Free ADHD Self-Assessment Adult ADHD Screening Tool

Complete the ASRS Adult ADHD Evaluation
(2024 Scoring Update)

Wondering if you might have ADHD?

This ADHD screening tool can help you understand if your experiences align with ADHD symptoms. Based on the ASRS, which was developed by the World Health Organisation in collaboration with researchers at Harvard Medical School, this assessment takes just 5 minutes to complete.

I'm Gary Hammond, a certified ADHD coach who was diagnosed with ADHD in 2013. I know firsthand how confusing it can be when you suspect you might have ADHD but aren't sure.

The ASRS screener is the same initial, standard screening tool that many healthcare professionals use as a first step when evaluating adults for possible ADHD, it won't diagnose you but it can help you recognise patterns and decide if seeking a formal ADHD assessment might be worthwhile.

What this screening provides

  • Immediate results showing your ADHD symptom likelihood
  • Guidance on next steps based on your screening
  • Information about professional ADHD diagnosis options
  • No registration required, no personal data captured, completely anonymous

Understanding ADHD Symptoms in Adults

ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) affects millions of adults, yet many don't realise they have it until later in life. Adult ADHD symptoms often look different from childhood presentations and can include:
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Attention Difficulties

  • Struggling to focus on tasks, especially boring or not-urgent ones
  • Easily distracted by thoughts or external stimuli
  • Difficulty following through on projects
  • Losing important items frequently

Restlessness & Impulsivity

  • Feeling restless, unable to relax even in free time
  • Interrupting others in conversation
  • Making impulsive decisions without first pausing
  • Difficulty waiting your turn

Executive Function Challenges

  • Chronic problems with time management
  • Difficulty organising tasks and priorities
  • Procrastination, especially on overwhelming tasks
  • Often forgetting appointments or commitments

About the ASRS ADHD Screening Tool

The ASRS (Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale) was developed by the World Health Organisation (WHO) in collaboration with researchers from Harvard Medical School as part of the National Comorbidity Survey Replication.

It's designed to help identify adults who may have ADHD and would benefit from a comprehensive evaluation.

This screening tool consists of six carefully selected questions that focus on the symptoms most predictive of ADHD in adults.

Before you begin:

  • This is a screening tool, not a diagnostic assessment.
  • Only a qualified healthcare professional, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist, can diagnose ADHD.
  • Answer based on how you’ve felt and behaved over the past six months, using the provided scale.
  • Respond honestly and to the best of your ability for the most accurate indication of whether further evaluation may be warranted.
ASRS-v1.1 Screener
1: How often do you have trouble wrapping up the final details of a project, once the challenging parts have been done? Please answer this question
2: How often do you have difficulty getting things in order when you have to do a task that requires organization? Please answer this question
3: How often do you have problems remembering appointments or obligations? Please answer this question
4: When you have a task that requires a lot of thought, how often do you avoid or delay getting started? Please answer this question
5: How often do you fidget or squirm with your hands or feet when you have to sit down for a long time? Please answer this question
6: How often do you feel overly active and compelled to do things, like you were driven by a motor? Please answer this question

Disclaimer: This free ASRS-v1.1 ADHD self-assessment is not intended to provide a diagnosis. It is designed as a guideline to help you decide whether to seek further support from a qualified healthcare professional. Only a doctor, psychiatrist, or psychologist can make an official diagnosis of ADHD following a comprehensive assessment.

Kessler, R.C., Adler, L., Ames, M., Demler, O., Faraone, S., Hiripi, E., Howes, M.J., Jin, R., Secnik, K., Spencer, T., Ustun, T.B., Walters, E.E. (2005). The World Health Organization Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS). Psychological Medicine, 35(2), 245-256

Copyright © New York University and Ronald C. Kessler, PhD. All rights reserved.

Understanding your ADHD Screening Results

A positive result on this ADHD self-assessment doesn't confirm you have ADHD, but it does suggest that your experiences align with common ADHD symptoms. Here's a guide on what scores mean and help with what you might decide to do next.

