Brain Fog Scale

Feeling trapped in a numb mental haze? Take the test to find out if 'brain fog' is clouding your mind.

By Mark Travers, Ph.D. | September 09, 2024

Imagine navigating a dense fog, where clear roads now seem blurred and uncertain. That's how "brain fog" feels. In a state like this, mental clarity fades, focus drifts and even simple tasks become frustrating puzzles. However, it's more than just forgetfulness or distraction; it can feel like a persistent cloud that slows decision-making and leaves you mentally drained and unfocused.

While brain fog isn't a medical condition itself, it is a symptom of many issues like stress, fatigue, hormonal changes or even chronic illnesses like depression and autoimmune diseases. Those affected often struggle with problems such as poor concentration, mental fatigue and hampered memory recall. Common causes include sleep deprivation, anxiety, poor nutrition and underlying conditions like depression.

The Brain Fog Scale (BFS) was developed by Derya Atik and Ayşe İnel Manav, and it stands valid and reliable in helping individuals identify cognitive difficulties. By taking this test, you can gain the insight necessary for improving your focus and clarity in daily life.

You can take this test here. Follow all of the steps to receive your results.

Step 1: Rate the following statements based on how much you agree with them on a scale of strongly disagree to strongly agree.

1. I am forgetful in daily activities.

2. I want to sleep more lately.

3. I have difficulty falling asleep.

4. I feel even more tired when I move.

5. I feel like my thinking process slows down.

6. I have difficulty finding the right words when talking.

7. I have difficulty understanding what other people say.

8. I am easily distracted.

9. I have difficulty concentrating.

10. I have difficulty multitasking.

11. I make unexpected mistakes while doing something.

12. I have difficulty learning new skills.

13. I have difficulty remembering a conversation I have had before.

14. I have difficulty remembering a picture I have seen before.

15. I have difficulty remembering things I have read before.

16. I do not enjoy doing things I have to do.

17. I have difficulty making up my mind.

18. I have difficulty zeroing in on something.

19. I have difficulty planning.

20. I experience a feeling of uncertainty.

21. I feel detached.

22. I am reluctant to communicate with others.

23. I feel worried.

24. I have difficulty finishing what I start.

25. I have difficulty finding my stuff.

26. I feel less competent in managing everyday tasks.

27. I do not think I am energetic.

28. I have difficulty controlling my emotions.

Step 2: Enter your age, gender, region, and first name so we can provide you with a detailed report that compares your test scores to people similar to you.

What is your age?

What is your gender?

What region of the world do you live in?

What is your first name?

Step 3: Check to make sure you've provided answers to all of the statements/questions above. Once you've done that, click the button below to send your responses to Awake Therapy's Lead Psychologist, Mark Travers, Ph.D. He will provide you with an overview of how you scored relative to others (all answers are anonymized and confidential to protect users' privacy). He can also answer any follow-up questions you may have.

References: Atik, D., & Manav, A. İ. (2023). A scale development study: Brain Fog Scale. Psychiatria Danubina, 35(1). 73-79. https://doi.org/10.24869/psyd.2023.73