Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS v1.1)

Foundational Context

The ASRS was developed to address the need for a brief, accurate adult ADHD screener that could be used in both clinical and general population settings. Prior to its creation, most ADHD measures were designed for children or required lengthy clinician administration. The ASRS v1.1 was validated through a large WHO World Mental Health Survey sample (Kessler et al., 2005), demonstrating strong performance as a short screener.

Part A (the 6-item screener) includes items with the highest predictive power for identifying potential ADHD cases. Part B offers a fuller view of symptom frequency but is not used for diagnostic cutoffs. Together, they provide an accessible, structured approach to detecting potential ADHD symptoms in adults who may not have been identified earlier in life.

What the Assessment Measures

The ASRS evaluates symptom frequency across core ADHD domains, reflecting DSM-IV/DSM-5 criteria for adult presentations. It focuses on the real-world expression of symptoms in daily functioning, including both attentional and hyperactive-impulsive patterns.

The ASRS measures:

• Inattention: difficulty sustaining focus, disorganization, forgetfulness, task avoidance
• Hyperactivity: restlessness, trouble sitting still, excessive activity
• Impulsivity: interrupting, difficulty waiting, acting without thinking
• Task initiation and completion: starting tasks, following through on responsibilities
• Executive functioning challenges: planning, prioritizing, and working memory issues

These domains help clinicians understand whether symptom patterns align with common adult ADHD profiles, without implying diagnostic determination.

Interpretation Guidelines

Part A (6-Item Screener):

• A score meeting the published rule (4 or more items in the “elevated frequency” range) suggests the individual is likely to meet criteria for ADHD upon further evaluation.
• This is not a diagnosis, but a validated trigger for deeper assessment.

Part B (12 Symptom Items):

• Provides a broader view of symptom expression and functional impact.
• Higher frequency responses indicate more persistent ADHD-like patterns.
• Clinicians often use Part B to explore domain-specific impairments or to guide interview follow-up.
  

Global Considerations:

• Self-report may be influenced by mood, stress, insight, or coping mechanisms.
• ADHD symptoms must cause functional impairment to meet diagnostic criteria — the ASRS does not assess impairment directly.
• Elevated scores warrant contextual evaluation through interview, collateral information, and functional assessment.

Psychometric Properties

Reliability

• Strong internal consistency across both Part A and Part B
• High test–retest reliability in adult samples
• Consistent performance across multiple demographic groups

Validity

• Part A demonstrates excellent sensitivity and moderate specificity for ADHD screening
• Strong convergent validity with clinician-administered ADHD assessments
• Distinguishes well between adults with ADHD and non-ADHD controls
• Factor analyses support its structure across attention and hyperactive-impulsive domains

Kessler et al. (2005) validated the instrument using large-scale population data, contributing to its widespread adoption.

Administration Considerations

• Self-administered in paper or digital formats
• Designed for quick completion with minimal burden
• Works well in primary care, psychiatry, psychology, and workplace evaluations
• Should be administered when the individual is calm and able to reflect on typical functioning
• For individuals with literacy challenges, clinician-supported administration may be appropriate

Limitations

• Screening tool only — not diagnostic
• Self-report bias may influence results
• Does not assess age-of-onset criteria or functional impairment (required for diagnosis)
• Not validated for severe cognitive impairment or unstable psychiatric states
• Cultural and linguistic adaptation may affect validity across populations