Clinical Screening

Adult ADHD Screening (ASRS v1.1)

The World Health Organization Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale. Part A is the 6-question screener used by GPs and psychologists worldwide as a first step in assessing ADHD in adults.

2 minutes 6 questions Private Instant

Important: This is a screening tool, not a diagnostic test. ADHD diagnosis in adults requires a comprehensive assessment by a psychiatrist or psychologist with ADHD expertise. If your results suggest ADHD may be present, speak with your GP about a referral. In a crisis, call Lifeline 13 11 14.

About this tool

Created by
Kessler et al. for the WHO, 2005
Developed by
World Health Organization
Used by
GPs, psychiatrists, psychologists worldwide
Measures
Adult ADHD symptoms — inattention, hyperactivity, impulsivity
Scoring
0–6 (Part A only)
Diagnostic?
No — screening only

Score interpretation — what your results mean

Score (of 6)What it suggests
0–3Low likelihood — ADHD symptoms are unlikely to be clinically significant based on this screen alone
4–6Symptoms consistent with adult ADHD — a comprehensive specialist assessment is recommended

Source: WHO Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS v1.1) Symptom Checklist, Part A; Kessler et al. (2005), Psychological Medicine. 4 or more items at the shaded threshold is the standard positive-screen cut-off.

0 of 6 answeredOver the past 6 months
1

How often do you have difficulty concentrating on what people say to you, even when they are speaking to you directly?

Assesses inattention during direct conversation - a core ADHD symptom.

2

How often do you leave your seat in meetings or other situations in which you are expected to remain seated?

Assesses hyperactivity - the restlessness that makes sitting still feel uncomfortable.

3

How often do you have difficulty unwinding and relaxing when you have time to yourself?

The ADHD brain often cannot switch off. This is not anxiety - it is a different kind of restlessness.

4

When you are 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?

Assesses impulsivity - the brain processes faster than social norms allow.

5

How often do you put things off until the last minute?

Higher threshold here - procrastination is common, so only frequent instances are flagged. ADHD procrastination is driven by executive function, not laziness.

6

How often do you depend on others to keep your life in order and attend to details?

Executive function difficulties mean organising daily life can feel impossibly hard. Also has a higher threshold.

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0of 6
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Finding a Psychologist with ADHD Expertise

Not all psychologists specialise in adult ADHD. When searching, filter by specialty or call ahead and ask: "Do you have experience assessing and treating adult ADHD?"

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APS Find a Psychologist
Filter by ADHD/attention — Australian Psychological Society
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ADHD Australia — Find a Professional
Specialists in adult ADHD assessment and treatment
→

→ How to get an ADHD diagnosis in Australia — complete guide

Sources & References

Medical Disclaimer: This website provides general educational information only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor.

Screening Tools: All screening tools on this site are validated instruments for self-assessment only. They are not diagnostic tests.

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Common Questions About the ADHD Screening (ASRS)

Who created this ADHD screener?
This is the World Health Organization's Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS v1.1), a widely used first-step screening tool developed with the support of leading ADHD researchers. It's designed to help identify adults who may benefit from a full clinical assessment.
Can this tool diagnose ADHD?
No. ASRS is a brief screener, not a diagnostic assessment. ADHD diagnosis in Australia requires a comprehensive evaluation by a psychiatrist or specialist paediatrician (for children), typically involving structured interviews, history, and sometimes input from family or teachers.
I scored highly — what's the next step?
Take your results to your GP, who can refer you for a formal ADHD assessment. Be aware that wait times for adult ADHD assessment in Australia can be long in some areas — our guide on getting an ADHD diagnosis covers what to expect and how to prepare.
Does the ASRS work the same for women and for AuDHD (autism + ADHD)?
The ASRS wasn't developed with any particular gender or neurotype in mind, but ADHD in women and in autistic adults often shows up differently — more internalised inattention and masking rather than visible hyperactivity — so it can be under-identified by a short symptom checklist. A low score here doesn't rule ADHD out if your own experience says otherwise; it's still reasonable to raise it with your GP.
What's the difference between ASRS Part A and Part B?
Part A is the 6-question screener used on this page — the validated first-pass tool GPs and researchers use to decide whether a fuller assessment is worthwhile. Part B adds another 12 questions covering a broader symptom profile and is typically used by a specialist during a full clinical assessment, not as a standalone screen.
Can I use this to screen a child or teenager?
No — the ASRS is validated for adults 18 and over. ADHD screening in children and teenagers uses different validated tools (such as the Vanderbilt or Conners rating scales), usually completed by parents and teachers together. See our guide to the children's ADHD diagnosis pathway in Australia.
🖨Free printable ADHD screening poster for your GP clinicA4, print-ready. QR code straight to the free ASRS v1.1 screener and diagnosis guide.Get the free poster →