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

Six-item Part A screener for adult ADHD symptoms.

Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS v1.1) screener
Trouble wrapping up the final details of a project, once the challenging parts are done
Difficulty getting things in order when a task requires organisation
Problems remembering appointments or obligations
Avoiding or delaying starting a task that requires a lot of thought
Fidgeting or squirming with hands or feet when sitting for a long time
Feeling overly active and compelled to do things, as if driven by a motor
Result0/6 symptom cues

Screen negative: symptoms are less consistent with adult ADHD on this brief screener.

Positive responses
0 of 6

When to use

  • Brief self-report screening for adult ADHD symptoms in primary care before proceeding to full clinical evaluation.

Formula

Part A of the 18-item ASRS v1.1: each of 6 items is rated Never-Very often (0-4). A response is 'positive' if it meets or exceeds a pre-set frequency for that item (Sometimes or more for items 1-3; Often or more for items 4-5; Very often for item 6). 4 or more positive responses (of 6) is a positive screen.

Pearls and pitfalls

  • Designed as a screener, not a diagnostic tool; a positive screen should prompt a full clinical interview.
  • Developed from the 18-item ASRS symptom checklist derived from DSM-IV ADHD criteria.

References

  1. Kessler RC, et al. Psychol Med. 2005;35(2):245-56.