Adult ADHD Screening (ASRS-18)
This evidence-based tool helps identify symptoms of ADHD in adults. Please answer based on how you have felt over the last 6 months.
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Book Consultation OnlineAdult ADHD Screening ASRS-18: The Complete Guide
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is not just a childhood condition. Many adults live with the symptoms of ADHD without ever receiving a formal diagnosis. If you frequently struggle with focus, organization, or impulsivity, an Adult ADHD Screening ASRS-18 can be a vital first step toward understanding your mental health.
The Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS-18) is a standardized screening tool developed in conjunction with the World Health Organization (WHO). It helps identify adults who may need a formal clinical evaluation for ADHD.
What is the ASRS-18 Screening Tool?
The ASRS-18 is a 18-question self-assessment checklist. It aligns directly with the diagnostic criteria found in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). The test is divided into two distinct parts:
- Part A (Questions 1–6): Focuses on the core symptoms that are most predictive of adult ADHD. These questions carry the heaviest weight during initial screenings.
- Part B (Questions 7–18): Contains 12 additional questions that investigate deeper behavioral frequencies, providing clinicians with a broader context of your day-to-day challenges.
Important Note: The ASRS-18 is a screening tool, not a diagnostic test. A high score indicates a strong probability of ADHD, but only a licensed healthcare professional can provide an official diagnosis.
How to Score the ASRS-18
When completing the screening, you will evaluate how often you experienced specific symptoms over the past 6 months. The frequency options are: Never, Rarely, Sometimes, Often, or Very Often.
To determine if your results warrant further evaluation, look closely at the gray shaded areas on a standard ASRS test form (or how an online calculator weighs them):
- Evaluate Part A: If you mark four or more responses within the shaded boxes of the first six questions, you have a positive screen for adult ADHD.
- Review Part B: The remaining 12 questions help gauge the severity of your symptoms and how deeply they affect your work, relationships, and home life.
Frequently Asked Questions About Adult ADHD
Who should take the ASRS-18?
Any adult who experiences chronic issues with time management, forgetfulness, restlessness, or emotional regulation should consider taking the screening.
What happens if my screen is positive?
If your score indicates a high probability of ADHD, you should schedule an appointment with a psychiatrist, psychologist, or a specialized healthcare provider. Bring your completed ASRS-18 results to your appointment to serve as a conversation starter.
Can I treat ADHD without medication?
Yes. While medication is highly effective for many, millions of adults manage their symptoms successfully through cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), ADHD coaching, lifestyle adjustments, and organizational frameworks.