The Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale Symptom Checklist, version 1.1 (ASRS-v1.1), is an 18-item questionnaire used to screen for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) symptoms in adults. Developed with the World Health Organization (WHO), the tool is based on established diagnostic criteria. Individuals rate the frequency of specific behaviors experienced over the past six months. The standardized scoring methodology detailed below helps interpret these responses to determine if self-reported symptoms are consistent with adult ADHD.
Understanding the Two Parts of the Checklist
The ASRS-v1.1 is divided into two sections containing 18 questions. Part A consists of the first six questions, which research identified as the most predictive of adult ADHD symptoms. These six items form the basis of the brief ASRS Screener and are the primary component for establishing a preliminary clinical indication. The remaining twelve questions, numbered 7 through 18, comprise Part B. Part B offers supplementary information about the full spectrum of inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms.
Step-by-Step Scoring of Part A
Scoring Part A assigns a point only to responses indicating a high frequency of the symptom. The six questions use a frequency scale ranging from “Never” to “Very Often.” On the checklist, specific response boxes are darkly shaded, representing the symptomatic range for that item. To calculate the raw score, a single point is assigned for every response falling within a shaded box. The raw score for Part A is the total number of check marks that fall into these shaded areas, with a maximum possible score of six.
Step-by-Step Scoring of Part B
The scoring mechanism for Part B, which includes the remaining twelve questions, differs because it is not summed into a single screening score. Part B questions also use the “Never” to “Very Often” frequency scale, and some response boxes are similarly shaded dark. These shaded boxes represent a concerning frequency for that symptom, but they are used for qualitative assessment rather than a simple numerical threshold. The primary purpose of scoring Part B is to identify specific symptoms that may warrant further clinical exploration. The total number of marks in the shaded boxes provides a measure of symptom burden in the secondary criteria.
Determining the Final Symptom Threshold
The official screening outcome of the ASRS-v1.1 is determined by the raw score from Part A. The darkly shaded boxes define a positive response, indicating the symptom is present at a clinically concerning frequency. The threshold for a positive screen is established as four or more marks in the shaded boxes of Part A.
If an individual scores four, five, or six points in Part A, the results are considered highly consistent with adult ADHD symptoms. A score of three or less suggests the individual is less likely to meet the screening standard. Part B results offer supplementary context, helping to differentiate symptom profiles, such as predominantly inattentive or combined type presentations.
For example, an individual scoring five in Part A is flagged as a positive screen based on the Part A threshold. Conversely, a person scoring three in Part A would not meet the primary screening threshold, despite reporting a large number of less predictive symptoms in Part B. The Part A threshold acts as the single, most reliable indicator for prompting the next stage of evaluation.
Contextualizing the Results
The ASRS-v1.1 is a screening tool designed to flag individuals who may benefit from a formal diagnostic assessment. A positive screen (a score of four or more in Part A) does not constitute a diagnosis of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. Instead, it signals to a healthcare provider that the individual is experiencing symptoms at a frequency that warrants further clinical investigation.
A comprehensive evaluation by a qualified professional, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist, is necessary to establish a definitive diagnosis. This clinical assessment involves gathering information beyond the self-report checklist, including a detailed history of symptom onset and assessment of impairment across multiple life settings. The ASRS-v1.1 provides a standardized starting point for that process.