ADHD & Anxiety Information Library

Adult ADHD

Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS-v1.1)

Developed with the World Health Organization — the most widely used validated adult ADHD screener

About this tool. The ASRS-v1.1 was developed by the World Health Organization in collaboration with researchers at New York University and Harvard Medical School. It consists of 18 questions based on the DSM-IV criteria for ADHD — specifically adapted for how ADHD presents in adults, not children.

Answer each question based on how you have felt and functioned over the past six months. There are no right or wrong answers. Be as honest and specific as you can.

This tool is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not a clinical assessment and cannot diagnose any condition. If your results raise questions, bring this report to a qualified healthcare professional to discuss further.

Part A — Screening Questions (1–6)

These six questions are the most predictive of adult ADHD. Four or more responses in the high-frequency range are considered highly consistent with adult ADHD and warrant further investigation.

1. How often do you have trouble wrapping up the final details of a project, once the challenging parts have been done?
Counts toward screening if: Sometimes, Often, or Very Often
2. How often do you have difficulty getting things in order when you have to do a task that requires organization?
Counts toward screening if: Sometimes, Often, or Very Often
3. How often do you have problems remembering appointments or obligations?
Counts toward screening if: Sometimes, Often, or Very Often
4. When you have a task that requires a lot of thought, how often do you avoid or delay getting started?
Counts toward screening if: Often or Very Often
5. How often do you fidget or squirm with your hands or feet when you have to sit down for a long time?
Counts toward screening if: Often or Very Often
6. How often do you feel overly active and compelled to do things, like you were driven by a motor?
Counts toward screening if: Often or Very Often
Part B — Additional Symptom Questions (7–18)

These twelve questions provide additional information about specific symptom areas. They do not change the Part A screening score but help clarify which domains are most affected.

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 fidgety?
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?
Please answer all 18 questions before viewing results.

What This Means

Symptom Areas

Based on all 18 questions, here is how your responses compare across two key symptom areas:

Inattention
Hyperactivity / Impulsivity

A Note from Dr. Douglas Cowan

Suggested Next Steps

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Bring these results to a clinician. Print or screenshot this report and share it at your next appointment. A clinician familiar with adult ADHD can use this as a starting point for a more thorough evaluation.
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Read more about how adult ADHD presents. The articles on this site — including Do I Have Adult ADHD? and Challenges, Symptoms & Solutions — explain what your results may mean in your daily life.
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Ask about neurofeedback. A non-medication option with over 35 years of research support. It addresses the brain's regulation directly — not just the symptoms. Learn more in our What Helps section.
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Schedule a consultation. Dr. Cowan is a licensed clinician in California, Arizona, Oregon, and Washington. Learn about working with him directly.

Educational use only. This screening tool was developed by the World Health Organization and is widely used to help identify adults who may benefit from further evaluation. It is not a diagnostic instrument. A score in the high range means your symptoms are consistent with adult ADHD and further evaluation is warranted — not that you have received a diagnosis. Only a qualified healthcare professional can diagnose ADHD. If you have concerns about your mental health, please consult a licensed clinician.

About the author. Dr. Douglas Cowan, Psy.D., is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with 40 years of clinical experience and over 35 years in neurofeedback, licensed and practicing since 1988. Read his full credentials →