ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS v.1.1)
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The ASRS v1.1 is a brief self-report tool designed to screen for symptoms of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in adults. Developed by the World Health Organization in collaboration with leading researchers, it reflects core ADHD criteria from the DSM-IV and DSM-5.
At a Glance
- Format: Self-report questionnaire
- Length: 18 items (plus optional 6-item screener)
- Population: Adults (18+)
Recommended Frequency: Every 3–6 months, or as clinically indicated
🧭 What It Measures
The ASRS assesses symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity in adults. It is intended as a screening tool to help identify individuals who may benefit from further clinical evaluation. The questions map directly onto DSM criteria, with a focus on how symptoms impact functioning at work, home, and in daily life.
🧪 Psychometric Properties
The ASRS v1.1 has demonstrated strong reliability and validity in adult populations. Original validation studies reported high internal consistency (α = 0.88) and strong concurrent validity (r = 0.84) with clinician-rated diagnoses (Adler et al., 2006).
Sensitivity was reported as high (1.0), with strong negative predictive power (1.0), indicating the scale is effective at ruling out ADHD in individuals without the condition. Specificity was moderate (0.71), and positive predictive power was 0.52 (Hines, King & Curry, 2012).
Factor analysis by Stanton et al. (2018) suggested a three-factor structure:
- Inattentiveness
- Motor Hyperactivity/Impulsivity
- Verbal Hyperactivity/Impulsivity
While the DSM-5-TR describes two core domains of ADHD, the ASRS’s structure allows clinicians to examine subscale patterns in more detail, especially when hyperactivity symptoms vary across physical and verbal behaviours.
📋 The Scale
The full scale includes 18 questions divided into two parts:
- Part A: 6-item screener used to flag high-likelihood cases
- Part B: 12 additional items providing broader symptom context
Each item is rated on a 5-point frequency scale ranging from “Never” to “Very Often.” The screener focuses on core impairing symptoms such as forgetfulness, restlessness, and difficulty sustaining attention.
Copyright
© World Health Organization 2003 All rights reserved. Based on the Composite International Diagnostic Interview © 2001 World Health Organization. All rights reserved. Used with permission. Requests for permission to reproduce or translate —whether for sale or for noncommercial distribution—should be addressed to Professor Ronald Kessler, PhD, Department of Health Care Policy, Harvard Medical School, (fax: +011 617-432-3588; email: [email protected])
References
- Schweitzer JB, et al. Med Clin North Am. 2001;85(3):10-11, 757-777.
- Barkley RA. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: A Handbook for Diagnosis and Treatment. 2nd ed. 1998.
- Biederman J, et al. Am J Psychiatry.1993;150:1792-1798.
- American Psychiatric Association: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, Text Revision. Washington, DC, American Psychiatric Association. 2000: 85-93.
Disclaimer
The information provided above is based on the referenced publicly available sources and the ASRS developers. It is intended for informational and educational purposes only, and does not constitute a treatment recommendation by HiBoop.
Permissions
The ASRS v1.1 is publicly available through the World Health Organization and the U.S. National Comorbidity Survey initiative. It may be freely used in clinical and research contexts without licensing fees.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can the ASRS be used for diagnosis?
No—it is a screening tool. A full diagnostic assessment is required to confirm ADHD.