My ASRS result is in the high-positive range (18–24). What does this mean?

A total score between 18 and 24 is in the high-positive range, which means your responses are highly consistent with symptoms of adult ADHD. A full assessment by a qualified healthcare professional is recommended.

  • A high-positive score means you reported many symptoms frequently seen in adults with ADHD. This is not a diagnosis but does indicate a strong pattern warranting further evaluation.
  • While the ASRS-v1.1 is a robust screening tool, some people in this range may have symptoms from other causes, such as anxiety, depression, or significant stress.
  • A specialist will consider your full history and other possible explanations before making a diagnosis.
  • If your score is in the high-positive range and you are experiencing difficulties, it is recommended to seek a professional assessment for further guidance and support.

My ASRS result is in the low-positive range (14–17). What does this mean?

A total score between 14 and 17 indicates a low-positive result for possible ADHD, but this is not a diagnosis.

  • The ASRS-v1.1 6-question screener is designed as a first step only. It is a sensitive tool for flagging people who may benefit from a full assessment, but it cannot confirm ADHD.
  • A score in the low-positive range means your symptoms are similar to those seen in some adults with ADHD, but this range can also reflect temporary stress, sleep issues, anxiety, or other life situations.
  • Not everyone with a low-positive result has ADHD. The ASRS-v1.1 helps highlight people who might benefit from further investigation, but only a qualified healthcare professional can diagnose ADHD after a comprehensive assessment.
  • If your score is in this range and you are facing challenges in daily life, consider discussing your results with a healthcare professional who has experience with adult ADHD. They can help you decide if further assessment is needed.

My ASRS result is in the high-negative range (10–13). What does this mean?

A total score between 10 and 13 is in the high-negative range, meaning your responses are not consistent with adult ADHD.

  • The ASRS-v1.1 6-question screener is designed to be highly sensitive at ruling out ADHD. A score in this range makes it unlikely that you have ADHD.
  • Many adults with ADHD will screen positive on this test, so a negative result suggests your symptoms are not typical of ADHD.
  • If you still have significant concerns about your attention, focus, or daily functioning, it may be worth discussing them with a healthcare professional. Other factors such as anxiety, stress, or medical conditions can sometimes cause similar symptoms.
  • This result cannot rule out every case, but it means ADHD is not strongly suggested by your answers.

My ASRS result is in the low-negative range (0–9). What does this mean?

A total score between 0 and 9 is in the low-negative range, meaning your responses are very unlikely to be consistent with symptoms of adult ADHD.

  • The ASRS-v1.1 is highly accurate at ruling out ADHD when scores are this low. Most adults with ADHD will score much higher.
  • If you scored in this range, it is very unlikely that you have ADHD based on your answers.
  • However, if you are still struggling in daily life or have concerns about your focus, organisation, or attention, consider speaking with a healthcare professional to explore other possible explanations.
  • Remember, this screener is just one tool. A comprehensive clinical assessment considers your whole life context and challenges.

How might I look to get a formal, professional ADHD assessment?

Step 1: Decide on your referral pathway

GP referral route:

  • Book an appointment to discuss your screening results and ADHD concerns
  • Bring your completed ASRS-5 results and any supporting evidence
  • Request a referral to specialist ADHD services
  • Ask about local waiting times and available options (public and private)

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Self-referral route:

  • Depending on policies, private clinics and some specialists accept direct self-referrals
  • You can research ADHD assessment providers directly without going through your GP
  • This may be faster for accessing private assessment options
  • It may still be beneficial to inform your GP about your assessment plans for continuity of care

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Step 2: Research reputable ADHD professionals
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‍Find qualified specialists:

  • Look for psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, or other professionals with specific ADHD expertise who are authorised to make such a diagnosis
  • Ensure they have substantial experience with Adult ADHD specifically (not just children)
  • Check their qualifications and professional registrations
  • Ask your GP for recommendations of trusted local specialists
  • Never settle for anything other than respectful and professional care, I've been told ADHD probably didn't exist by a doctor before, find somewhere else

