Adults with ADHD tend to be weaker in areas requiring more focused attention, such as making mathematical computations and recognizing patterns. The Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS) is widely used in the diagnosis of adult ADHD. The test measures two broad areas of intelligence, including verbal skills and performance skills.

It also assesses factual knowledge, spatial skills, logical thinking, and mathematical ability. The results of both tests are combined for the IQ score, which can be used to compare adults with ADHD to adults without the disorder.

Memory Tests

Memory is a process rather than a specific part of the brain. It functions as a system with many parts scattered throughout the brain. While adults with ADHD don't necessarily have bad memories, they do have unique symptoms that may create gaps in their memory processes. For instance, since adults with the disorder usually need to be motivated and interested to acquire knowledge, they may only remember information they deem fascinating and dump valuable details that may be boring.

The Wechsler Memory Scale is often used to test memory strengths and weaknesses in adults with ADHD. The scale is a battery of memory tests that consists of eleven subtests, including six primary and five optional subtests. The primary subtests test logical memory (like remembering a story), verbal paired associates (remembering word sets), letter-number sequencing, and tasks related to visual memory. Optional subtests test information and orientation, and memory for lists of words and numbers.