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What Are the Questions in the ASRS-18 Tool? 

Posted:    Author:  

Harriet Winslow, BSc

   Reviewed by:  

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

The ASRS-18 ADHD questions are part of a widely used screening tool designed to help identify symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in adults. Developed in collaboration with the World Health Organization, the ASRS-18 contains 18 items that align with the DSM criteria for ADHD. The ASRS-18 ADHD questions are divided into two main categories: inattentive traits and hyperactivity items. 

The first section focuses on inattentive traits, with questions about difficulties staying focused, making careless mistakes, or struggling to organise tasks. The second section covers hyperactivity items, asking about restlessness, excessive talking, and difficulty relaxing. This symptom checklist is self-reported, allowing individuals to reflect on their experiences over the past six months.

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How It Helps 

Identifying Symptom Patterns  

The ASRS-18 ADHD questions help clinicians and individuals recognise patterns of behaviour consistent with ADHD. By scoring responses, it becomes easier to determine whether further assessment is warranted. 

Guiding the Next Steps  

While the symptom checklist is not a standalone diagnostic tool, it provides valuable insight into whether ADHD might be present. Identifying both inattentive traits and hyperactivity items allows healthcare professionals to recommend a full clinical evaluation when necessary. 

In summary, the ASRS-18 ADHD questions offer a structured way to capture ADHD symptoms, supporting early recognition and helping guide individuals towards appropriate assessment and treatment. 

Visit providers like ADHD Certify for personal consultations and expert advice tailored to your needs.   

For a deeper dive into the science, diagnosis, and full treatment landscape, read our complete guide to Rule-outs for other conditions.  

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Harriet Winslow, BSc
Written By Harriet Winslow, BSc

Harriet Winslow is a clinical psychologist with a Bachelor’s in Clinical Psychology and extensive experience in behaviour therapy and developmental disorders. She has worked with children and adolescents with ADHD, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), learning disabilities, and behavioural challenges, providing individual and group therapy using evidence-based approaches such as CBT and DBT. Dr. Winslow has developed and implemented personalised treatment plans, conducted formal and informal assessments, and delivered crisis intervention for clients in need of urgent mental health care. Her expertise spans assessment, treatment planning, and behavioural intervention for both neurodevelopmental and mental health conditions.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the author's privacy.
Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS
Reviewed By Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez is a UK-trained physician with an MBBS and experience in general surgery, cardiology, internal medicine, gynecology, intensive care, and emergency medicine. She has managed critically ill patients, stabilised acute trauma cases, and provided comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care. In psychiatry, Dr. Fernandez has worked with psychotic, mood, anxiety, and substance use disorders, applying evidence-based approaches such as CBT, ACT, and mindfulness-based therapies. Her skills span patient assessment, treatment planning, and the integration of digital health solutions to support mental well-being.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the reviewer's privacy. 

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Autism desk