An ASRS-5 score refers to the result obtained from the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale for DSM-5 (ASRS-5), a widely used self-report screening scale designed to help identify potential symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in adults. It serves as an initial step to determine if an individual's symptoms warrant further clinical evaluation for ADHD. The ASRS-5 is an updated version of the earlier ASRS v1.1.
Understanding the ASRS-5 Scale
The ASRS-5 is a questionnaire typically completed by the individual themselves, assessing how often they experience various ADHD-related behaviors and symptoms. It comprises 18 questions, but for initial screening, the focus is often on the first six questions (known as Part A).
- Part A (Questions 1-6): These six questions are considered highly indicative of ADHD symptoms and directly correlate with the diagnostic criteria outlined in the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition). They are the primary focus for determining a "positive" screening score.
- Part B (Questions 7-18): The remaining twelve questions provide additional information about a broader range of ADHD symptoms, contributing to a more comprehensive understanding but not typically used for the initial screening threshold.
How an ASRS-5 Score is Determined
The "score" most commonly referred to when discussing the ASRS-5 is derived from the responses to the six questions in Part A. Each question is rated on a 5-point Likert scale: "Never," "Rarely," "Sometimes," "Often," or "Very Often."
For each of the six questions in Part A, a specific response threshold indicates a "positive" or symptom-present response:
| Question | Symptom Area (Example) | Positive Response Threshold |
|---|---|---|
| Q1 | Trouble with details/order | Often or Very Often |
| Q2 | Trouble organizing | Often or Very Often |
| Q3 | Forgetful in daily activities | Often or Very Often |
| Q4 | Fidgeting/restlessness | Sometimes, Often, or Very Often |
| Q5 | Driven by a motor | Sometimes, Often, or Very Often |
| Q6 | Interrupting others | Sometimes, Often, or Very Often |
The ASRS-5 score is the total count of "positive" responses from these six questions.
Interpreting Your ASRS-5 Score
The key threshold for a significant ASRS-5 score is based on the number of positive responses in Part A:
- A score of four or more positive responses (from the 6 questions in Part A) suggests a high probability of adult ADHD symptoms. This outcome indicates that further clinical evaluation by a healthcare professional (such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, or physician experienced in ADHD diagnosis) is strongly recommended.
It is crucial to remember that the ASRS-5 is a screening tool, not a diagnostic one. A high score does not automatically mean an individual has ADHD, but rather that their symptoms align with those commonly experienced by adults with ADHD and warrant professional assessment. A comprehensive diagnostic process involves a thorough clinical interview, review of medical history, and consideration of symptoms across various life settings.
