ADHD Test (ASRS-v1.1)
The Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS-v1.1) Part A is a screening tool developed by the World Health Organization (WHO) to help identify symptoms of ADHD in adults. Answer 6 questions about your typical behaviour and get instant screening results.
Important: This is a screening tool for adults (18+), not a diagnostic instrument. ADHD can only be diagnosed through a comprehensive evaluation by a qualified healthcare professional. This test does not replace a clinical assessment.
ASRS Scoring Guide
The ASRS Part A uses threshold-based scoring rather than a simple total score. Different questions have different thresholds:
| Questions | Threshold | Domain |
|---|---|---|
| Questions 1 – 3 | Sometimes (2) or higher | Inattention-related items |
| Questions 4 – 6 | Often (3) or higher | Hyperactivity/impulsivity items |
Interpretation: If 4 or more of the 6 questions meet their respective thresholds, symptoms are considered highly consistent with ADHD in adults, and a comprehensive clinical evaluation is recommended.
Source: Kessler RC, Adler L, Ames M, et al. The World Health Organization Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS). Psychol Med. 2005;35(2):245-256.
About the ASRS ADHD Screening
The ASRS was developed in conjunction with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Workgroup on Adult ADHD. The Part A screener includes 6 of the 18 DSM-IV-TR criteria questions that were found to be the most predictive of ADHD symptoms.
Key Points
- -Developed by the World Health Organization (WHO)
- -Designed specifically for adults (18 years and older)
- -Takes only 2-3 minutes to complete
- -Covers both inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity domains
- -High specificity (99.5%) means few false positives
- -This is a screening tool only — a full ADHD diagnosis requires comprehensive professional evaluation
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ASRS ADHD screening test?
The Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS-v1.1) is a screening tool developed by the World Health Organization (WHO) in collaboration with researchers. The Part A screener consists of 6 questions that are most predictive of ADHD symptoms. It is widely used by healthcare professionals as a first step in identifying adults who may have ADHD.
How accurate is this online ADHD test?
The ASRS Part A screener has been validated in clinical studies with good sensitivity (68.7%) and specificity (99.5%) for identifying adult ADHD. However, it is a screening tool only and cannot diagnose ADHD. A comprehensive evaluation by a qualified professional — including clinical interviews, symptom history, and assessment of functional impairment — is required for a definitive diagnosis.
How is the ASRS screening scored?
Unlike simple additive scoring, the ASRS Part A uses different thresholds for different questions. For questions 1-3, a response of "Sometimes" or higher counts as above threshold. For questions 4-6, a response of "Often" or higher counts as above threshold. If 4 or more of the 6 questions meet their respective thresholds, symptoms are considered highly consistent with ADHD.
Can adults have ADHD even if they were not diagnosed as children?
Yes. Many adults with ADHD were not diagnosed in childhood, especially if they had the predominantly inattentive type (formerly called ADD) or developed effective coping mechanisms. Research shows that ADHD persists into adulthood in approximately 60% of children diagnosed with the condition, and many adults are first diagnosed later in life.
What is the difference between ADHD and normal forgetfulness?
Everyone experiences occasional forgetfulness or distractibility. ADHD is characterised by a persistent pattern of inattention, hyperactivity, and/or impulsivity that is more severe than expected for a person's developmental level and significantly interferes with daily functioning across multiple settings (work, home, social). The key distinction is the severity, persistence, and functional impairment.
What should I do if this test suggests I may have ADHD?
If the screening suggests symptoms consistent with ADHD, the recommended next step is to consult a healthcare professional who specialises in ADHD diagnosis — such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, or neurologist. They will conduct a comprehensive evaluation including detailed symptom history, assessment of functional impairment, and ruling out other conditions that can mimic ADHD symptoms.
Medical Disclaimer
The content provided on Zospital is for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.