Question 1

What is the ASRS and why was it developed?

Accepted Answer

The Adult ADHD Self‑Report Scale (ASRS) v1.1 is a self‑administered questionnaire created by the World Health Organization and Harvard researchers to screen for ADHD symptoms in adults. It contains 18 items reflecting DSM‑IV‑TR criteria, with a six‑item short screener (Part A) that is highly predictive of an ADHD diagnosis. The tool was designed to provide a quick, standardized method for identifying adults who may benefit from a full clinical evaluation. Adult ADHD often goes undiagnosed despite causing significant impairment in work, relationships and daily functioning. The ASRS fills a critical gap by offering a validated, accessible screening tool that can be completed in about 5 minutes. Research shows that up to 4.4% of adults have ADHD, yet many remain unidentified until later in life.

Question 2

How is the ASRS scored?

Accepted Answer

Each item uses a five‑point frequency scale: Never = 0, Rarely = 1, Sometimes = 2, Often = 3, Very Often = 4. Add the first six items to obtain your Part A score (0–24). A score of 14 or more is considered a positive screen. Sum the remaining twelve items to get a Part B score (0–48); scores of 27 or higher are clinically significant. Combining all 18 items yields a total score (0–72) that can be compared to normative data—scores 40 or more fall above the 79th percentile in the general population.

Question 3

What does research say about the accuracy and reliability of the ASRS?

Accepted Answer

Validation studies show that the ASRS has excellent psychometric properties across multiple populations. The original U.S. validation reported high internal consistency (Cronbach's α ≈ 0.88) and strong concurrent validity (r ≈ 0.84). A 2020 case–control study found Cronbach's α = 0.952 for the full scale and replicated the two‑factor structure (inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity). The ASRS achieved an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.904 for the full scale and 0.903 for the 6‑item screener, indicating excellent diagnostic accuracy. Using a Part A cut‑off of 14 points yields around 90% sensitivity and 88% specificity, meaning it correctly identifies 90% of adults with ADHD while correctly ruling out 88% of those without the condition. These psychometric properties rival or exceed many diagnostic instruments used in psychiatry.

Question 4

Is the ASRS valid in different cultures or languages?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The ASRS has been translated and validated in multiple languages including Spanish, Arabic, Korean, Japanese, Thai and many others. For example, a Thai adaptation showed Cronbach's α ≈ 0.86 for the full scale and reported that using four or more responses in the darkly shaded boxes of Part A (the original dichotomous scoring) produced 90.91% sensitivity and 62.5% specificity. Cross-cultural studies consistently demonstrate that the ASRS maintains its factor structure and reliability across diverse populations. These findings support the tool's cross‑cultural applicability, although optimal cut‑off points may vary slightly across populations based on cultural differences in symptom expression and reporting. When using translated versions, ensure they have been formally validated in the target population.

Question 5

What should I do if my ASRS score is high?

Accepted Answer

A high Part A score (≥14) or a high total score (≥40) suggests that your symptoms are consistent with ADHD. However, the ASRS cannot diagnose the disorder. If you screen positive, consult a licensed mental health professional or physician for a comprehensive assessment. A thorough evaluation will consider your childhood history (ADHD symptoms must be present before age 12), functional impairments across multiple settings, and other conditions that may mimic or coexist with ADHD such as anxiety, depression or sleep disorders. Tools like the Wender Utah Rating Scale (WURS) can help assess childhood symptoms retrospectively. Many adults with ADHD also experience comorbid conditions—consider screening for anxiety with the [GAD-7](/assessments/gad-7) or depression with the [PHQ-9](/assessments/phq-9) to provide your clinician with a complete picture.

Question 6

How private is this online ASRS?

Accepted Answer

Your responses are processed entirely within your browser. No data is transmitted or stored on our servers. This client‑side processing ensures full privacy and HIPAA compliance for clinical use.

Question 7

How often should I complete the ASRS?

Accepted Answer

If you are monitoring ADHD symptoms during treatment, administering the ASRS every few months can track changes over time. Because the questionnaire asks about behaviours over the past six months, avoid taking it more frequently than that. Always interpret your scores in consultation with a healthcare provider.

Question 8

What's the difference between Part A and Part B of the ASRS?

Accepted Answer

Part A consists of 6 items that were selected through extensive psychometric analysis as the most predictive of an ADHD diagnosis. These items capture core symptoms with the highest diagnostic accuracy and are weighted toward inattention. Part A can be used as a standalone screener in time-limited settings. Part B contains 12 additional items that assess a broader range of ADHD symptoms including hyperactivity, impulsivity and functional impairment across various life domains. While Part B doesn't contribute to the initial screening decision, it provides valuable clinical information about symptom severity and helps clinicians understand which domains are most affected. Using both parts together gives the most comprehensive assessment of adult ADHD symptoms.

ASRS v1.1: Adult ADHD Self‑Report Scale v1.1

Understanding the ASRS v1.1: Screening for Adult ADHD

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How to Use the ASRS v1.1

ASRS Scoring Interpretation

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