Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRSv1.1)

The Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRSv1.1) is a concise screening tool designed to help individuals recognize patterns often associated with adult ADHD. Created by the World Health Organization and adapted by experts, the ASRS consists of 18 targeted questions that explore key behaviors and tendencies linked to ADHD. This scale aims to provide a snapshot of personal habits, focusing on areas such as attention, organization, and impulsivity. Although this test is not intended for diagnostic purposes, it can serve as a valuable first step in understanding whether ADHD-like symptoms might be present in an individual’s day-to-day life.

Question	Never	Rarely	Sometimes	Often	Very Often
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?
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 have trouble staying still?
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?

How to Use the ASRSv1.1 Effectively

To get the most out of the ASRSv1.1, respond to each question by reflecting on your regular, everyday experiences rather than an idealized version of yourself. Select the answer that best represents your actual behaviors and tendencies. This approach will yield more meaningful results, offering insights into how ADHD traits may manifest in your life. The ASRSv1.1 focuses on authentic self-reflection, making it a user-friendly tool for anyone curious about understanding their own attention patterns and behaviors.

Core Focus Areas in the ASRSv1.1

The ASRSv1.1 explores several core areas to give a well-rounded view of behaviors linked to ADHD in adults. These include attention span, impulse control, organizational habits, and the ability to follow through on tasks. By centering on everyday scenarios, the questions offer a relatable framework that can reveal patterns of distraction, impulsivity, or forgetfulness. This balanced approach allows users to identify possible areas of difficulty, fostering greater self-awareness. For example, questions may explore if you find yourself frequently interrupting others or if you struggle with staying focused during lengthy conversations. This range of topics helps paint a nuanced picture of one’s daily experiences and challenges, which can be insightful for both personal growth and communication with loved ones.

Clinical Context for the ASRSv1.1

In a healthcare setting, the ASRSv1.1 is often used as an initial screening to determine if a comprehensive ADHD assessment may be beneficial. The structured format allows clinicians to get a quick overview of traits that may suggest ADHD, assisting in deciding whether further diagnostic steps are needed. Although not designed to confirm a diagnosis, the ASRSv1.1 can highlight the need for additional support, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy or organizational coaching, based on observed tendencies. It is also valuable for uncovering related challenges like anxiety or depression, which often co-exist with ADHD and may require tailored intervention.

Personal and Research Benefits of the ASRSv1.1

Beyond clinical applications, the ASRSv1.1 serves as a valuable self-assessment tool for adults curious about their attention and impulsivity traits. Families and partners may also gain a better understanding of an individual’s behavior, fostering empathy and constructive support. Researchers use the ASRSv1.1 to explore how common ADHD traits are across different adult populations, shedding light on the diversity within ADHD presentations. This ongoing research contributes to a broader understanding of adult ADHD, emphasizing strengths such as creativity and resilience, which are often associated with ADHD.

By completing the ASRSv1.1, individuals and their loved ones can gain meaningful insights that might explain behaviors previously considered puzzling or frustrating. Whether you’re exploring the ASRSv1.1 for personal insight or as a resource to support someone close to you, it is a practical tool for better understanding and embracing a wide range of attention-related experiences.