The ASRS v1.1 is the adult ADHD screener developed with the World Health Organization. This assessment follows its structure — the 6-question Part A screener first, then the full 18-question scale — and returns a scored result, an inattentive/hyperactive symptom profile, and recommended next steps.
Answer each question based on how you've felt over the past 6 months. There are no right or wrong answers — honesty gives you the most useful results.
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diagnosis, or treatment.
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition affecting an estimated 2.5% to 4.4% of adults worldwide. While it's often associated with children, ADHD frequently persists into adulthood — and in many cases, it goes undiagnosed until a person is well into their adult years.
Adult ADHD can look very different from the hyperactive child most people imagine. In adults, symptoms often manifest as chronic disorganization, difficulty completing projects, trouble managing time, impulsive decision-making, and persistent restlessness. These challenges can significantly impact careers, relationships, finances, and overall quality of life.
ADHD is not a character flaw or a lack of effort. It stems from differences in brain structure and function, particularly in areas that regulate attention, planning, and impulse control. The good news: with the right support, ADHD is highly treatable — and many adults see dramatic improvements in their functioning with targeted behavioral therapy.
ADHD affects people across all demographic groups, though it is frequently underdiagnosed in certain populations — not because it's less prevalent, but due to differences in how symptoms present and historical disparities in access to care.
| Demographic Group | Estimated Prevalence | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| General Adult Population | ~2.5% – 4.4% | Many cases remain undiagnosed until adulthood. |
| Men | ~5.4% | Historically diagnosed more often due to hyperactive symptoms being more visible. |
| Women | ~3.2% | Often present with inattentive symptoms; frequently misdiagnosed as anxiety or depression. |
| Black & Hispanic Adults | Lower Diagnosis Rates | Studies suggest lower diagnosis rates due to healthcare disparities, not lower prevalence. |
Sources: WHO, CHADD, American Journal of Psychiatry. Prevalence estimates vary by study methodology and population.
This self-assessment is adapted from the ASRS v1.1 (Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale), developed with the World Health Organization by Kessler, Adler and colleagues. Its 18 questions map to the DSM criteria for ADHD, split evenly across two domains:
Medical Disclaimer: This quiz is a screening tool only and is not a clinical diagnosis. Results should not replace the evaluation of a licensed mental health or medical professional. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, please call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) or call 911.
The ASRS v1.1 is scored in two stages. Part A — the first six questions — is the screener clinicians actually act on, because those six items proved the most predictive of adult ADHD. Part B — the remaining 12 questions — adds a fuller symptom picture but is not scored for the screening decision.
| Part A result | What it means | Recommended action |
|---|---|---|
| 0–3 higher-frequency answers | Negative screen. Your Part A pattern is not one strongly associated with adult ADHD. | Complete Part B for a fuller picture. Re-screen if symptoms change. |
| 4+ higher-frequency answers | Positive screen. On the ASRS v1.1 this is the threshold that indicates symptoms highly consistent with adult ADHD. | A full evaluation is warranted. A positive Part A screen is not a diagnosis. |
Every question is scored 0 (Never) to 4 (Very Often), so the full scale runs from 0 to 72. The bands below are how this assessment interprets that total for an outpatient behavioral health setting.
| Score | Symptom level | What it means | Recommended action |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0–17 | Minimal | Few symptoms reported. Occasional lapses in focus or organization are part of everyday life. | Monitor. Revisit if demands at work or home increase. |
| 18–35 | Mild | Some ADHD-related challenges present. These can also stem from stress, sleep loss, or anxiety. | Track when symptoms occur and discuss with a provider. |
| 36–53 | Significant | A meaningful symptom pattern affecting multiple areas of daily life. | Professional evaluation strongly recommended. |
| 54–72 | High | Symptoms are frequent across both domains and are likely to be substantially impairing. | Seek a full adult ADHD evaluation. Structured treatment is likely to help. |
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