"'Could I Have ADHD?'... Psychology Platform Expands Adult Self-Assessment Services"

[Financial News] As interest in adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) grows, psychological and healthcare platforms are expanding related services, from self-assessments to professional testing and counseling. They are targeting demand from people who want to check their symptom tendencies before visiting a hospital.
According to industry sources on the 14th, Trost, a psychological counseling platform operated by Dain, a subsidiary of Nudge Healthcare, recently added an adult ADHD self-assessment test to its free psychological testing services.
The test was developed to allow users to assess for themselves difficulties they commonly experience, such as reduced concentration, difficulty controlling impulses, and recurring inconveniences in daily life. As a self-report screening tool reviewed by clinical psychologists, it is intended for reference and does not replace clinical diagnosis or treatment.
The test items were based on the core ADHD symptom criteria presented in the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). The results show symptom tendencies in the areas of inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity, along with difficulties with executive functioning, across four levels: 'Stable,' 'Caution,' 'Management,' and 'Intensified.'
When symptom tendencies above a certain level are identified, the service provides information about depression and anxiety that may occur alongside ADHD, as well as additional self-assessment features. It also connects users to other services on the platform, including sound therapy, the community, and counselor search.
Trost is not the only company expanding services related to adult ADHD. Mindcafe operates an adult ADHD testing program that combines an initial consultation, the Clinical Assessment of Attention Deficit (CAT), and interpretation counseling. Dr. Now also provides adult ADHD self-assessment content and information about consultations with medical professionals. The psychological testing platform Poomang also offers a simple ADHD self-diagnosis service, reflecting a growing number of services targeting demand from people who want to check their condition before undergoing professional testing.
Online testing on psychological platforms also remains popular. According to Trost, the cumulative number of psychological tests conducted on the Trost website and app, as well as on Trost within CashWalk, reached approximately 3.03 million from 2020 through July this year. Depression tests, comprehensive psychological tests, personality tests, and self-esteem tests are among the most frequently used.
However, online self-assessments are only reference tools for identifying symptom tendencies. Diagnosing adult ADHD or determining whether treatment is needed requires an evaluation by a medical institution or professional.
"As interest in adult ADHD grows, demand is also increasing among people who want to first examine for themselves the difficulties they experience with concentration and execution in daily life," said Na Seung-gyun, CEO of Dain. "We plan to continue enhancing our psychological care services so that psychological testing can serve as a starting point for understanding one's condition and naturally connect users with the information, self-management content, and professional counseling they need."


[email protected] Jeong Sang-hee Reporter