Purpose and Use

The ADQ Test is designed to provide insight into ADHD-related traits for personal reflection or research purposes. A higher score may suggest the presence of characteristics associated with ADHD and could indicate a need for further evaluation by a professional. However, like the AQ, the ADQ is not diagnostic—only a licensed healthcare provider can confirm an ADHD diagnosis through comprehensive assessment.

Interpreting the Results

Results are divided into tiers to reflect varying levels of ADHD traits:

• Individuals scoring in the lower range exhibit few ADHD traits and align with neurotypical tendencies.
• Those in the middle range may show some traits but might not meet ADHD criteria.
• Higher scores suggest a stronger presence of ADHD traits, potentially warranting further investigation.

Scores can be influenced by factors like stress, anxiety, or other conditions, so results should be considered alongside life context.

Strengths and Limitations

The ADQ Test offers a quick, accessible way to explore ADHD traits in adults. Its structure, modeled after Baron-Cohen’s AQ, ensures ease of use and clarity. However, as a self-reported tool, it depends on personal insight, which may vary, and it does not capture the full complexity of ADHD in daily life. It serves best as a starting point for self-awareness or discussion with a professional.

High Inattention

Inattention refers to challenges in sustaining focus and resisting distractions. Individuals with higher scores may struggle to stay on task, often losing track during conversations or work, and are easily sidetracked by noises or thoughts. They might forget where they’ve placed items or miss details in instructions. Low scores reflect strong concentration, noticing specifics, and staying engaged without drifting. This facet balances scattered attention with steady focus, highlighting how distraction affects daily engagement.

High Hyperactivity

Hyperactivity reflects physical and mental restlessness. Those scoring high feel compelled to move— fidgeting, pacing, or talking excessively—and find stillness uncomfortable, especially in calm settings. Low scores indicate ease with relaxation, minimal need for motion, and comfort in quiet moments. This facet spans constant activity to calm stillness, showing how energy shapes behavior and comfort.

High Impulsivity

Impulsivity captures acting without forethought. High scorers may interrupt others, make snap decisions, or struggle to wait, driven by immediate urges. Low scores suggest restraint, thoughtful responses, and patience in conversations or choices. This facet contrasts rash action with deliberate caution, revealing how impulse influences decisions and interactions.

Low Emotional Regulation

Emotional Regulation assesses managing emotions. Individuals scoring high may react intensely— quick to anger or overwhelm—and find it hard to calm down after upset. Low scores reflect stability, handling stress calmly, and recovering quickly from frustration. This facet ranges from emotional volatility to steady resilience, indicating how feelings impact daily life.

Low Executive Functioning

Executive Functioning involves planning and organization. High scorers often delay tasks, leave projects unfinished, or struggle with time and clutter. Low scores capture prompt starts, completion, and neat habits. This facet contrasts chaotic execution with structured efficiency, showing how task management shapes productivity.