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July 31, 2024

High-Functioning ADHD Test

Kristie Plantinga
,
MA
High-Functioning ADHD Test, stressed-out man hyper-focused on his laptop
Guides
July 31, 2024
2 min to read
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Do you feel like you’re constantly in motion—busy, successful, maybe even overachieving—but secretly struggling to keep it all together? You might hit deadlines at the last minute, rely on pressure-fueled bursts of productivity, or have a mind that jumps from one idea to the next at lightning speed. On the outside, you seem driven and capable. On the inside, you’re battling distraction, overwhelm, and exhaustion from always trying to “keep up.”

ADHD isn’t just about hyperactive kids who can’t sit still. Many adults with ADHD are ambitious, intelligent, and hardworking—but their brains operate differently. Because they are getting things done (even if it’s messy behind the scenes), their struggles often go unnoticed or get dismissed as “just being a little disorganized.”

That’s where our high-functioning ADHD test can help. While it doesn't provide a formal diagnosis, it can help you better understand your experience and be the first step toward getting the support you need.

Let’s dive in.

How accurate is this quiz?

At Best Therapists, we believe that online mental health quizzes can be an excellent first step towards improving our mental health. Quizzes like this one can educate you and provide opportunities for self-reflection, but note that they are not a substitute for professional assessments and diagnoses.

Take our quiz below ↓

Your privacy is important to us, so all results are completely anonymous and no email is required.

Example scenarios

  • Emily, a 32-year-old marketing executive, is the go-to person for fresh ideas and last-minute projects. Her team sees her as creative, quick-thinking, and always able to pull off a tight deadline. What they don’t see is the chaos behind the scenes—sticky notes everywhere, half-finished projects piling up, and a never-ending battle with distractions. To make up for lost time, Emily often works late into the night, running on stress and caffeine. She gets the job done, but the mental exhaustion of constantly juggling tasks is starting to take a toll.
  • Michael, a 45-year-old surgeon, is a rockstar in the operating room—focused, precise, and respected for his expertise. But outside of work? Total opposite. He forgets social plans, misses bill payments, and struggles to keep up with personal relationships. His ability to hyper-focus during surgery vanishes when it comes to everyday tasks, like answering emails or remembering where he left his keys. Without his staff to keep his schedule in check, he’d be completely overwhelmed.
  • Sophia, a 28-year-old grad student, is known for her sharp insights and impressive academic performance. On the surface, she looks like she has it all together. But behind the scenes, she’s in a constant cycle of procrastination and panic-fueled productivity. She puts off assignments until the last minute, then hyper-focuses for hours, forgetting to eat, sleep, or even take a break. Her apartment is a mess, her to-do list is endless, and imposter syndrome looms over her, making her wonder if she’s just barely keeping up.

Final thoughts on high-functioning ADHD

If any of this resonates with you, it’s important to remember that high-functioning ADHD doesn’t define your abilities—it just means you may need a little extra support. Therapy can be a game-changer in helping you manage the overwhelm and create strategies that work with your brain, not against it. Whether it’s learning how to manage distractions, build structure, or find balance, a therapist can help you navigate these challenges and make life feel a bit more manageable. You don’t have to do it alone—there’s support out there to help you thrive.

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Written by
Kristie Plantinga
,
MA

Kristie Plantinga is the founder of Best Therapists. Along with being on the client-side of therapy, Kristie has had the honor of working directly with therapists in her marketing agency for therapists, TherapieSEO. While working alongside therapists, she learned about the inequities in our mental health system that therapists face on a daily basis, and she wanted to do something about it. That’s why Best Therapists is a platform designed to benefit not only therapy-seekers, but therapy providers. Kristie has a Masters degree in Written Communication and a Bachelors degree in Psychology and Music.

Reviewed by
Katelyn McMahon
,
Registered Psychotherapist, VT #097.0134200

Katelyn is a therapist-turned-writer with a passion for mental health. She has a Master's degree in Social Work from the University of England and is a Registered Psychotherapist in the state of Vermont. Katelyn has professional experience in aging care, addiction treatment, integrated health care, and private practice settings. She also has lived experience being on the client side of therapy. Currently, Katelyn is a content writer who’s passionate about spreading mental health awareness and helping other therapists and therapy-seekers Do The Work.

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