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Research provider experiences:

  • Read online reviews and patient experiences with different providers online, you'll often find Reddit and Facebook groups of patients candidly giving reports of the service they received
  • Check ADHD support group forums and social media for recommendations
  • Ask other healthcare professionals who work with ADHD patients for referrals
  • Contact ADHD charities or support organisations for provider suggestions
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Verify assessment standards:

  • Ensure the provider follows established diagnostic guidelines (such as: DSM-5 or ICD-11)
  • Confirm they conduct comprehensive assessments (not brief 30 minute consultations)
  • Ask about their assessment process - it should often include developmental history and multi-informant input, not just your current presentation of symptoms at one moment in time. ADHD is a lifelong developmental condition, it can be helpful to source evidence to support the process, for example, I had my school reports from childhood that my parents still had.
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Important:

  • Ask what criteria and report you will have after the diagnosis process, and if it will be recognised by other healthcare providers if you choose to continue with your care elsewhere for any reason.
  • I needed this documentation when I moved to Spain in 2022, which meant I could work with a new psychiatrist on my arrival as it was a standard recognised. Some of my clients have had to be re-diagnosed as the initial diagnosis was not recognised by other providers.

How accurate is the ASRS self-screening tool?

The ASRS v1.1 is well-researched and widely used by healthcare professionals, but like all screening tools, it has limitations:
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Strengths:

  • Developed by WHO and Harvard Medical School researchers
  • Based on extensive research and validation studies
  • Used internationally by healthcare professionals
  • Good at identifying people who may benefit from full ADHD evaluation

Limitations:

  • It's a screening tool, not a diagnostic test
  • Can't account for individual variations in ADHD presentation
  • Other conditions can create similar symptoms
  • Coping strategies might mask true symptom severity

Accuracy:

  • Research suggests the ASRS correctly identifies about 70-80% of people who have ADHD and about 80-90% of people who don't.
  • However, only a comprehensive clinical assessment can provide a definitive diagnosis.

What's usually involved in a formal ADHD assessment?

A comprehensive ADHD assessment typically involves several components and usually covers several appointments.
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Clinical interviews:

  • Detailed discussion of current symptoms and how they affect your life
  • Developmental history from childhood to present
  • Medical history and current medications
  • Educational and work history
  • Relationship and social functioning
  • Mental health history
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Standardised Assessments:

  • ADHD rating scales (like the ASRS, but more detailed and administered clinically)
  • Continuous performance tests (computer-based attention tasks)
  • Sometimes cognitive testing
  • Questionnaires for family members or others close are also common
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Medical Evaluation:

  • Physical examination to rule out other conditions
  • Review of medications that might affect symptoms
  • Screening for conditions that can mimic ADHD (thyroid problems, sleep disorders, etc.)
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Background Documentation Review:

  • School reports or academic records when available
  • Previous medical or psychological assessments
  • Work performance reviews if relevant
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The assessor will consider:

  • Whether symptoms were present in childhood
  • If symptoms occur across multiple settings (home, work, relationships)
  • The degree of impairment symptoms cause
  • Whether other conditions better explain the symptoms

How long is the formal ADHD diagnostic process?

This may vary but a comprehensive ADHD assessment typically involves:

  • A minimum of 2-4 hours of clinical contact time across multiple appointments
  • ‍Detailed developmental history including childhood evidence
  • ‍Multi-informant assessment involving family members or close contacts
  • ‍Differential diagnosis to rule out other conditions
  • If diagnosed, additional checks may be needed prior to any potential trial of medications, such as 24-hour blood pressure analysis and other blood tests

Why can the ASRS screening tool not diagnose ADHD?

Self-screening tools have important limitations:

  • Many other conditions can cause similar symptoms
  • ADHD requires evidence of childhood onset and persistent impairment
  • ‍Multi-informant assessment involving family members or close contacts
  • Symptoms must significantly impact multiple life areas
  • Professional and specialist clinical judgement is essential for accurate diagnosis

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