Clinical Foundation
DSM-5 Diagnostic Criteria
Our assessment is grounded in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), published by the American Psychiatric Association. The DSM-5 identifies three presentations of ADHD:
- Predominantly Inattentive Presentation — Difficulty sustaining attention, organizing tasks, following through on instructions
- Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Presentation — Fidgeting, restlessness, difficulty waiting, interrupting others
- Combined Presentation — Meeting criteria for both inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms
ASRS v1.1 Screening Scale
Our questions are informed by the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS-v1.1), developed in conjunction with the World Health Organization (WHO). The ASRS is one of the most widely validated screening tools for adult ADHD globally.
Reference: Kessler RC, Adler L, Ames M, et al. The World Health Organization Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS): a short screening scale for use in the general population. Psychological Medicine. 2005;35(2):245-256.
Our Five Assessment Categories
We organized our 18 questions into five categories that represent the full spectrum of ADHD-related experiences, including often-overlooked dimensions like emotional regulation and time perception.
1. Attention (6 questions)
Covers the core inattentive symptoms: difficulty finishing tasks, organizational challenges, forgetfulness, task avoidance, mind wandering, and losing items.
DSM-5 criteria addressed: A1a, A1b, A1d, A1e, A1h, A1i
2. Restlessness (4 questions)
Assesses hyperactivity symptoms adapted for adults: physical restlessness, difficulty relaxing, compulsive multitasking, and feeling "driven by a motor."
DSM-5 criteria addressed: A2a, A2b, A2c (adapted for adult presentation)
3. Impulsivity (4 questions)
Evaluates impulsive behaviors: interrupting others, finishing sentences, impulsive decisions/purchases, and difficulty waiting.
DSM-5 criteria addressed: A2g, A2h, A2i
4. Emotional Regulation (2 questions)
Addresses emotional dysregulation, increasingly recognized as a core feature of ADHD: mood swings and emotional overwhelm.
Research basis: Barkley's executive function model; Shaw et al. emotional lability studies
5. Time Perception (2 questions)
Explores time blindness (underestimating task duration) and hyperfocus — the paradoxical ability to over-focus on engaging tasks.
Research basis: Barkley's time perception research; Hyperfocus studies by Hupfeld et al.
Scoring Methodology
Response Scale
Each question uses a 5-point Likert scale, consistent with the ASRS format:
Score Calculation
- Total Score: Sum of all 18 responses (range: 0-72)
- Percentage: (Total Score ÷ 72) × 100
- Category Scores: Each category calculated independently as percentage of its maximum
Result Interpretation Bands
Neurodivergent-Friendly Design
We designed this assessment specifically with neurodivergent users in mind, incorporating principles from ADHD research and accessibility best practices:
Reduced Cognitive Load
One question at a time with generous whitespace to minimize overwhelm
Clear Progress Tracking
Visual progress bar addresses uncertainty and time perception challenges
Calming Color Palette
Soft, muted colors reduce visual stimulation and anxiety
Supportive Language
Non-judgmental framing acknowledges diverse experiences
Contextual Tips
Each question includes examples to aid understanding
Immediate Feedback
Instant results satisfy need for immediate gratification
Limitations & Important Considerations
Not a Diagnostic Tool
This is a screening instrument, not a clinical diagnosis. ADHD can only be diagnosed by qualified healthcare professionals through comprehensive evaluation including clinical interview, behavioral observations, and ruling out other conditions.
Self-Report Bias
Self-assessments rely on individual perception and memory, which can be affected by current mood, recent experiences, or limited self-awareness of symptoms.
Symptom Overlap
Many ADHD symptoms overlap with other conditions including anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, thyroid issues, and trauma responses. Professional evaluation is needed to differentiate.
Adult Focus
This assessment is designed for adults. ADHD evaluation in children requires specialized instruments and professional observation across multiple settings.
Cultural Considerations
ADHD presentation and perception varies across cultures. This tool is based primarily on Western diagnostic criteria and may not fully capture diverse experiences.
References & Further Reading
American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.). Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Publishing.
Kessler, R. C., et al. (2005). The World Health Organization Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS): a short screening scale for use in the general population. Psychological Medicine, 35(2), 245-256.
Barkley, R. A. (2015). Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: A Handbook for Diagnosis and Treatment (4th ed.). New York: Guilford Press.
Shaw, P., et al. (2014). Emotion dysregulation in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. American Journal of Psychiatry, 171(3), 276-293.
Hupfeld, K. E., et al. (2019). Living "in the zone": hyperfocus in adult ADHD. ADHD Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorders, 11, 191-208.