Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale
This screener is based on the World Health Organization’s ASRS-v1.1. It’s designed to help you recognize the signs and symptoms of adult ADHD. Please answer the questions based on how you have felt and conducted yourself over the past 6 months.
This is a screening tool, not a diagnostic test. Please consult with a qualified healthcare professional for a diagnosis.
Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS-v1.1) Screener FAQ
The Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS-v1.1) Screener is a tool developed in conjunction with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Workgroup on Adult ADHD to help adults screen themselves for symptoms consistent with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
What is the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS-v1.1) Screener?
The ASRS-v1.1 Screener is a brief, self-administered questionnaire consisting of six key questions chosen from the full 18-question ASRS-v1.1 symptom checklist. These six questions were identified as the most predictive for symptoms consistent with an ADHD diagnosis in adults.
- Purpose: It’s used as a preliminary step to help individuals identify if they have symptoms that warrant a more formal evaluation by a qualified healthcare professional.
- Source: It’s based on the diagnostic criteria in the American Psychiatric Association’s DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) but presented in an easy-to-read self-report format.
How Does the ASRS-v1.1 Screener Work?
The screener asks you to rate the frequency of certain behaviors or experiences over the past six months using a simple scale:
| Frequency | Score |
| Never | 0 |
| Rarely | 1 |
| Sometimes | 2 |
| Often | 3 |
| Very Often | 4 |
Interpreting the Results
The six questions are broken down into Part A (Inattention) and Part B (Hyperactivity/Impulsivity).
- Part A (Questions 1–4): A positive result for this part is a score of “Often” or “Very Often” on four or more of these four questions. This suggests symptoms of Inattention.
- Part B (Questions 5–6): A positive result for this part is a score of “Often” or “Very Often” on both of the two questions. This suggests symptoms of Hyperactivity/Impulsivity.
A positive score on Part A alone or both Part A and Part B indicates that your symptoms are consistent with an adult ADHD diagnosis, and you should seek a clinical evaluation.
Why is the ASRS-v1.1 Screener Useful for Adults?
Many adults with ADHD were not diagnosed as children, and their symptoms can manifest differently than in children. The ASRS-v1.1 is useful because:
- Adult-Specific Symptoms: It focuses on symptoms common in adults, such as difficulty managing time, organizational challenges, excessive restlessness, and chronic procrastination.
- Increased Self-Awareness: It provides a structured way for individuals to reflect on long-standing patterns of behavior, which is often the first step toward seeking help.
- Facilitates Clinical Discussion: The results give an individual concrete data to share with a doctor or mental health professional, making the initial conversation about an evaluation clearer and more focused.
Is the ASRS-v1.1 Screener a Diagnosis?
No. The ASRS-v1.1 Screener is NOT a diagnosis.
It is only a screening tool used to determine if the presence and frequency of your symptoms suggest the need for a professional evaluation. Only a trained healthcare provider—such as a psychiatrist, clinical psychologist, or neurologist—can officially diagnose Adult ADHD after a comprehensive clinical interview and assessment.
Who Should Consider Taking the Screener?
You might consider taking the ASRS-v1.1 Screener if you consistently experience challenges with:
- Executive Functions: Difficulty with organization, planning, prioritizing tasks, and managing time.
- Sustaining Attention: Frequent trouble focusing during conversations, reading, or tasks, even when you are interested.
- Impulsivity: Making hasty decisions, interrupting others, or acting without considering the consequences.
- Restlessness: Feeling internally restless, having trouble relaxing, or needing to constantly be busy.
- Emotional Regulation: Frequent mood swings or difficulty managing frustration.
These struggles must have been present since childhood and impact your functioning in at least two major areas of life (e.g., work, relationships, or education).
➡️ What Should I Do If I Score Positive?
A positive score is a signal to take the next step by seeking a formal evaluation.
- Consult a Professional: Schedule an appointment with a primary care doctor or, preferably, a mental health specialist (psychiatrist or psychologist) experienced in Adult ADHD.
- Bring Your Results: Share your ASRS-v1.1 Screener results with the clinician, as this information is a valuable starting point for their assessment.
- Comprehensive Evaluation: Expect the clinician to conduct a thorough interview about your developmental history, current symptoms, and impact on your life, and they may use other diagnostic tools.
- Try Meditation for ADHD