Scale Introduction

The Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS) Version 1.1 is a professional, standardized ADHD diagnostic screening tool. Its core purpose is to scientifically assess whether adults aged 18 and older exhibit symptoms related to Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), providing a reliable self-report reference for subsequent clinical judgment. Developed jointly by the World Health Organization (WHO) and senior researchers at Harvard Medical School, the scale strictly adheres to the diagnostic criteria for adult ADHD outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-IV-TR), ensuring the professionalism and authority of the assessment results.

Scale Structure and Design

This scale consists of 18 carefully designed questions that comprehensively cover and reflect the two core symptom clusters of ADHD as defined in the DSM-IV-TR:

• Inattention
• Hyperactivity/Impulsivity

Part A: Rapid Screening Subset (First 6 Questions)

• Function: These 6 questions are scientifically validated, highly predictive core indicators that can quickly and effectively identify potential risk.
• Result Interpretation: If you answer "Often" or "Very Often" to 4 or more of these 6 questions, it strongly suggests your symptom pattern is highly consistent with adult ADHD. It is recommended that you take these results and consult a psychiatrist, psychologist, or other qualified healthcare professional for further clinical interview and diagnosis.

Part B: In-Depth Symptom Assessment (Remaining 12 Questions)

• Function: These questions are designed to provide a more detailed picture of your symptom profile, helping professionals understand the degree of impact across different life settings (e.g., work, study, social life).
• Result Interpretation: Part B does not have a fixed cut-off score. Generally, the more items you rate as "Often" or "Very Often," the more your symptoms align with ADHD characteristics. Complete responses help form a more comprehensive assessment picture.

Dual Value and Application of the Scale

ASRS Version 1.1 serves a dual core function. It is suitable for initial ADHD screening in both clinical and community settings, helping to rapidly identify at-risk individuals. It can also be used for symptom monitoring in diagnosed patients, tracking changes in symptom severity over different stages, thereby informing adjustments to treatment plans. Designed in a self-report format, the scale features accessible language and easy operation, requiring no specialized knowledge to complete. It directly and authentically captures an individual's personal feelings and descriptions of their own symptoms, reducing biases inherent in third-party assessments.

The core initial motivation for developing the ASRS Version 1.1 was to fill the gap in reliable diagnostic tools for adult ADHD, providing a standardized assessment method for clinical practice, scientific research, and other settings. The design of its user-friendly format lowers the barrier for use by healthcare professionals, making it widely applicable in hospitals, psychological counseling centers, research institutions, and other settings. Multiple clinical validation studies have confirmed the scale's good reliability and validity in identifying adult ADHD. It serves as an important adjunctive tool in the comprehensive diagnostic process for adult ADHD, helping to improve diagnostic accuracy and providing scientific guidance for subsequent treatment planning.

Answering Instructions

Please read each question carefully. Considering your feelings and behaviors over the past 6 months, use the rating scale on the right side of the page to complete your self-assessment. When answering, please review relevant situations carefully and choose the option that best describes your state. Ensure your answers are truthful and objective to avoid affecting the accuracy of the assessment results due to hasty responses.

Reference source: Introduction to the Chinese version of this scale and test link address https://toolonline.net/ASRS