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
Click to Add Comments

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 become physically uncomfortable when I need to sit still for extended times during long work meetings, day-long seminars, and even movies or church. I try to avoid situations where I will need to be still for extended periods.

When doing chores at home, I move from task to task, without finishing anything. Chores are more like a burst of whirlwind activity — things get moved around but rarely cleared off my to-do list totally.

I often blurt out things without thinking, sometimes hurting other people’s feelings by sharing opinions that would be better unsaid.

I have trouble sleeping. My mind races and I find it hard to turn off my thoughts to relax and fall asleep.

I tend to get bored quickly and crave excitement.

I generally feel restless, as if I need to be perpetually doing something or going somewhere.

I often purchase items I don’t need, even when I can’t afford the items or I am watching my money.

I feel compelled to move around. For example, when watching a movie, I feel driven to get up and move around after only a few minutes.

I find it difficult to control my emotions. I can anger quickly but the feeling quickly subsides and I may not even remember why I was mad the next day.

I am often involved in car crashes and fender benders.

I fidget whenever I need to sit still and concentrate. I tap a pencil, move my feet, or play with my hair, even when in meetings for work and often without consciously doing so.

My friends or family members often ask me not to monopolize conversations, saying that I talk excessively when we are together.

I finish sentences for other people, even though I know that is inappropriate and sometimes rude.

I have a difficult time waiting in lines. For example, I try going to the grocery store at off times, such as late at night, when there won’t be a line at the check-out.

I have poor driving skills. I drive too fast, make sudden moves without signaling, get lost, and/or have received tickets for speeding.


(Optional) Would you like to receive your hyperactive and impulsive ADHD symptom test results — plus more helpful resources — via email from ADDitude?