ASRS v1.1: The Original ADHD Screening Tool
Our Main Assessment
ADHD PREP's main test at /test uses ASRS v1.1 (18 questions). We also offer additional screeners including ASRS-5 (6 questions, DSM-5 aligned) and ASRS-6 (6 questions from ASRS v1.1 Part A) for comprehensive screening.Learn more about ASRS-5 →
The Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS) v1.1 is the original, scientifically validated screening tool developed by the World Health Organization (WHO) and Harvard Medical School. It remains the most widely used and researched ADHD screening instrument for adults worldwide.
Quick Facts
- • Developed by WHO and Harvard Medical School (2005)
- • 18 questions total (6 Part A + 12 Part B)
- • Most widely used ADHD screening tool globally
- • Scientifically validated in multiple languages and cultures
- • Used by healthcare professionals worldwide
What is ASRS v1.1?
ASRS v1.1 was developed in 2005 as part of the World Health Organization's Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI) initiative. It was designed to provide a quick, reliable way to screen for adult ADHD in both clinical and research settings.
The tool has been extensively validated and is considered the "gold standard" for adult ADHD screening. It's been translated into multiple languages and used in studies across different cultures and populations.
Structure of ASRS v1.1
Part A: Core Symptoms (Questions 1-6)
Part A focuses on the core symptoms that are most predictive of ADHD. These six questions assess the most critical symptoms that must be present for an ADHD diagnosis:
- Difficulty completing final details of projects
- Difficulty organizing tasks and activities
- Problems remembering appointments or obligations
- Avoiding or delaying tasks requiring sustained mental effort
- Fidgeting or squirming when seated
- Feeling overly active or driven by a motor
Scoring: A positive Part A result requires 4 or more symptoms marked as "Often" or "Very Often" in the past 6 months.
Part B: Additional Symptoms (Questions 7-18)
Part B includes 12 additional symptoms that support an ADHD diagnosis. These questions provide a more comprehensive picture of ADHD-related challenges:
- Making careless mistakes
- Difficulty maintaining attention
- Difficulty concentrating on conversations
- Misplacing items
- Being easily distracted
- Restlessness and difficulty relaxing
- Impulsive behaviors (talking too much, interrupting, difficulty waiting)
Purpose: Part B provides additional context and helps identify the full range of ADHD symptoms, though it's Part A that determines the screening result.
Scoring System
ASRS v1.1 uses a frequency-based scoring system. Each question asks how often symptoms occurred in the past 6 months, with five possible responses:
- Never
- Rarely
- Sometimes
- Often
- Very Often
Part A Scoring Rules
For Part A questions, responses are scored as follows:
- "Often" or "Very Often": Always counts as 1 point
- "Sometimes": Counts as 1 point for questions 1, 2, and 3 only
- "Never" or "Rarely": 0 points
A positive Part A result requires 4 or more points out of 6.
Why ASRS v1.1 Remains Popular
Key Advantages
- Extensive Research: Over 15 years of validation studies and real-world use
- Global Recognition: Used by healthcare systems worldwide
- Proven Reliability: High sensitivity and specificity in clinical studies
- Cultural Adaptability: Validated across multiple cultures and languages
- Clinical Integration: Widely accepted by healthcare professionals
- Research Standard: Used as the reference tool in many ADHD studies
When to Use ASRS v1.1
ASRS v1.1 is ideal for:
- Initial ADHD screening in clinical settings
- Research studies requiring standardized assessment
- Self-assessment when you want the most widely recognized tool
- When healthcare providers specifically request ASRS v1.1 results
- Baseline assessments for tracking symptoms over time
Limitations and Considerations
Important Notes
- ASRS v1.1 is a screening tool, not a diagnostic instrument
- Designed for adults 18 years and older only
- Self-report assessments have inherent limitations
- Results may be influenced by mood, stress, or other conditions
- Only a qualified healthcare professional can diagnose ADHD
- Cultural and individual differences may affect responses
ASRS v1.1 vs ASRS-5 vs ASRS-6
Understanding the differences between these related but distinct tools:
| Feature | ASRS v1.1 | ASRS-5 | ASRS-6 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year Developed | 2005 | 2017 | 2005 (from v1.1) |
| Number of Questions | 18 (6 Part A + 12 Part B) | 6 | 6 (Part A only) |
| DSM Alignment | DSM-IV | DSM-5 | DSM-IV |
| Cutoff Score | 4+ symptoms (Part A) | ≥14 | ≥17 |
| Sensitivity | ~70% | ~91% | ~70% (Part A) |
| Best For | Comprehensive screening (gold standard) | Quick DSM-5 aligned screening | Quick screening (from v1.1) |
Which should you use? ASRS v1.1 (18 questions) is our main assessment and remains the gold standard for comprehensive screening. ASRS-5 (6 questions) offers DSM-5 alignment with higher accuracy for quick screening. ASRS-6 provides the quick screener from the original v1.1. Many people benefit from taking multiple screeners to get a comprehensive view of their symptoms.
Scientific References
Primary Reference: Kessler, R. C., et al. (2005). The World Health Organization Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS): a short screening scale for use in the general population.Psychological Medicine, 35(2), 245-256.
Official ASRS v1.1 Manual: Available from the World Health Organization and Harvard Medical School
Download Official ASRS v1.1: Official ASRS v1.1 PDF