ADHD screening test

The ASRS-5 ADHD test

A short, recognised ADHD screen. Useful on its own, and often taken alongside the autism tests, since ADHD and autism frequently co-occur.

Start the test 2 mins. 5 questions. No account needed.

WHO-developed

Created by the World Health Organization with Kessler and colleagues, published in 2008.

Clinically validated

91% sensitivity and 96% specificity (Ustün et al., 2017), outperforming the older ASRS-6.

Validated worldwide

Tested across many countries and cultures as a reliable first-step ADHD screen for adults.

The basics

What is the ASRS-5?

The ASRS-5 (Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale) is a five-item screen for ADHD in adults, developed by the World Health Organization with Kessler and colleagues.

It asks how often you’ve experienced core ADHD patterns, attention, restlessness and impulsivity, over the past six months. It’s a strong first-step screen, with high sensitivity and specificity.

Autism and ADHD frequently co-occur (sometimes called AuDHD), so this screen is a useful companion to the autism tests if both resonate with you. It takes about two minutes.

Scoring

What your score means

0–3

Below threshold

Clinical threshold

Above threshold

Each question scores 0 or 1 against its own frequency threshold, for a total between 0 and 5. A score of 4 or above suggests ADHD traits worth a fuller evaluation.

The ASRS-5 is a screening tool, not a diagnosis. It doesn’t capture emotional regulation, time blindness or childhood history, which a full assessment would consider.

What it looks at

Inattention

Difficulty focusing, listening and finishing tasks

Hyperactivity

Restlessness and difficulty relaxing

Impulsivity

Acting without thinking, interrupting others

What it doesn’t

Emotional dysregulation

Intense emotions, mood swings and rejection sensitivity

Time blindness

Difficulty judging time, chronic lateness

Working memory

Forgetting instructions, losing track of things

Hyperfocus

Intense focus on some things while neglecting others

Childhood history

Symptoms present before age 12, required for diagnosis

Frequently asked questions

The things people ask first

It performs well as a screen, around 91% sensitivity and 96% specificity, and outperforms the older six-item version. But it’s a screen, not a diagnosis.

A score of 4+ suggests ADHD traits worth exploring with a professional. Bring your result to a GP or specialist, who can consider your full history.

No. This brief screen misses common ADHD experiences like emotional dysregulation and time blindness. If ADHD resonates with you, it’s still worth exploring.

Want a fuller picture?

The ASRS-5 is a quick screen. The OtherMind test goes deeper, and turns your answers into something you can actually use.

Take the OtherMind test