ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS v1.1)

WHO Adult ADHD Screening — Validated 18-Item Assessment

✓ WHO Validated ⚗ 2-Part Assessment 🔒 100% Private
18 Items 2 Parts
4.4% Adults / Worldwide ADHD
Part A = Screener
🔒 Your Privacy: All responses are processed entirely in your browser. No data is stored on our servers or shared with anyone. Your answers remain completely private.

ASRS v1.1 Questionnaire

Please answer each question below by selecting the response that best describes how you have felt and conducted yourself over the past 6 months. There are no right or wrong answers.

0 — Never 1 — Rarely 2 — Sometimes 3 — Often 4 — Very Often

Part A Screener

These 6 questions form the ADHD screening portion of the assessment.

1. How often do you have trouble wrapping up the final details of a project, once the challenging parts have been done?

2. How often do you have difficulty getting things in order when you have to do a task that requires organization?

3. How often do you have problems remembering appointments or obligations?

4. When you have a task that requires a lot of thought, how often do you avoid or delay getting started?

5. How often do you fidget or squirm with your hands or feet when you have to sit down for a long time?

6. How often do you feel overly active and compelled to do things, like you were driven by a motor?

Part B Detailed Assessment

These 12 additional questions provide a more detailed picture of your symptoms.

7. How often do you make careless mistakes when you have to work on a boring or difficult project?

8. How often do you have difficulty keeping your attention when you are doing boring or repetitive work?

9. How often do you have difficulty concentrating on what people say to you, even when they are speaking to you directly?

10. How often do you misplace or have difficulty finding things at home or at work?

11. How often are you distracted by activity or noise around you?

12. How often do you leave your seat in meetings or other situations in which you are expected to remain seated?

13. How often do you feel restless or fidgety?

14. How often do you have difficulty unwinding and relaxing when you have time to yourself?

15. How often do you find yourself talking too much when you are in social situations?

16. When you’re in a conversation, how often do you find yourself finishing the sentences of the people you are talking to, before they can finish them themselves?

17. How often do you have difficulty waiting your turn in situations when turn taking is required?

18. How often do you interrupt others when they are busy?

Understanding ADHD

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects both children and adults. It is characterized by persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that interfere with daily functioning and development.

Three presentations of ADHD:

  • Predominantly Inattentive Presentation: Difficulty sustaining attention, following through on tasks, organizing activities, and managing time. Individuals may appear forgetful, easily distracted, and struggle with details. This presentation was formerly known as ADD.
  • Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Presentation: Excessive fidgeting, restlessness, difficulty staying seated, talking excessively, and acting without thinking. Adults may experience this as an internal sense of restlessness rather than visible hyperactivity.
  • Combined Presentation: A combination of both inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms. This is the most commonly diagnosed presentation in both children and adults.

Prevalence: ADHD affects approximately 4.4% of adults worldwide, though many remain undiagnosed. It was long considered a childhood condition, but research now confirms it persists into adulthood in the majority of cases. ADHD affects all genders, races, and socioeconomic groups, though it may present differently across these populations. Women and girls are often underdiagnosed due to differences in symptom presentation.

Neuroscience: ADHD is associated with differences in brain structure and function, particularly in areas related to executive function, attention regulation, and reward processing. Neurotransmitter systems involving dopamine and norepinephrine play key roles in the condition.

ASRS v1.1 Scoring

The Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS v1.1) was developed by the World Health Organization (WHO) in collaboration with researchers at Harvard Medical School. It consists of 18 questions divided into two parts:

Part A — The Screener (Questions 1–6):

  • Part A serves as a quick screening tool for ADHD
  • Each question has a specific threshold for being counted as “positive”
  • Questions 1–3: A response of “Sometimes” (2) or higher is considered positive
  • Questions 4–6: A response of “Often” (3) or higher is considered positive
  • If 4 or more of the 6 Part A items are positive, the screen is considered positive for ADHD
  • A positive screen does not mean you have ADHD — it means further evaluation is warranted

Part B — Detailed Assessment (Questions 7–18):

  • Part B provides additional information about ADHD symptoms
  • All 18 questions (Parts A and B combined) are summed for the total score (range 0–72)
  • Higher total scores indicate greater symptom severity

Overall severity based on total score (0–72):

  • 0–16: Unlikely — Symptoms are not consistent with ADHD
  • 17–23: Likely — Some symptoms consistent with ADHD are present
  • 24–36: Highly Likely — Significant symptoms consistent with ADHD
  • 37–72: Very Highly Likely — Symptom levels strongly consistent with ADHD

Clinical use: The ASRS v1.1 is designed for use in primary care and community settings. It is not a diagnostic tool but rather a validated screener that identifies individuals who should receive a comprehensive clinical evaluation for ADHD.

