What does my score mean?

It reflects how often burnout symptoms occur and suggests next steps.

No. It’s a self-assessment. Only a qualified clinician can diagnose or confirm a condition.

Does burnout differ from stress or depression?

Burnout relates to unmanaged work stress with exhaustion, detachment and reduced efficacy; depression includes broader mood changes beyond work. Seek a professional view if unsure.

I feel emotionally drained by my work.

Likert scale response (e.g., Never to Every day)

Working with people all day long requires a great deal of effort.

Likert scale response (e.g., Never to Every day)

I feel like my work is breaking me down.

Likert scale response (e.g., Never to Every day)

Online Self-Screening for Brain Fog

A self-assessment that evaluates cognitive symptoms associated with brain fog across cognitive, physiological, and psychological domains

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Key takeaways

A 3-5 minute self-screening test for brain fog
Screens core symptoms across cognitive, physiological, and psychological domains
Assesses brain fog using commonly reported symptoms
Designed as a self-screening test and not a diagnostic tool
Provides recommended next steps based on symptom severity
Can be used to track changes over time

About This Test

This self-assessment evaluates cognitive symptoms associated with brain fog through 30 questions across cognitive, physiological, and psychological domains. It provides a symptom severity score but does not provide a medical diagnosis. This brain fog self-test works in three simple steps: answer 30 questions, get instant results, and review recommended next steps.

Answer 30 questions

You will answer 30 questions that screen for core symptoms of brain fog, divided across three domains: cognitive, physiological, and psychological.

Each question is followed by 5 responses, scored from 1 to 5:

1 — Strongly Disagree
2 — Disagree
3 — Neutral
4 — Agree
5 — Strongly Agree

Instant Results

Your result is displayed immediately. Based on your score, your symptom severity can fall within the following categories:

Minimal: 30-59
Mild: 60-89
Moderate: 90-119
Severe: 120-150

Next Steps

Based on your score, recommended next steps will be displayed, which may include seeking professional support, self-help strategies, or lifestyle interventions.

How the test works

You rate how often you notice: (1) mental fatigue, (2) attention/word-finding/memory lapses (impaired cognitive acuity), and (3) confusion. Scores map to severity bands (none–severe) and suggest next steps: self-help strategies, checks to consider (e.g., iron status if appropriate), and when to seek a clinical review. You can retake this brain fog checklist to track progress.

Scientific basis

This brain fog screening tool is informed by the validated Brain Fog Scale questionnaire (BFS). The BFS groups symptoms into three areas: mental fatigue, impaired cognitive acuity, and confusion. Similar symptoms are used in other validated screening tools, such as the Cognitive Failure Questionnaire and the PROMIS cognitive function measures.

Test Author

Agata Debowska (PhD), Prof. Daniel Boduszek (PhD), Dr. Marek Ochman (MD, PhD), Tomasz Hrapkowicz, Martyna Gaweda (MD), Anastazja Pondel and Beata Horeczy (MD)

Medical Reviewer

Arielle Tandowski

Public Health Professional

FAQ:

What is brain fog?

Brain fog is a term used to describe a range of symptoms associated with cognitive impairment, such as mental fatigue, reduced alertness, forgetfulness, confusion, difficulty concentrating, and other cognitive symptoms. The symptoms experienced can be caused by many factors, such as sleep deprivation, stress, anxiety, hormonal changes (like those experienced during pregnancy or menopause), post-COVID-19 complications (long COVID), and nutritional deficiencies (low vitamin B12, low iron, or low ferritin).

What are common symptoms of brain fog?

Common brain fog symptoms include: Reduced attention span, Forgetfulness, Confusion, Reduced mental clarity, Reduced alertness, Mental fatigue, Difficulty concentrating.

What causes brain fog?

Brain fog can arise from many underlying medical conditions and factors, which include:
Sleep-related disorders
Stress and burnout
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)
Poor nutrition (e.g., vitamin B12 deficiency)
Mental health conditions (e.g., anxiety, depression, PTSD)
Hormonal changes (including those experienced during pregnancy and menopause)
Long COVID (a complication of COVID-19)
Neurological conditions (e.g., multiple sclerosis)
Autoimmune diseases (e.g., systemic lupus erythematosus [SLE])
Thyroid dysfunction (e.g., hypothyroidism)
Medication side effects

Is brain fog a medical condition?

Brain fog is a non-clinical, lay term often used to refer to a cluster of symptoms associated with cognitive impairment. It is not a medical condition but rather a subjective, self-reported state. However, symptoms can be caused by underlying medical conditions or factors such as sleep-related disorders, mental health conditions, hypothyroidism, or disruption in physiological status, such as low nutrient levels (iron and vitamin B12).

Is brain fog reversible?

Brain fog may be reversible depending on the underlying factor or medical condition. For example, brain fog caused by stress or sleep-related disorders may be reversible through lifestyle intervention and professional support. If caused by nutritional deficiencies, adequate intake and correction of nutrient levels may reverse it. When caused by chronic or autoimmune conditions, symptoms may be managed but not fully resolved.

What does this brain fog test measure?

This test screens for brain fog by asking questions about common associated symptoms across cognitive, physiological, and psychological domains, such as forgetfulness, mental fatigue, confusion, and difficulty completing tasks.

How should I interpret my results?

Your score determines your self-reported symptom severity, and it can fall within the following categories:
Minimal: 30-59
Mild: 60-89
Moderate: 90-119
Severe: 120-150

Who should take this test?

If you have been experiencing symptoms of brain fog, such as difficulty concentrating, confusion, mental fatigue, and forgetfulness, you may benefit from taking this self-assessment.

When should I seek medical advice?

If your score falls within the moderate to severe range, you may benefit from professional evaluation and management. You may also consider medical advice if your score falls within the minimal or mild range, but you feel your symptoms interfere with your quality of life.

What scientific research is this brain fog screening tool based on?

This brain fog screening tool is informed by the validated Brain Fog Scale questionnaire (BFS). The BFS groups symptoms into three areas: mental fatigue, impaired cognitive acuity, and confusion.
Similar symptoms are used in other validated screening tools, such as the Cognitive Failure Questionnaire and the PROMIS cognitive function measures.

What are the limitations of this brain fog test?

This brain fog assessment is designed as a screening test, and not a diagnostic tool. It also relies on self-reported symptoms rather than objective measures. Hence, it is not a replacement for professional evaluation and diagnosis. Additionally, this brain fog self-test may not identify the underlying cause of symptoms.

This test is not a diagnostic tool. It’s designed as a screening and educational tool, and is not a substitute for medical advice. If your symptoms persist, worsen, or you feel unsafe, contact a qualified professional, your local emergency number, or a mental health helpline.

Last Updated: 26 April 2026