TherapyTips
scale image for personality tests

ADHD Self-Report Scale

Concerned that you might have ADHD? Take this test to find out if it's worth looking into with a professional.

Mark Travers, Ph.D.

By Mark Travers, Ph.D.

December 6, 2024

Mark Travers, Ph.D., is the lead psychologist at Awake Therapy, responsible for new client intake and placement. Mark received his B.A. in psychology, magna cum laude, from Cornell University and his M.A. and Ph.D. from the University of Colorado Boulder. His academic research has been published in leading psychology journals and has been featured in The New York Times and The New Yorker, among other popular publications. He is a regular contributor for Forbes and Psychology Today, where he writes about psycho-educational topics such as happiness, relationships, personality, and life meaning. Click here to schedule an initial consultation with Mark or another member of the Awake Therapy team. Or, you can drop him a note here.

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects millions of individuals worldwide. It's characterized by symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity, which can interfere with various aspects of life—including academic, occupational and social functioning. ADHD manifests differently from person to person; some may struggle primarily with focus and organization, while others may find it challenging to manage impulsivity or regulate their energy levels.

Reaching a diagnosis for ADHD is an important step toward understanding and managing the condition. Left undiagnosed, ADHD can contribute to struggles with self-esteem, relationships and even other mental health conditions like anxiety or depression. Conversely, a diagnosis opens the door to tailored strategies, treatments and resources that help individuals thrive.

The ASRSv1.1 (Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale) is a valuable screening tool developed by mental health experts to help individuals recognize symptoms of ADHD in their daily lives. While the ASRSv1.1 itself is not a diagnostic instrument, it nevertheless serves as a first step toward seeking professional evaluation and guidance.

The tool consists of 18 questions, split into two parts: the first six questions serve as a quick screener—targeting the most predictive symptoms of ADHD. A higher score on these initial questions suggests that a full evaluation may be necessary. The remaining 12 questions provide additional context to understand the broader scope of symptoms and their potential impact.

References: Kessler, R. C., Adler, L., Ames, M., Demler, O., Faraone, S., Hiripi, E., Howes, M. J., Jin, R., Secnik, K., Spencer, T., Ustun, T. B., & Walters, E. E. (2005). The World Health Organization Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS): a short screening scale for use in the general population. Psychological Medicine, 35(2), 245–256. https://doi.org/10.1017/s0033291704002892

Step 1: Rate the following statements based on how much you agree with them on a scale of strongly disagree to strongly agree.

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?

7. How often do you make careless mistakes when you have to work on a boring or difficult project?

8. How often do you have difficulty keeping your attention when you are doing boring or repetitive work?

9. How often do you have difficulty concentrating on what people say to you, even when they are speaking to you directly?

10. How often do you misplace or have difficulty finding things at home or at work?

11. How often are you distracted by activity or noise around you?

12. How often do you leave your seat in meetings or other situations in which you are expected to remain seated?

13. How often do you feel restless or fidgety?

14. How often do you have difficulty unwinding and relaxing when you have time to yourself?

15. How often do you find yourself talking too much when you are in social situations?

16. 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?

17. How often do you have difficulty waiting your turn in situations when turn taking is required?

18. How often do you interrupt others when they are busy?

0 of 0 questions answered

Step 2: Enter your age, gender, region, and first name so we can provide you with a detailed report that compares your test scores with people similar to you.

What is your age?

What is your gender?

What region of the world do you live in?

What is your first name?

Step 3: Check to make sure you've provided answers to all of the statements/questions above. Once you've done that, click the button below to send your responses to Awake Therapy's Lead Psychologist, Mark Travers, Ph.D. He will provide you with an overview of how you scored relative to others (all answers are anonymized and confidential to protect users' privacy). He can also answer any follow-up questions you may have.