Could This Be ADHD? A Self Reflection Quiz for Women Who Have Always Struggled Quietly
- Chloe Rapson
- Nov 30, 2025
- 8 min read
You've Googled "ADHD symptoms in women" at 2am. You've read articles that made you think "wait, is this me?" You've wondered if there's a reason everything feels so much harder for you than it seems for everyone else.
Maybe you're here because someone suggested you might have ADHD. Maybe you're here because you're exhausted from trying to function like a neurotypical person. Maybe you're just curious.
This quiz isn't a diagnosis. ADHD diagnosis requires a comprehensive assessment by a psychiatrist or psychologist. What this quiz can do is help you reflect on your experiences and decide whether exploring ADHD further might be valuable for you. Think of this as a conversation starter with yourself.
Before You Start: Important Context
This quiz is specifically designed for women and people socialised as girls. ADHD presents differently in women than the stereotypical image we're taught to recognise. We internalise, mask and compensate in ways that make our struggles invisible.
This is not a diagnostic tool. Only qualified healthcare professionals can diagnose ADHD. This quiz helps you identify patterns worth exploring further.
There are no "wrong" answers. Whatever your results, your experiences are valid and deserve understanding and support.
Ready? Let's begin.
The Quiz
1. Time feels impossible to manage
Rarely. I have a good sense of time and can estimate durations pretty accurately.
Sometimes. I'm usually okay but certain situations throw me off.
Often. I struggle with time estimation and frequently underestimate how long things take.
Constantly. I'm either absurdly early or chronically late. Time doesn't make sense to me.
2. Task initiation feels paralysing
Rarely. I can generally start tasks when I need to, even if I don't want to.
Sometimes. Certain tasks are hard to start but I usually manage eventually.
Yes, often. Starting tasks that don't interest me feels almost impossible.
Yes, constantly. I have endless things to do but can't start any of them. I freeze.
3. I lose things constantly
Rarely. I have systems that work and usually know where things are.
Occasionally. I lose things sometimes but it's not a major pattern.
Often. I spend significant time each week looking for misplaced items.
All the time. Keys, phone, wallet, I'm always searching for something.
. My thoughts never stop
Rarely. I can usually focus my thoughts when needed.
Sometimes. When stressed or excited, my thoughts speed up.
Most of the time. My mind races and I struggle to quiet it.
Never. My brain is like 47 tabs open, all playing different music, all the time.
5. I abandon projects before finishing them
Rarely. I generally see projects through to completion.
Sometimes. I don't finish everything but usually complete important projects.
Often. I struggle to complete things once the novelty wears off.
Constantly. I have countless half-finished projects. I get excited, start, then lose interest.
6. Paying bills, admin tasks, and life maintenance feels impossible
Rarely. I handle admin tasks without major difficulty.
Sometimes. I manage eventually but it's harder than it should be.
Often. I struggle with these tasks and they cause significant stress.
Yes. Bills go unpaid, appointments don't get scheduled, paperwork piles up despite consequences.
7. I procrastinate even on things I want to do
Rarely. I can usually start things when I want or need to.
Sometimes. I procrastinate on certain types of tasks.
Often. I procrastinate on most tasks regardless of importance.
All the time. Even fun or important things get put off until the last minute.
8. I can hyperfocus for hours on things I find interesting but cant focus for 5 minutes on things I dont
Not really. I can generally focus on necessary tasks regardless of interest.
Somewhat. Interest helps but I can usually focus when needed.
Yes, often. There's a huge discrepancy based on interest level.
This is my life exactly. My focus is interest-based, not willpower-based.
9. I work best under pressure aka deadline panic
Not really. I prefer working steadily rather than under pressure.
Sometimes. Deadlines help but aren't essential.
Yes. I rely heavily on deadline pressure to motivate me.
Only way I function. Without a deadline, nothing gets done. The panic is the fuel.
10. Rejection or criticism devastates me
Not particularly. I can take feedback without spiralling.
Somewhat. Criticism bothers me but I can usually process it.
Yes. I'm more sensitive to rejection than seems normal.
Absolutely. Even minor criticism feels crushing. I replay it for days or weeks.
11. I work way harder than others for the same results
Not really. I feel I work at a similar pace to others.
Sometimes. Certain things require more effort for me.
Yes. I notice I put in significantly more effort than others seem to.
Absolutely. I'm exhausted from working twice as hard to keep up.
12. I act normal and its exhausting
Rarely. I generally feel authentic in how I present myself.
Sometimes. In certain situations I feel I'm masking.
Often. I'm very aware of performing neurotypical behaviour.
Constantly. Masking takes enormous energy. I'm drained from pretending.
13. I forget to respond to texts and messages for days and weeks
Rarely. I'm generally good at responding to messages.
Sometimes. I occasionally forget but usually respond within a day.
Often. I struggle with maintaining consistent communication.
Constantly. I see messages, mean to respond, then forget they exist.
My emotions feel bigger than other peoples
Not really. My emotional responses feel proportional.
Sometimes. Certain emotions feel intense but not all.
Often. I'm told I'm "too sensitive" or "too emotional" regularly.
Yes. Everything feels more intense, joy, sadness, frustration, excitement.
15. Ive been called lazy or told Im not living up to my potential
Rarely or never. People generally see me as hardworking.
Occasionally. I've heard this but not frequently.
