ASRS-5: The DSM-5 Aligned ADHD Screener
Important: Terminology
This is ASRS-5 (not "ASRS v5"). It's officially known as the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale for DSM-5. The "-5" refers to DSM-5 alignment, not a version number. Our main test uses ASRS v1.1 (18 questions). ASRS-5 is a separate 6-question screener available as an additional tool.
The ASRS-5 (Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale for DSM-5) is a 6-question screening tool developed by the World Health Organization in 2017. It's specifically aligned with DSM-5 diagnostic criteria and features improved accuracy compared to earlier screeners.
Quick Facts
- • Developed by WHO in 2017 (Ustün et al.)
- • 6 questions total (not 18)
- • DSM-5 aligned with updated wording for adult realities
- • 91% sensitivity (vs ~70% for ASRS v1.1)
- • Cutoff score: ≥14 out of 24
- • Available as an additional screener on our site
What is ASRS-5?
ASRS-5 is a 6-question screening tool specifically developed to align with DSM-5 diagnostic criteria. Unlike ASRS v1.1 (which has 18 questions), ASRS-5 is a focused screener with updated wording that better captures adult ADHD realities. Key characteristics:
- Developed in 2017 by WHO (Ustün et al.)
- Specifically aligned with DSM-5 criteria (not DSM-IV)
- Features updated question wording for adult contexts
- Higher accuracy: 91% sensitivity vs ~70% for ASRS v1.1
- More focus on emotional dysregulation and adult-specific challenges
- 6 questions (not 18) - ideal for quick screening
The 6 ASRS-5 Questions
ASRS-5 consists of 6 questions covering key ADHD symptoms in adults:
All 6 Questions
- How often do you have difficulty concentrating on what people say to you, even when they are speaking to you directly?
- How often do you leave your seat in meetings or other situations in which you are expected to remain seated?
- How often do you have difficulty unwinding and relaxing when you have time to yourself?
- 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?
- How often do you put things off until the last minute?
- How often do you depend on others to keep your life in order and attend to details?
Response Options: Never (0), Rarely (1), Sometimes (2), Often (3), Very Often (4)
Scoring: Add all points for a total of 0-24. A score of ≥14 indicates high likelihood of ADHD symptoms warranting further clinical evaluation.
Key Advantages of ASRS-5
Why Use ASRS-5?
- Higher Accuracy: 91% sensitivity (vs ~70% for ASRS v1.1)
- DSM-5 Alignment: Specifically designed for DSM-5 criteria
- Adult-Focused: Questions better reflect adult ADHD realities
- Quick Screening: Only 6 questions, takes just 2 minutes
- Modern Research: Based on 2017 validation studies
- Emotional Dysregulation: Better captures this important aspect
Scoring System
ASRS-5 uses a simple scoring system. Each of the 6 questions is rated on a 5-point frequency scale based on experiences over the past 6 months:
- Never (0 points)
- Rarely (1 point)
- Sometimes (2 points)
- Often (3 points)
- Very Often (4 points)
Scoring Guidelines
Add up the points from all 6 questions for a total score of 0-24:
- Score ≥14: High likelihood of ADHD symptoms warranting further clinical evaluation
- Sensitivity: ~91% (vs ~70% for ASRS v1.1)
- Specificity: ~96%
- Score <14: ADHD less likely but doesn't rule out comorbidities or other factors
When to Use ASRS-5
ASRS-5 is ideal when:
- You want a quick 6-question DSM-5 aligned screener
- You're looking for higher accuracy (91% sensitivity)
- You want to complement the main ASRS v1.1 assessment with an additional tool
- Your healthcare provider uses DSM-5 criteria
- You want to practice with different screening approaches
- You need a fast initial screening before taking the full 18-question assessment
ASRS-5 vs ASRS v1.1 vs ASRS-6
Understanding the differences helps you choose the right tool for your needs:
| Feature | ASRS v1.1 | ASRS-5 | ASRS-6 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year | 2005 | 2017 | 2005 (Part A) |
| Questions | 18 (6 Part A + 12 Part B) | 6 | 6 (Part A only) |
| DSM | DSM-IV | DSM-5 | DSM-IV |
| Cutoff | 4+ symptoms | ≥14 | ≥17 |
| Sensitivity | ~70% | ~91% | ~70% |
| Best For | Comprehensive (main test) | Quick DSM-5 screening | Quick screening (v1.1) |
Which should you use? Our main test uses ASRS v1.1 (18 questions, gold standard). ASRS-5 (6 questions) offers higher accuracy and DSM-5 alignment for quick screening. ASRS-6 provides the quick screener from ASRS v1.1. Many people benefit from taking multiple screeners to get a comprehensive view of their symptoms.
Limitations and Considerations
Important Notes
- ASRS-5 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
- Has strong validation (2017) with 91% sensitivity, though ASRS v1.1 has more extensive long-term research
- Clinical adoption may vary by region or healthcare system
Scientific Foundation
ASRS-5 was developed by the World Health Organization and validated in 2017. It's specifically designed to align with DSM-5 diagnostic criteria and improve upon earlier screening tools.
Primary Reference: Ustün, T. B., et al. (2017). The World Health Organization Adult Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Self-Report Screening Scale for DSM-5. JAMA Psychiatry, 74(5), 520-527.
Original ASRS 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.
ASRS-5 builds upon the foundation of ASRS v1.1 but represents a distinct tool with improved accuracy and DSM-5 alignment.