Visualizing Your ADHD Test Results

Jul 19

5 min read

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder that affects both children and adults. The symptoms of ADHD can be separated into two categories: Inattention & Hyperactivity. Our free ADHD test assesses the prevalence of both in the test taker. The below will help you understand how to interpret your findings. Let's delve into the world of ADHD assessment results and explore how you can make sense of them. If you are yet to take our free ADHD test, click here.

Understanding Commission & Omission Errors

In our online ADHD test, omission and commission errors serve as key indicators of the core symptoms of the disorder. Omission errors, which occur when a person fails to respond to a target stimulus, are typically indicative of inattention. They suggest that the individual is struggling to maintain focus and may miss important cues in their environment.

On the other hand, commission errors, which happen when a person responds incorrectly to a non-target stimulus, often reflect hyperactivity and impulsivity. These errors indicate that the individual may act hastily without considering whether their response is appropriate, showcasing a tendency towards impulsive behavior.

Both types of errors provide valuable insights into the nature and severity of ADHD symptoms.

Understanding Response Time & Response Time Variability

Response time and response time variability are crucial metrics that provide insights into attention and cognitive control. Response time, the duration it takes for an individual to respond to a stimulus can highlight processing speed and attentional efficiency. Prolonged response times often suggest difficulties in maintaining focus or processing information swiftly, common in individuals with ADHD.

Response time variability, the inconsistency in response times, is particularly telling of attentional fluctuations and impulsivity. High variability indicates that the individual’s attention is not steady, with periods of quick reactions interspersed with slower ones, reflecting the erratic nature of attention often seen in ADHD.

Together, these measures help understand the stability and efficiency of an individual’s attentional processes, aiding in the diagnosis and management of ADHD.

Understanding Your ADHD Score

In our free ADHD test, the individual's test results, including omission errors, commission errors, response time, and response time variability, are aggregated to create a comprehensive ADHD score. This score is derived by comparing the individual's performance against a normative database of individuals without ADHD, as well as those diagnosed with ADHD.

Each measure is analyzed to determine deviations from typical performance patterns. Omission and commission errors are evaluated to assess inattention and impulsivity, while response time and its variability provide insights into cognitive control and attentional stability. By statistically comparing these metrics to age- and gender-matched control groups, the test generates a profile that quantifies the extent and nature of ADHD symptoms. This comparative analysis helps determine whether an individual's performance is consistent with ADHD, thus aiding in accurate diagnosis and tailored intervention strategies.

Understanding Your Response & Error Scatter Graph

The Response & Error Scatter Graph provides a visual representation of an individual's reaction times and error patterns during an ADHD assessment.

The graph plots each response against its response time in milliseconds (ms). Green dots indicate correct responses, illustrating the distribution and timing of accurate reactions. Red crosses represent commission errors, where incorrect responses were given, pointing to instances of impulsivity. Black triangles denote omission errors, indicating missed responses that highlight lapses in attention. Blue diamonds mark anticipatory responses, showing premature reactions.

The grey bar across the graph indicates the expected range for correct response times. This visualization helps in understanding the variability and distribution of reaction times and identifying patterns of attentiveness, impulsivity, and overall cognitive control, which are critical in diagnosing and managing ADHD symptoms.

Understanding your Z-Scores & Percentiles

The Z-scores Analysis graph provides a detailed look at how an individual's performance compares to a normative sample in an ADHD assessment. Z-scores measure how many standard deviations a data point is from the mean of a dataset, allowing comparison with the average performance of others who have taken the same test. Positive Z-scores indicate values above the mean, while negative Z-scores indicate values below the mean, with lower Z-scores suggesting performance closer to or better than the average.

In this graph, the Z-scores for four key metrics are shown: omission errors, commission errors, response time variability, and response time. Each red bar indicates the individual's score for that metric. For instance, the Z-score for omission errors is slightly below 0, indicating fewer omission errors compared to the average. The Z-scores for response time (-1.82) and response time variability (-1.64) indicate significantly better than average performance in these areas, as lower values are better. Commission errors have a Z-score of -0.36, suggesting performance close to the average, while the Z-score for omission errors is -0.84, indicating fewer errors than average.

The table below the graph shows the corresponding percentiles for these Z-scores, highlighting how the individual ranks relative to others. For example, a response time Z-score of -1.82 places the individual in the 3.44th percentile, meaning they performed better than approximately 96.56% of the normative sample. Similarly, the response time variability percentile is 5.05, and commission errors are at the 35.94th percentile, indicating areas where performance is better or typical compared to the population. This analysis helps in understanding the individual's strengths and weaknesses in attention and impulsivity.

Taking Action

Visualizing your ADHD assessment results is just the first step in your journey towards better understanding and managing ADHD. The information gleaned from the report can guide you in seeking appropriate support and interventions. Whether it's therapy, medication, organizational strategies, or lifestyle adjustments, recognizing your ADHD profile can empower you to make informed choices moving forward.

Seeking Professional Guidance

While interpreting your ADHD test results can be enlightening, it's essential to consult with a healthcare professional for a comprehensive evaluation and personalized treatment recommendations. A healthcare provider specializing in ADHD can offer valuable insights, tailored interventions, and ongoing support to help you navigate the complexities of ADHD effectively.

In conclusion, visualizing your ADHD assessment results can provide valuable insights into your unique ADHD profile. By understanding and interpreting these findings, you can take proactive steps toward managing ADHD and improving your overall well-being.

Remember, your ADHD diagnosis does not define you. It's merely a part of who you are, and with the right support and strategies, you can thrive and succeed in various aspects of your life.

So, embrace your journey, seek the help you need, and remember that you are capable of overcoming any challenges that come your way. Your ADHD story is just beginning!