The adult ADHD self-report scale for screening for adult attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

Abstract

Background: Adult attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is underdiagnosed in the primary care setting despite 3% to 6% of adults having ADHD-like symptoms. The Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale- V1.1 (ASRS-V1.1) is a validated, 6-question screen for adult ADHD. Our purpose was to analyze this tool for evaluating patients in a busy primary care setting. Methods: The ASRS-V1.1 was administered to patients in 8 busy primary care practices. All with a positive score and a random sample of those with a negative screening score were asked to complete the Conners' Adult ADHD Rating Scale Self Report-Short Version. Each was administered within the clinic setting during the same session. Sensitivity, specificity, and positive/negative predictive values were calculated. Data were evaluated for site-specific differences. Results: It took an average of 54.3 seconds (range, 22-252 seconds) to complete the ASRS-V1.1. There was an inconsistency-adjusted sensitivity of 1.0, a specificity of 0.71, a positive predictive value of 0.52, and a negative predictive value of 1.0. No site-specific differences were found. Conclusions: Because of its ease of use, short time to administer, high sensitivity, and moderate specificity, the ASRS-V1.1 is an effective adult ADHD screening to guide further evaluations for ADHD.