The adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) self-report scale is a questionnaire consisting of 18 questions that can help to assess and diagnose ADHD symptoms in adults.
ADHD typically first presents in childhood, with most people experiencing several symptoms by the age of 12 years.
An adult with ADHD will experience at least five persistent symptoms, which may include an ongoing pattern of difficulty paying attention, having an excess of energy, and possibly having difficulty controlling impulses.
In this article, we will further discuss the adult ADHD self-report scale, including how it works, next steps to take, the limitations of the scale, and treatment options for adults with ADHD.
A note about sex and gender
Sex and gender exist on spectrums. This article will use the terms “male,” “female,” or both to refer to sex assigned at birth. Click here to learn more.
The adult ADHD self-report scale is a questionnaire that consists of 18 questions that a person completes to assess whether they may have adult ADHD, according to the Attention Deficit Disorder Association.
The checkbox-style questionnaire asks a person to rate how they have felt and behaved in relation to each question within the last six months. The answers in the scale range from never to very often.
The 18 questions consist of part A and part B. Part A has six questions that relate to symptoms of adult ADHD, such as whether a person has difficulty with:
- organization
- finalizing projects
- remembering appointments or commitments
- procrastination
- sitting still for long periods of time
- feeling overactive
Part B consists of questions that can further help a healthcare professional understand the symptoms an individual is experiencing. These 12 questions relate to the frequency and intensity that a person experiences symptoms.
The 18 questions in the adult ADHD self-report scale correspond with the 18 criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). The DSM-5 is the current manual that healthcare professionals in the United States use to help assess and diagnose a variety of mental health conditions, including ADHD.
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Once a person completes the adult ADHD self-report scale, a healthcare professional may want to ask more questions and investigate the answers further. A doctor may ask if and how the symptoms affect the person’s daily life, such as performance at work, doing chores at home, and maintaining relationships with others.
A healthcare professional may ask if a person experienced any similar symptoms during childhood. An adult with ADHD might have experienced symptoms as a child but did not receive a formal diagnosis. This could be due to teachers or family members not recognizing symptoms, or symptoms being more manageable during childhood.
Stress, anxiety, other mental health conditions, and some physical health conditions
A healthcare professional will typically interview the person’s partner, spouse, parent, or close family member to gather more information, such as a person’s behavior in childhood and school experiences. This may help them gain a fuller understanding of how symptoms affect the everyday life of an adult with ADHD and the people around them.
There are several limitations in the diagnostic process for ADHD, which may be why people who did not receive a diagnosis in childhood seek resources such as the adult ADHD self-report scale.
Symptoms of ADHD do not always present the same way in males and females. Research from 2020 suggests that males with ADHD
However, females with ADHD may be more likely to experience symptoms in the inattentive category, such as difficulty sustaining attention, following instructions, organizing tasks, and managing time. They may also have more difficulty with working memory and controlling impulses.
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Additionally, another 2023 study suggested that young people of color were less likely to receive ADHD diagnoses than young white people.
A 2021 study suggests the racial disparities may be due to ADHD symptoms or adjacent health conditions
Research from 2021 also suggests that there are several groups that may not have access to the adult ADHD self-report scale and other online tests due to a lack of internet access. These groups can include people from low-income households, individuals who are Black, Hispanic, or Native American, and older people.
People should be aware that there are also online scams that pose as tests for ADHD to gain access to personal information.
If a person has concerns about scams or difficulty accessing online content, a healthcare professional can typically diagnose ADHD in person. A primary care doctor
If a person receives a diagnosis for ADHD, treatment options
- medications, such as stimulants and antidepressants
- psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy
- support from a life coach or ADHD coach
The adult ADHD self-report scale is a diagnostic tool that healthcare professionals may use to help assess an adult for ADHD.
The scale consists of 18 questions that a person answers in a tickbox style, rating the answers from never to very often. The questions relate to the ADHD criteria in the DSM-5.
Due to diagnostic limitations, some people with ADHD may not receive a diagnosis in childhood. This can include females and people of color.
If a person thinks they may have ADHD, they should speak with a healthcare professional.