Screening for ADHD as an adult is often a process of "connecting the dots" between current struggles and childhood patterns.1 It is important to remember that screening tools are not diagnostic on their own; they are designed to flag whether a formal clinical evaluation is warranted.2
The following tools are the most widely used and scientifically validated instruments for adult ADHD screening.
1. The Gold Standard: ASRS (Adult Self-Report Scale)
Developed by the World Health Organization (WHO), the ASRS v1.1 is the most common starting point for adults.3
ASRS v1.1 Screener (6 Questions): This is a subset of the full 18-question list.4 Research shows that these six questions are the most predictive of adult ADHD. If you score "frequently" on 4 or more, it’s a strong indicator to seek a professional.
ASRS DSM-5 Updated Screener: An updated version that aligns more closely with current diagnostic criteria, often focusing on how symptoms manifest in a work or home environment rather than a classroom.
2. Checking Childhood History: WURS (Wender Utah Rating Scale)5
Because an ADHD diagnosis requires symptoms to have been present before age 12, clinicians often use the WURS.
How it works: You answer questions about your behavior as a child (e.g., "As a child, I was active, restless, always on the go").
Purpose: It helps distinguish between ADHD that has always been there and "ADHD-like" symptoms caused by recent stress, burnout, or other medical conditions.
3. Comprehensive Comparison of Tools
Tool Name | Type | Focus | Best For... |
ASRS v1.1 | Self-Report | Current Symptoms | A quick, 5-minute initial "gut check." |
WURS | Self-Report | Childhood History | Establishing the "lifelong" nature of symptoms. |
CAARS | Multi-Report | Comprehensive | Gathering data from you and a partner/parent. |
DIVA-5 | Structured Interview | Clinical Diagnosis | The "Deep Dive" used by psychiatrists for a final diagnosis. |
BRIEF-A | Self-Report | Executive Function | Measuring "Task Paralysis," organization, and emotional control. |
4. Specialized Focus: Executive Function (BRIEF-A)
If your main struggle isn't "hyperactivity" but rather "getting started," the BRIEF-A (Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function) is highly useful. It looks specifically at:
Inhibition: Resisting impulses.
Working Memory: Holding information in your head.
Plan/Organize: Breaking down large projects into steps.6
Task Monitor: Checking your own progress.
Next Steps for Screening
Most of these (especially the ASRS) can be found for free via reputable organizations like ADDA (Attention Deficit Disorder Association) or CHADD.7
A Note on "The Shadow": Adult ADHD often co-occurs with anxiety, depression, or autism. A good screening process should also look at these "overlapping" traits to ensure you get the most accurate support strategy.
