Isabela Romero Navarro, MSU Counselor Education Program Intern at the Human Development Clinic
Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is not just a childhood condition. It often persists into adulthood, affecting quality of life and leading to other mental health issues like anxiety and depression. Yet, it often goes undiagnosed. Enter the Adult ADHD Self-Reporting Scale for DSM-5 (ASRS-5), a tool that promises to change the game in ADHD diagnosis.
Developed by the World Health Organization (WHO), the ASRS-5 is a 5-point Likert-type scale consisting of 6 questions. It's designed to evaluate symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity in adults, based on their experiences in the past six months. The scale is quick to administer and score, making it a practical tool for clinicians.
The ASRS-5 has shown excellent psychometric qualities, including a sensitivity rate above 90%. This means it's highly effective in identifying true ADHD cases while minimizing false positives. Studies have validated its effectiveness across different populations, including German and Turkish adults.
The ASRS-5 is particularly useful for beginner counselors. It's a short, easily scored test that can accurately screen for ADHD in adults. Given that ADHD often coexists with other mental disorders, having a reliable screening tool is crucial for effective treatment.
The ASRS-5 is becoming an essential tool in clinical practice for diagnosing adult ADHD. Its ease of use and high accuracy make it a go-to resource for healthcare providers. As ADHD can be effectively managed if detected early, the ASRS-5 serves as a cornerstone in providing the best possible treatment for adults.
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Genc, H., Yorguner, N., Bulut, S., Bulut, G. C., Aydemir, O., & Yazgan, Y. (2021). Validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the adult ADHD Self-Report Screening Scale for DSM-5. Balkan Medical Journal, 38(2), 111–115.
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