Wender Utah Rating Scale (WURS-61)
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The WURS-61 is a retrospective self-report tool designed to help identify childhood symptoms of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in adults. It captures behaviors such as inattentiveness, impulsivity, mood instability, and academic difficulties prior to age 12.
Recommended Frequency: Use once at intake when assessing adults for ADHD; not intended for repeated use. Often paired with current symptom measures like the ASRS.
About the WURS-61
Developed by Ward, Wender, and Reimherr, the WURS-61 was created to evaluate childhood behaviours associated with ADHD in adults. It is based on the Utah Criteria for ADHD, which includes emotional dysregulation and mood lability in addition to classic core symptoms.
The scale supports retrospective ADHD diagnosis by helping clinicians assess whether ADHD symptoms were present in childhood, which is required under DSM criteria.
It is most appropriate for use in adult psychiatric or neurodevelopmental assessments.
Psychometric Properties
The WURS-61 has been shown to effectively distinguish adults with ADHD from those with other psychiatric conditions:
- Internal consistency: Cronbach’s α ≈ 0.94
- Sensitivity: ~85%
- Specificity: ~76%
- Validated against structured clinical interviews and used widely in adult ADHD screening
Sources: Ward et al., 1993; McCann et al., 2000
The Scale
The WURS-61 consists of 61 retrospective items, each rated on a 5-point Likert scale (0 = Not at all or very slightly to 4 = Very much).
Items cover domains such as:
- Attention and academic performance
- Hyperactivity and impulsivity
- Emotional regulation and mood
- Social and family relationships
Total score is derived by summing selected items most predictive of ADHD.
Score Range
- Score ≥ 46 (based on 25 core items): Suggests possible childhood ADHD
- Higher total scores increase likelihood of a positive screen, but the WURS is not diagnostic on its own
Interpretation should be part of a comprehensive clinical evaluation.
Copyright
© 1993 by Wender, Ward, and Reimherr. Usage requires appropriate attribution.
References
- Ward, M. F., Wender, P. H., & Reimherr, F. W. (1993). The Wender Utah Rating Scale: An aid in the retrospective diagnosis of childhood attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. American Journal of Psychiatry, 150(6), 885–890. https://doi.org/10.1176/ajp.150.6.885
- McCann, B. S., Roy-Byrne, P., & Wender, P. H. (2000). Screening for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in adults: Comparison of the Wender Utah Rating Scale and the Structured Clinical Interview. Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease, 188(11), 712–718. https://doi.org/10.1097/00005053-200011000-00007
Disclaimer
This summary is for informational purposes only. The WURS-61 is a retrospective screening tool and should not be used in isolation to diagnose ADHD. Clinical evaluation by a qualified provider is required.
Permissions
Use of the WURS-61 is permitted for clinical and research purposes with appropriate citation. Reproduction for commercial use may require additional permissions from the original authors or publishers.