Treatment Options for Adult ADHD

ADHD is one of the most treatable mental health conditions. A combination of approaches typically provides the best outcomes:

Medication:

  • Stimulant medications (e.g., methylphenidate, amphetamine-based medications) are the first-line pharmacological treatment. They are effective in approximately 70–80% of adults with ADHD and work by increasing dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain.
  • Non-stimulant medications (e.g., atomoxetine, guanfacine, bupropion) are alternatives for those who cannot tolerate stimulants or have contraindications. They may take longer to show full effects but carry a lower risk of misuse.
  • Medication should always be prescribed and monitored by a qualified healthcare provider who can adjust dosing and monitor for side effects.

Therapy and coaching:

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Specifically adapted for ADHD, CBT helps individuals develop strategies for time management, organization, and emotional regulation. It also addresses negative thought patterns that develop from years of ADHD-related challenges.
  • ADHD coaching: Professional coaches help individuals set goals, develop organizational systems, manage time, and build accountability structures tailored to ADHD brains.
  • Skills training: Structured programs that teach practical skills for managing daily tasks, reducing procrastination, and improving follow-through.

Lifestyle modifications:

  • Regular exercise: 30+ minutes of aerobic exercise most days has been shown to improve attention, reduce impulsivity, and boost mood in adults with ADHD
  • Sleep hygiene: ADHD commonly disrupts sleep; maintaining a consistent schedule and good sleep habits is essential
  • Nutrition: A balanced diet with adequate protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and minimized processed foods may support symptom management
  • Mindfulness and meditation: Regular practice can improve attention regulation and emotional control

Living with ADHD

Managing ADHD as an adult involves building systems and strategies that work with your brain, not against it. Here are evidence-based approaches:

Organization strategies:

  • Use a single capture system: Keep one place (app, notebook, or planner) where all tasks, ideas, and appointments go. Reduce the number of systems you try to maintain.
  • Break tasks into small steps: Large tasks can feel overwhelming. Break them into 15–20 minute chunks with clear, specific action items.
  • Use visual cues: Whiteboards, sticky notes, color-coding, and visible calendars can serve as external reminders that compensate for working memory difficulties.
  • Set up routines: Consistent morning and evening routines reduce the number of decisions you need to make and create automatic habits.

Time management:

  • Time blocking: Schedule specific blocks of time for specific tasks. Use timers to create a sense of urgency and structure.
  • The two-minute rule: If a task takes less than two minutes, do it immediately rather than adding it to your to-do list.
  • Buffer time: Build extra time between commitments to account for transitions and unexpected delays.
  • Body doubling: Working alongside another person (in person or virtually) can help maintain focus and accountability.

Workplace accommodations:

  • Request a quiet workspace or noise-canceling headphones to reduce distractions
  • Ask for written instructions in addition to verbal ones
  • Use flexible deadlines when possible, with intermediate check-in points
  • Take regular short breaks to maintain focus (e.g., the Pomodoro Technique: 25 minutes of work followed by a 5-minute break)
  • ADHD is recognized under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) and similar laws in many countries, entitling individuals to reasonable workplace accommodations

Emotional well-being:

  • Recognize that ADHD affects emotions too — rejection sensitivity, frustration tolerance, and emotional regulation are common challenges
  • Build a support network of people who understand ADHD
  • Practice self-compassion and reframe ADHD as a difference in brain wiring, not a character flaw
  • Celebrate your strengths — many people with ADHD are creative, energetic, and innovative thinkers

Frequently Asked Questions

The ASRS v1.1 (Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale, version 1.1) is an 18-item screening tool developed by the World Health Organization (WHO) in collaboration with researchers at Harvard Medical School and New York University. It is designed to help identify adults who may have Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The scale is based on the DSM-IV-TR diagnostic criteria for ADHD and has been validated across multiple populations and languages. It is widely used in primary care, psychiatric, and research settings worldwide.

