CAARS (Short-Form): Conners Adult ADHD Rating Scale. Rate each item based on how much it has been a problem for you in the past month.
Self-Report (Past Month) — 0/30
1. I have trouble finishing things.
2. I am often looking for things I've lost.
3. I am easily distracted.
4. I am impulsive.
5. I have trouble keeping my mind on a task.
6. I am always on the go.
7. I have trouble waiting my turn.
8. I am messy or disorganized.
9. I blurt out answers before questions are finished.
10. I have trouble doing things that require a lot of thought.
11. I fidget or squirm in my seat.
12. I talk too much.
13. I am disorganized in my work.
14. I am always moving around when I should sit still.
15. I lose my temper easily.
16. I avoid tasks that require a lot of mental effort.
17. I am always rushing.
18. I am often impatient.
19. I have trouble organizing my activities.
20. I am easily bored.
21. I am always restless.
22. I have difficulty sustaining attention.
23. I am often too active.
24. I have a lot of energy but it's hard to direct it.
25. I have trouble planning ahead.
26. I am often forgetful in my daily activities.
27. I am hyperactive.
28. I am often irritable.
29. I have trouble keeping track of my things.
30. I make decisions on the spur of the moment.
Guidelines & Evidence
Clinical Details
Section 1
When to Use
Clinical Utility
Assessment of ADHD symptoms in adults aged 18+
Differential diagnosis regarding Inattentive, Hyperactive-Impulsive, and Combined presentations
Screening for executive dysfunction and emotional lability in adult ADHD patients
Monitoring treatment response for pharmacological or behavioral interventions
Section 2
Formula & Logic
Scoring Logic
The CAARS assesses symptoms across four factors: Inattention/Memory problems, Hyperactivity/Restlessness, Impulsivity/Emotional Lability, and problems with Self-Concept. Scores are weighted by frequency (0–3). Final raw scores are typically converted to T-scores corrected for age and gender.
DSM-IV Global Sub-scales
Inattentive Symptoms
Hyperactive-Impulsive Symptoms
Total ADHD Symptoms
ADHD Index (identifies likely candidates for clinical diagnosis)
