What is the ASRS?

The Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS) v1.1 – Part A is a validated screening tool developed by a World Health Organization (WHO) workgroup to identify symptoms associated with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in adults. Grounded in the diagnostic criteria from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), the ASRS is widely used in both clinical and research settings to help identify individuals who may benefit from further evaluation. It is designed to be brief, efficient, and highly predictive of ADHD.

What It Measures

The ASRS contains 18 items divided into two parts:

• Part A includes 6 questions found to be the most predictive of ADHD symptoms. This section serves as the primary screener.
• Part B consists of the remaining 12 questions, which provide additional insight into a broader range of ADHD-related behaviors.

Each item asks how often the respondent has experienced specific challenges—such as trouble organizing tasks or feeling restless—within the past six months. Responses are rated on a 5-point frequency scale: Never, Rarely, Sometimes, Often, or Very Often.

The Creyos platform has the ASRS Part A built into the ADHD-focused protocol and available as a standalone questionnaire. 

How It Relates to Cognition

ADHD can impact several cognitive domains, including attention, working memory, and executive functioning. When paired with objective cognitive testing on the Creyos platform, the ASRS enhances clinical decision-making by connecting behavioral symptoms with cognitive performance.

Psychometric Properties

Part A of the ASRS has demonstrated excellent reliability and validity. Kessler et al. (2007) found high internal consistency, strong test-retest reliability, and strong agreement with clinical diagnoses, supporting its effectiveness as a screening tool in adult populations.

Clinical Considerations

The ASRS is intended as a screening instrument, not a diagnostic tool. A positive result in Part A should always be followed by a comprehensive clinical assessment, including patient history, interviews, and consideration of functional impairment.

The ASRS Part A is easy to include in any Creyos Health assessment protocol and can be used alongside cognitive, behavioral, or mental health measures. For more on best practices in ASRS use, see Kessler et al. (2005).

To explore all behavioral and cognitive health tools available in the Creyos platform, refer to the Creyos Standardized Questionnaires Guide.