ASRS v1.1 scoring: Part A & Part B explained
The Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS v1.1) is a screening tool, not a diagnosis. This guide explains what Part A and Part B represent and how to use your results to prepare for a professional evaluation.
What is ASRS v1.1?
ASRS v1.1 is an 18-item adult ADHD screener developed with the World Health Organization (WHO) and Harvard Medical School. It focuses on common adult presentations of inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity over the past 6 months.
Part A (6 questions): the screener subset
Part A is a short subset designed to flag ADHD-like symptom patterns efficiently. A positive Part A does not confirm ADHD. It indicates that a fuller assessment may be appropriate.
Part B (12 questions): the fuller symptom profile
Part B adds detail that can help you (and a clinician) understand where symptoms show up most. Clinicians typically combine symptom counts with impairment, onset, context, and differential diagnosis (for example: sleep problems, anxiety, depression, substance use, burnout).
Best next step after the test
Write 3–5 concrete examples that map to your highest-scoring items (work, school, home, relationships). Examples help clinicians far more than a single number.
Common reasons scores can be elevated
- Chronic sleep deprivation or irregular sleep schedule
- Anxiety (worry loops, hypervigilance, restlessness)
- Depression (low energy, slowed cognition, low motivation)
- Burnout or sustained high stress
- Substance use (including heavy caffeine dependence)