Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRSv1.1)

What is Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRSv1.1)

The Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS-v1.1) is a important and useful tool. It was used for screening symptoms of ADHD in adults around the world. This test was developed in collaboration with the WHO and many researchers from Harvard Medical School. The ASRS-v1.1 has been improved by the researchers. They have collected many data to iterate on this test questionnaire. the ASRS is grounded in the diagnostic criteria set forth in the DSM-IV and DSM-5. It works great.

Composition of the ASRS-v1.1

The ASRS-v1.1 consists of 18 items divided into two parts:

  • Part A of ASRS-v1.1: Contains 6 items that are most predictive of ADHD diagnosis. These questions of ASRS-v1.1 focus on core symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity.
  • Part B of ASRS-v1.1: the part B Comprises 12 additional and useful items that delve deeper into ADHD symptoms. It was providing a more comprehensive insights of the individual’s experiences. Every individual can get more precise score.

Screening and Diagnosis

The ASRS-v1.1 is primarily used as a screening tool to identify individuals who may have ADHD. ASRS-v1.1 helps clinicians determine which adults require further evaluation and possible treatment. While it is effective for initial screening, it should be used alongside clinical interviews for a comprehensive assessment.

Monitoring Symptoms

In addition to screening, the ASRS can be utilized to monitor the severity of ADHD symptoms over time, making it useful in both clinical practice and research settings

Who the ASRS-v1.1 test prepare for

For adults aged 18 years and older. Before using this ASRS test, please make sure you have met the requirement of ASRS-v1.1.

Taking the ASRS-v1.1 test

  1. Obtain the Questionnaire of ASRS-v1.1: You can find ASRS-v1.1 in various formats, including online versions and PDF downloads. ASRS-v1.1 is often available through healthcare providers or mental health organizations.
  2. Set Aside Time: Allocate approximately 5 to 10 minutes to complete the ASRS-v1.1 questionnaire in a quiet environment where you can focus.
  3. Read Each Question Carefully of ASRS-v1.1: The ASRS consists of 18 items that assess symptoms related to ADHD. These questions are divided into two parts:
    1. Part A of ASRS-v1.1: Contains 6 items that are most predictive of ADHD.
    2. Part B of ASRS-v1.1: Includes 12 additional questions providing further detail on symptoms.
  4. Rate Your Symptoms: For each item, you need to choose a suitable answer to rate yourself based on your experience over the past six months. Make sure you have free time and a quiet environment to help you recall more details.
  5. Complete the Questionnaire of ASRS-v1.1: Mark your responses clearly in the provided boxes next to each question.

Scoring and interpretation of ASRS-v1.1

Scoring System of ASRS-v1.1

Respondents rate each item based on how often they have experienced the symptoms over the past six months, using a Likert scale:

  • 0 = Never
  • 1 = Rarely
  • 2 = Sometimes
  • 3 = Often
  • 4 = Very Often

The scoring has been updated to enhance clinical utility, moving away from a simple dichotomous system to allow for more nuanced responses. A score of 6 or higher on either the inattention or hyperactivity/impulsivity items indicates significant symptoms consistent with ADHD, warranting further evaluation.

The score of Part A and Part B of ASRS-v1.1

We know that there are 6 items in Part A. The scores range from 0- 24. Based on the score of part A, you can get the most screening and diagnostic utility. So the score of part A is useful.

If you get a very high score on part A, it means your symptom profile will be more consistent with an ADHD diagnosis. The cut-off score is 14.

lowmildhighhigher
<=910-1314-17>=18

The scores in Part B offer further insights into a wider range of ADHD symptom severity and the effects of inattention or hyperactivity on an individual’s life. There are 12 items in part B, so you will get a total score from 0 to 48. A score in the high or very high range (27 or above) is considered clinically significant.

lowmildhighhigher
<=1920-2627-32>=33

When you get the total score of each part, you can according the table to understand your situation based on this score.

In addition to the primary interpretation metrics from Part A and Part B, the total score (the sum of both parts) is converted into a percentile to compare responses against normative data for adults.

