Executive Function Test: ADEXI Self-Assessment
Executive functions are the cognitive skills that allow you to plan, organise, remember instructions, manage your time, and control impulses. When they are not working well, everyday tasks feel harder than they should. The Adult Executive Functioning Inventory (ADEXI) is a brief, validated tool that measures two core areas of executive function: working memory and inhibitory control. Developed by Holst and Thorell (2018) and freely available for research and clinical use, it has been validated across multiple countries and is particularly relevant for adults with ADHD.
This self-assessment takes about three minutes. If you also experience difficulties with focus and attention, you may find our ADHD self-assessment (ASRS) useful alongside this tool, as executive dysfunction is one of the core features of ADHD.
Take the Executive Function Assessment
Executive Function Self-Assessment (ADEXI)
14 statements about working memory & self-control · 3 minutes
Instructions: Read each statement and indicate how well it describes you as a person. Try to respond as honestly as possible.
Your answers are not stored or transmitted. Everything runs in your browser.
Working Memory
Inhibition
Support for Working Memory and Self-Control
Recallify directly addresses the executive function challenges measured by the ADEXI. Voice capture replaces the need to hold instructions in memory. Automatic task extraction handles multi-step planning. Smart reminders take over so your working memory doesn't have to.
What Does the ADEXI Measure?
The ADEXI consists of 14 statements rated on a five-point scale from “definitely not true” to “definitely true.” It measures two distinct subscales. The Working Memory subscale (9 items) covers difficulties such as forgetting instructions, losing track of what you are doing, struggling with multi-step tasks, and problems with planning. The Inhibition subscale (5 items) covers impulse control, difficulty stopping enjoyable activities, and acting without thinking.
The original validation study demonstrated high internal consistency and found that adults with ADHD scored significantly higher on both subscales compared to clinical and non-clinical controls, supporting the scale’s relevance for understanding executive dysfunction in daily life.
How Is the ADEXI Scored?
Each item is scored 1 to 5, giving a total score range of 14 to 70. The Working Memory subscale (items 1, 2, 5, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12, 13) ranges from 9 to 45. The Inhibition subscale (items 3, 4, 6, 10, 14) ranges from 5 to 25. Higher scores indicate more difficulty. The authors have not yet published formal population norms or clinical cut-offs, so the bands shown in our tool are approximate guides based on the scale structure. Your results show both the total score and a breakdown by subscale, so you can see whether your difficulties are primarily with working memory, impulse control, or both.
Why Executive Function Matters
Executive function underpins nearly everything you do: following through on plans, remembering what you need for the day, switching between tasks, resisting distractions, and controlling impulses. When these skills are impaired, the knock-on effects touch work, relationships, finances, and self-confidence. Executive dysfunction is a core feature of ADHD but also occurs after brain injury, in MS, and in many other neurological conditions. Understanding which aspect of executive function is most affected for you, whether working memory or inhibitory control, helps you choose the right strategies and tools.
How Recallify Supports Executive Function
The ADEXI items read like a description of the problems Recallify was designed to solve. Forgetting lengthy instructions? Record them by voice and get an automatic summary. Struggling with multi-step tasks? Recallify extracts individual action items from recordings and notes. Difficulty planning what to bring? The app’s structured task management and reminders catch what your working memory misses. Rather than relying on willpower to remember, you offload the job to a system that does it reliably.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a diagnosis of executive dysfunction or ADHD?
No. The ADEXI is a self-report inventory, not a diagnostic tool. It helps you reflect on everyday difficulties with working memory and self-control. A formal assessment of executive function or ADHD requires a comprehensive evaluation by a neuropsychologist or psychiatrist.
What is the difference between working memory and inhibition?
Working memory is your ability to hold information in mind and use it, such as remembering a set of instructions while carrying them out. Inhibition (or inhibitory control) is your ability to stop yourself from acting on impulse, resist distractions, or disengage from something rewarding when you need to. Both are executive functions, but they can be affected independently.
Who is the ADEXI designed for?
The ADEXI was developed for adults and has been validated across general population samples and clinical groups including adults with ADHD. It is suitable for anyone who wants to understand their everyday executive functioning, regardless of whether they have a diagnosis.
Are there clinical cut-off scores?
Not yet. The authors have not published formal normative data or clinical cut-offs. The bands shown in our tool are approximate guides based on the scale’s range. For a clinically meaningful interpretation, discuss your results with a professional.
How does this relate to the ADHD test on this site?
The ASRS (our ADHD self-assessment) screens for ADHD symptoms broadly (inattention, hyperactivity, impulsivity). The ADEXI focuses specifically on two executive functions: working memory and inhibition. They complement each other. You could score high on the ADEXI without meeting ADHD criteria, or vice versa.
Are my questionnaire answers stored?
No. This tool runs entirely in your browser. No answers or scores are stored, transmitted, or shared.