A positive Part A screen means that 4 or more of the 6 screening questions exceeded their respective thresholds. For questions 1–3, a response of “Sometimes” or higher counts as positive. For questions 4–6, a response of “Often” or higher counts as positive. A positive screen suggests that your symptoms are highly consistent with ADHD in adults, and you should seek a comprehensive evaluation from a qualified healthcare professional. It is important to understand that a positive screen is not the same as a diagnosis — it simply indicates that further assessment is warranted.

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder, meaning it begins in childhood. However, many adults were never diagnosed as children, particularly women and individuals who primarily exhibit inattentive symptoms (rather than hyperactive-impulsive symptoms). What often happens is that adults have had ADHD throughout their lives but developed coping mechanisms that masked their symptoms until the demands of adult life — careers, relationships, finances, parenting — exceeded their ability to compensate. Research shows that approximately 50–70% of children with ADHD continue to experience significant symptoms into adulthood.

ADHD diagnosis in adults typically involves a comprehensive clinical evaluation that includes: (1) a detailed history of current symptoms and their impact on daily functioning; (2) a developmental history to establish that symptoms were present before age 12; (3) a review of symptoms across multiple settings (work, home, relationships); (4) ruling out other conditions that can mimic ADHD symptoms (anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, thyroid conditions); and (5) standardized rating scales like the ASRS. Diagnosis is made by psychiatrists, psychologists, neurologists, or primary care providers with expertise in ADHD. Neuropsychological testing may also be used in some cases.

Adult ADHD is highly treatable. The primary treatment approaches include: (1) Stimulant medications (methylphenidate and amphetamine-based), which are the most effective pharmacological treatment and work for approximately 70–80% of adults; (2) Non-stimulant medications (atomoxetine, guanfacine, bupropion) for those who cannot take stimulants; (3) Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) adapted specifically for ADHD, which addresses organizational skills, time management, and emotional regulation; (4) ADHD coaching to help build practical life management skills; and (5) Lifestyle changes including regular exercise, adequate sleep, mindfulness practice, and structured routines. Research consistently shows that a combination of medication and behavioral strategies produces the best long-term outcomes.

No. The ASRS v1.1 is a screening tool, not a diagnostic instrument. It is designed to identify individuals whose symptoms are consistent with ADHD and who would benefit from a comprehensive clinical evaluation. A diagnosis of ADHD requires a thorough assessment by a qualified healthcare professional (psychiatrist, psychologist, or experienced primary care provider) that includes a detailed clinical interview, symptom history, developmental history, and consideration of other possible explanations for the symptoms. This online assessment provides a useful starting point for a conversation with your healthcare provider, but it cannot replace a professional evaluation.

Medical Disclaimer

This ASRS v1.1 Assessment is provided for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The ASRS v1.1 is a screening tool, not a clinical diagnostic instrument. Your results should be interpreted in the context of a comprehensive assessment by a qualified healthcare professional. ADHD can only be diagnosed through a thorough clinical evaluation. All calculations are performed in your browser — no personal data is stored on our servers or shared with any third party.

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References

  1. Kessler RC, Adler L, Ames M, Demler O, Faraone S, Hiripi E, Howes MJ, Jin R, Secnik K, Spencer T, Ustun TB, Walters EE. The World Health Organization Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS): a short screening scale for use in the general population. Psychol Med. 2005;35(2):245-256.
  2. Adler LA, Spencer T, Faraone SV, Kessler RC, Howes MJ, Biederman J, Secnik K. Validity of pilot Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS) to rate adult ADHD symptoms. Ann Clin Psychiatry. 2006;18(3):145-148.
  3. Kessler RC, Adler LA, Gruber MJ, Sarawate CA, Spencer T, Van Brunt DL. Validity of the World Health Organization Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS) Screener in a representative sample of health plan members. Int J Methods Psychiatr Res. 2007;16(2):52-65.
  4. Ustun B, Adler LA, Rudin C, Faraone SV, Spencer TJ, Berglund P, Gruber MJ, Kessler RC. The World Health Organization Adult Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Self-Report Screening Scale for DSM-5. JAMA Psychiatry. 2017;74(5):520-527.

ASRS v1.1: Developed by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Workgroup on Adult ADHD, in conjunction with Kessler RC, Adler LA, et al. at Harvard Medical School and New York University Medical School.