Typically, individuals with ADHD score above the 79th percentile (equivalent to a raw score of 40). The total score is categorized as follows:

lowmildhighhigher
<=3031-3940-49>=50

Subscales of ASRS-v1.1

  1. Inattentiveness subscale: In this subscale, we need to know more details of the aspect. it contains items 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11. It is total 9 quesions. These questions are prepared for measuring an adult’s difficulty in Paying attention to details, staying organized, remembering appointments, avoiding careless mistakes, and maintaining focus. This ability is a very basic thing for every person.
  2. Hyperactivity/Impulsivity subscale. in this subscale, there are two aspects , including a motor and a verbal component. The motor contains items 5, 6, 12, 13, 14. These questions are want to measures an adult’s difficulty in sitting still, staying seated, and ability to relax. The verbal part includes 4 items. the specific number of the items are 15, 16, 17, 18. These questions used to measures an adult’s difficulty in controlling how much they are talking in daily life, interrupting with others.

Is ASRSv1.1 reliable and valid?

Reliability of ASRS-v1.1

  1. Internal Consistency: The ASRS-v1.1 demonstrates high internal consistency, with a Cronbach’s alpha typically reported above 0.80. It was a high score. This indicates that the items on the scale are measuring the same underlying construct effectively. These items are useful.
  2. Test-Retest Reliability: Many studies have shown that the ASRS has strong test-retest reliability. It means that every individuals tend to get a similar score on the scale when tested at different times. The result will be almost same in different time . It provided their symptoms have not changed. This is particularly important for ensuring that the tool can reliably track symptoms over time. So you can do the test more than once to check your real situations.
  3. Sensitivity and Specificity:
    1. The ASRS shows good sensitivity (around 84%) and moderate specificity (approximately 66%) in identifying ADHD in adult populations. It means this test works very well. Sensitivity refers to the test’s ability to correctly identify those with ADHD. If you take you time to finish the test, you can get a more accurate score.
    2. In specific populations, such as treatment-seeking individuals with substance use disorders, sensitivity and specificity can vary but generally remain within acceptable ranges. So every user still needs further detection.

Validity of ASRS-v1.1

  1. Construct Validity: The ASRS is grounded in the diagnostic criteria of the DSM-IV and DSM-5, which enhances its construct validity. Validation studies have confirmed that it effectively identifies symptoms consistent with ADHD.
  2. Concurrent Validity: The ASRS has shown high concurrent validity when compared to clinician-administered ADHD rating scales, indicating that it aligns well with established diagnostic measures.
  3. Predictive Validity: There are many data about the test. The positive predictive value (also called PPV) of the ASRS is around 26%, while the negative predictive value (NPV) is very high. It is approximately 97%, meaning it is particularly effective at ruling out ADHD when results are negative. So you can find this test is good.
  4. Discriminant Validity: The ASRS has been evaluated for its ability to distinguish between ADHD and other externalizing disorders, demonstrating some limitations in this area, particularly among individuals with comorbid conditions.

Limitations of ASRS-v1.1

The ASRS is a valuable and useful tool and test for screening ADHD, but it is not a definitive and absolute diagnostic instrument and outcome. You don’t need to be worried about the score. A positive result indicates that further assessment by a healthcare professional is necessary. So you should go to a deep test.

Additionally, the ASRS does not account for other potential comorbid conditions that may present similar symptoms, highlighting the importance of thorough clinical evaluation. SO make sure you will get a more professional evaluation in the future.

Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRSv1.1)

Part A

NeverRarelySometimesOftenVery Often
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  1. How often do you have trouble wrapping up the final details of a project, once the challenging parts have been done?
  2. How often do you have difficulty getting things in order when you have to do a task that requires organization?
  3. How often do you have problems remembering appointments or obligations?
  4. When you have a task that requires a lot of thought, how often do you avoid or delay getting started?
  5. How often do you fidget or squirm with your hands or feet when you have to sit down for a long time?
  6. How often do you feel overly active and compelled to do things, like you were driven by a motor?

Part B

  1. How often do you make careless mistakes when you have to work on a boring or difficult project?
  2. How often do you have difficulty keeping your attention when you are doing boring or repetitive work?
  3. How often do you have difficulty concentrating on what people say to you, even when they are speaking to you directly?
  4. How often do you misplace or have difficulty finding things at home or at work?
  5. How often are you distracted by activity or noise around you?
  6. How often do you leave your seat in meetings or other situations in which you are expected to remain seated?
  7. How often do you feel restless or fidgety?
  8. How often do you have difficulty unwinding and relaxing when you have time to yourself?
  9. How often do you find yourself talking too much when you are in social situations?
  10. When you’re 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?
  11. How often do you have difficulty waiting your turn in situations when turn taking is required?
  12. How often do you interrupt others when they are busy?