Adult Self-Report Scale (ASRS v1.1) for ADHD
Why Use
Adult ADHD is thought to be relatively common (4.4% prevalence in one study ) and underdiagnosed. The ASRS provides an overview of symptoms that can guide further assessment.
When to Use
Primary care and mental health providers can rapidly screen to detect patients who warrant further evaluation for adult ADHD. The ASRS can determine initial symptom severity and monitor symptom changes/treatment effect over time.
Formula
Pearls / Pitfalls
The Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS) Screener v1.1 is used in primary care and mental health settings to screen for adult ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). The ASRS has been validated in the general population. It is an abbreviated 6-item version of the full ASRS, which evaluates for the DSM criteria for adult ADHD. Positive scores for these 6 items were found to be most predictive of a clinical diagnosis of ADHD (the current gold standard for diagnosis). Items in the scale are frequently seen in other psychiatric disorders, and can even be normal variants in the general population. This scale is best used as a preliminary step in a more comprehensive clinical evaluation that includes assessment of the patient’s level of impairment in various domains of functioning.
Management
Presence of ≥4 points indicates symptoms highly consistent with adult ADHD; these cases warrant further clinical assessment. Further clinical assessment includes: Clinical interview Mental status examination Neuropsychological testing may be considered (e.g., subthreshold symptoms, diagnostic uncertainty) Labs and medical work-up when clinically warranted Clinical interview may be guided by questions in the screener and the remaining DSM criteria. Assess the level of impairment associated with each symptom (including at work, school and in social situations) and evaluate for presence of symptoms in childhood.
Critical Actions
Symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity are relatively nonspecific and are encountered in many psychiatric and some medical disorders. Comprehensive clinical evaluation should include consideration of mood, anxiety, learning or substance use disorders as underlying cause or comorbid condition. Workup for underlying organic disorders, if there is clinical suspicion, should be considered.
Advice
The screener is meant to detect cases that warrant further clinical assessment, and cannot be used alone for diagnosis.
More Information
Point totals ≥4 indicate consistency with adult ADHD. As symptoms of attention deficit are increasingly common in society, the ASRS helps to try to differentiate normal trends from pathological disease. Version 1.1 is a shorter screening test than the original test.