Online ADD Testing: Comparison of Two Different Tests

I took an online self-assessment for adult ADD because I have often wondered if I would meet the criteria, but was never tested as a child because my grades did not seem to be affected. This assessment was found at http://www.becalmd-for-adhd.com/selftest/ and seemed to be more scientifically based than most online tests I have come across before. I did take into consideration the fact that this test was sponsored by a site that was advertising an all natural remedy for ADD.

However, I found it interesting that the site made it very clear what the diagnostic criteria for the problem entailed, and stated that “This is not a tool for self-diagnosis. Its purpose is simply to help you determine whether ADD/ADHD may be a factor in the behavior of the person (adult or child) you are assessing using this checklist. An actual diagnosis can be made only by an experienced professional.” The self-test was made up of 78 symptom related questions to which a person could answer on a scale of 0-4; 0 meaning never, 4 meaning very frequently. The questions were separated into areas including history, attention span, distractibility, restlessness, impulsiveness, poor organization, problems getting started and following through, relational difficulties, short fuse, and energy, as well as others.

I thought this was a very inclusive self-assessment, and it also allows takers to score the test themselves, which I think helps test takers understand the assessment better than online tests that score themselves automatically. Although I would normally be a bit wary in trusting the validity of a test on a site that is used to advertise a medication, it seemed to be honestly attempting to provide people with sound information. I was always under the impression that ADD was usually diagnosed in children, and only when their grades were suffering. Judging by my own experience, I think that someone could suffer the same symptoms but could have other qualities that make up for it so that the condition is not reflected in grades and test scores. I scored just at the level that suggested I may have adult ADD, but I do not see myself taking any action resulting from the test. Since I did score right on the edge, and my grades and work do not seem to suffer much, I do not think medication is necessary. However, it did give a possible explanation for some problems I have noticed in myself over the years, and I am glad that I took the test.

The other adult ADD test I found was only 6 questions long, and not very helpful. It was found at http://www.instantaddtest.com/index2.html?gclid=CL-lyvuOuYgCFRZXWAodQRhVhw. The site was not very informative, and I found after I took the time to take the test that I had to enter my name and email address in order to get results. I opted not to enter my information, so I do not know what my results were, but it was obvious that I had answered “sometimes” on average. The site did not state who sponsored it, but did give a similar disclaimer as the first site and claimed to have been formulated by several psychologists.