Yes, often. It's been a recurring theme in feedback.
My whole life. Despite working incredibly hard, I've been labelled lazy or unmotivated.
Scoring Your Quiz
How to score: Simply add up all your answer numbers (1, 2, 3, or 4) from all 15 questions.
Your total score will be between 15-60 points. Higher score = more ADHD traits present.
Your Results
45 to 60 Points: Many ADHD Traits Present
Your experiences align significantly with how ADHD presents in women. The patterns you're describing (the exhaustion, the masking, the internal chaos paired with external competence) are common in undiagnosed ADHD in women.
What this means:
Your struggles are real and may have a neurological basis
You're not lazy, undisciplined, or failing at life
A professional assessment might provide clarity and open doors to support
Understanding your brain can transform how you approach everything
What this doesn't mean:
This is not a diagnosis (only a professional assessment can provide that)
You're not broken or defective
There's no single "right" way forward from here
Suggested next steps:
Learn more: Continue educating yourself about ADHD in women
Track patterns: Journal about your experiences to identify specific struggles
Consider assessment: Research psychiatrists or psychologists who specialise in adult ADHD assessment in Melbourne
Seek support: Whether you pursue a diagnosis or not, working with someone who understands neurodivergence can help you build strategies that actually work for your brain
30-44 Points: Some ADHD Traits Present
You're experiencing some patterns that overlap with ADHD, though not all areas are significantly impacted. This could mean:
You have some ADHD traits but may not meet full diagnostic criteria
You've developed effective coping mechanisms that mask some symptoms
Other factors (anxiety, trauma, stress, burnout) might be contributing
You might be experiencing subclinical ADHD traits
What to consider: Whether or not you have ADHD, your struggles are valid. If certain areas of life feel harder than they should, support can help. Sometimes understanding "why" matters less than finding "what works."
Suggested next steps:
Identify patterns: Which specific areas scored highest? Focus there.
Explore other factors: Anxiety, trauma, and chronic stress can create ADHD-like symptoms
Build strategies: Work on systems and approaches that support your specific struggles
Stay curious: Keep learning about how your brain works best
15-29 Points: Fewer ADHD Traits Present
Based on your responses, your experiences don't strongly align with ADHD presentation in women. This doesn't mean your struggles aren't real; it just means they might have different roots.
Consider exploring:
Anxiety or depression: These can impact focus, motivation and daily functioning
Burnout: Chronic stress creates symptoms that mimic ADHD
Trauma responses: Past experiences can affect present-day functioning
Life transitions: Major changes can disrupt normal patterns
Other neurodivergence: Autism, dyslexia, or other conditions
What matters: You don't need an ADHD diagnosis to deserve support. If you're struggling, that's enough reason to seek help understanding yourself better.
Regardless of Your Score: What Now?
If You Think ADHD Assessment Might Be Right For You
Getting assessed in Melbourne:
Psychiatrists can diagnose and prescribe medication if appropriate
Psychologists specialising in ADHD can provide a comprehensive assessment
Expect 2-4 hour assessment process covering childhood history, current functioning, and specific symptoms
Cost typically ranges from $800-$1500 for private assessment
Some bulk-billing options exist but often have long wait times
Questions to ask potential assessors:
Do you specialise in ADHD in women/adults?
What does your assessment process involve?
How long is the wait for an appointment?
What are the costs and payment options?
If You Are Not Sure About Assessment But Want Support
You don't need a diagnosis to work on understanding yourself better. Many people find value in exploring their patterns, building better strategies, and healing from the shame of feeling "different".
Counselling can help with:
Understanding why certain things feel so hard
Building practical strategies for your specific brain
Unpacking shame and self-judgment
Exploring whether assessment makes sense for you
Processing a recent diagnosis and what it means
Creating sustainable systems and boundaries
If ADHD Doesnt Resonate But Something Else Does
Trust your gut. If this quiz didn't resonate but you're still struggling, something else is going on that deserves attention. Anxiety, trauma, burnout, depression, or other forms of neurodivergence all deserve understanding and support.
A Final Note on Labels
Some people need the diagnosis. The explanation. The access to treatment and accommodations. The proof that they're not lazy or broken. And that is so valid.
Other people find understanding their patterns is enough, regardless of labels. And that is also valid. Both approaches are valid. What matters is that you get support that helps you build a life that actually works for how your brain functions, not how you think it "should" function.
Work With Me at KORA TERRA
Whether you're exploring possible ADHD, working through a recent diagnosis or simply need support building strategies for a brain that works differently, there's space for you here.
I don't diagnose ADHD (that requires a psychiatrist or psychologist), but I can:
Help you explore whether ADHD might explain your experiences
Support you through the assessment process if you choose to pursue it
Connect you with trusted specialists for formal assessment
Work with you after diagnosis to understand what it means and build practical strategies
Help you develop systems that work for YOUR brain, diagnosis or not
At KORA TERRA, we understand that ADHD in women often looks like competence on the outside and chaos on the inside. We get the exhaustion of masking. We understand the shame of "failing" at things that seem easy for others. This is safe earth to explore who you are beneath the performance.
Want to explore further?
Individual counselling sessions available in Bayswater provide a judgment-free space to understand your patterns, build strategies, and decide what support might help.
KORA TERRA Counselling & Psychotherapy
Safe earth to bloom
📍 Bayswater, Melbourne
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