Is There an 18-Question Checklist for Adult ADHD?

PostedSeptember 10, 2025

UpdatedSeptember 10, 2025

ByMy Patient Advice

Author: Harriet Winslow, BSc | Reviewed by: Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

Yes, there is an 18-question ADHD checklist for adults that helps identify symptoms commonly associated with ADHD, such as inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. This checklist is often used as part of the initial adult screening form to evaluate whether ADHD might be a contributing factor to behavioural challenges in adults. The ADHD rating scale assesses how frequently the individual experiences these symptoms and how they impact their daily life.

The 18-question ADHD checklist for adults includes self-report questions that ask individuals to reflect on their experiences with symptoms like difficulty staying focused, restlessness, and impulsivity. By answering these questions, adults can provide useful insights into how their symptoms affect their work, relationships, and overall well-being. While the checklist is a useful tool, it is not a definitive diagnostic tool on its own and should be followed up with a comprehensive evaluation by a healthcare professional.

Common Symptoms

Inattention

The 18-question ADHD checklist for adults helps identify if individuals struggle to maintain focus or frequently make careless mistakes at work or in daily activities.

Impulsivity

The checklist asks self-report questions about impulsive behaviours, such as interrupting others or making hasty decisions without considering the consequences.

Hyperactivity

Although hyperactivity is less common in adults, the ADHD rating scale helps assess if restlessness or difficulty relaxing are issues.

The 18-question ADHD checklist for adults is a helpful starting point in identifying ADHD symptoms and determining whether further diagnostic steps are needed.

Visit providers like ADHD Certify for personal consultations and expert advice tailored to your needs.

For a deeper dive into the science, diagnosis, and full treatment landscape, read our complete guide to Rule-outs for other conditions.

Harriet Winslow, BSc

Author

Harriet Winslow is a clinical psychologist with a Bachelor’s in Clinical Psychology and extensive experience in behaviour therapy and developmental disorders. She has worked with children and adolescents with ADHD, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), learning disabilities, and behavioural challenges, providing individual and group therapy using evidence-based approaches such as CBT and DBT. Dr. Winslow has developed and implemented personalised treatment plans, conducted formal and informal assessments, and delivered crisis intervention for clients in need of urgent mental health care. Her expertise spans assessment, treatment planning, and behavioural intervention for both neurodevelopmental and mental health conditions.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the author's privacy.

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

Reviewer

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez is a UK-trained physician with an MBBS and experience in general surgery, cardiology, internal medicine, gynecology, intensive care, and emergency medicine. She has managed critically ill patients, stabilised acute trauma cases, and provided comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care. In psychiatry, Dr. Fernandez has worked with psychotic, mood, anxiety, and substance use disorders, applying evidence-based approaches such as CBT, ACT, and mindfulness-based therapies. Her skills span patient assessment, treatment planning, and the integration of digital health solutions to support mental well-being.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the reviewer's privacy.