Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS v1.1)
WHO-developed screening tool for ADHD symptoms in adults.
Last reviewed: July 2026
- Full name
- Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS v1.1)
- Measures
- The ASRS v1.
- Format
- 18 items · ~5 min · Self-report
- Score range
- 0 to 72 (Full)
- Reliability
- Part A screener: sensitivity 68.7%, specificity 99.5%, PPV 97.4% (Kessler et al., 2005).
- Population
- Adults aged 18+.
- Interpretation
- 0–3 (Part A)Negative screen
- 4–6 (Part A)Positive screen
- 0–36 (Full)Low symptom burden
- 37–54 (Full)Moderate symptoms
- 55–72 (Full)High symptom burden
Scoring & Interpretation
Part A (6 items): Score shaded boxes — 4+ shaded responses is a positive screen. Full scale (18 items): Sum all responses (0=Never to 4=Very Often), range 0–72. Higher scores indicate more frequent ADHD symptoms. There is no single diagnostic cut-off for the full scale; interpret alongside clinical interview.
| Score Range | Severity | Clinical Action |
|---|---|---|
| 0–3 (Part A) | Negative screen | ADHD unlikely — no further action needed |
| 4–6 (Part A) | Positive screen | Proceed to full diagnostic assessment |
| 0–36 (Full) | Low symptom burden | Review in context of presenting concerns |
| 37–54 (Full) | Moderate symptoms | Clinical interview recommended |
| 55–72 (Full) | High symptom burden | Comprehensive ADHD evaluation indicated |
- Part A screener: sensitivity 68.7%, specificity 99.5%, PPV 97.4% (Kessler et al., 2005).
- Internal consistency: Cronbach's α = 0.88.
- Test-retest reliability: ICC = 0.86 over 2 weeks.
- Validated against clinician-administered DSM-IV diagnosis in a WHO field trial (n=154).
When to Use This vs Alternatives
Use WFIRS-S when…
You need to measure functional impairment across life domains (work, school, relationships, self-concept) rather than symptom frequency. The WFIRS-S tells you HOW MUCH ADHD affects daily life — the ASRS tells you IF symptoms are present.
View WFIRS-S →Use ADHD-FIS when…
You want a brief screening read on how ADHD is affecting daily tasks, relationships and self-esteem. The ADHD-FIS is an original 18-item functional-impact checklist; the WFIRS-S (69 items) is the validated, comprehensive alternative.
View ADHD-FIS →Use WURS-25 when…
You need retrospective evidence of childhood ADHD symptoms. DSM-5 requires symptom onset before age 12 — the WURS-25 asks adults to recall childhood behaviours. Pair with ASRS for current + historical picture.
View WURS-25 →See It in Action
Sample: a completed ASRS, scored and interpreted.
How a completed ASRS reads as a screen:
Screen Positive
Symptoms consistent with adult ADHD — full assessment warranted.
4 of 6 screening items met the threshold.
On ClientForms the screen result is scored for you and ready to read or export as a PDF.
See the dashboard view
Synthetic sample for illustration — not a real patient.
What It Measures
1 was developed with the World Health Organisation (WHO) for use in the Composite International Diagnostic Interview, and is the most widely used screening measure for adult ADHD. It rates the frequency of the 18 DSM symptoms of ADHD (9 inattentive, 9 hyperactive-impulsive) over the past six months. The six items of Part A carry most of the predictive weight and are used on their own as the ASRS v1.1 screener; the full 18 items add a broader symptom profile to discuss at assessment.
When to Use the ASRS
Use the ASRS as the first step when adult ADHD is suspected. It is a screening tool — not a diagnostic instrument. A positive screen (4+ shaded items in Part A) indicates that further clinical assessment is warranted, such as a structured diagnostic interview. Administer at intake or when a patient presents with concentration difficulties, disorganisation, restlessness, or impulsivity.
Who It's For
Adults aged 18+. Validated in community, primary care, and clinical samples. Self-report format — the patient completes it themselves. Available in 20+ languages. Not validated for under-18s (use SNAP-IV or Conners instead).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ASRS (Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale)?
The ASRS is a self-report screening tool developed by the World Health Organisation to identify ADHD symptoms in adults. It contains 18 items based on DSM criteria. Part A (6 items) is a brief screener — 4 or more shaded responses indicate a positive screen requiring further assessment.
What score on the ASRS indicates ADHD?
On Part A (6-item screener), 4 or more shaded responses is a positive screen (sensitivity 68.7%, specificity 99.5%). This does NOT diagnose ADHD — it indicates that a full diagnostic assessment is warranted. The full 18-item scale does not have a single diagnostic cut-off.
How do you score the ASRS v1.1 Part A screener?
Part A has six items, each rated from Never to Very Often. Responses that fall in the shaded box count as a positive item, and four or more shaded items is a positive screen. A positive screen means a full assessment is warranted, not that ADHD is confirmed.
What is the difference between Part A and Part B of the ASRS?
Part A is the six-item screener that carries the predictive weight and drives the screen-positive decision. Part B is the remaining twelve items, which add a fuller symptom profile to explore at assessment but are not used to decide the screen.
Is the ASRS a diagnostic test for ADHD?
No. The ASRS is a screening tool, not a diagnosis. A positive screen indicates that a structured diagnostic assessment is warranted; the diagnosis remains the clinical judgement of the practitioner alongside history and impairment.
Where can I get the ASRS, and is it free to use?
Yes. The ASRS v1.1 is free to use and reproduce, and is distributed in over twenty languages by the World Health Organisation (Kessler et al., 2005). On ClientForms you can send it to a patient, who completes it on their phone, and the Part A screen result comes back scored for you, ready to read or export.
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