Wender Utah Rating Scale (WURS)
The Wender Utah Rating Scale (WURS) is a widely used screening tool for the diagnosis of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults. Developed by Dr. Paul H. Wender, a pioneer in ADHD research, the WURS was initially designed to assess childhood symptoms retrospectively in adult patients. The original WURS consisted of 61 questions, but the WURS-25, a shorter 25-question version, is now commonly used due to its efficiency and comparable validity.
Last Updated: 4 February, 2025
- Length: 5 minutes
- Questions: 25 questions
- Sensitivity: 96%
- Specificity: 96%
More Details
In terms of validity, the WURS is regarded as a robust screening instrument. With a sensitivity of 96% and specificity of 96%, it's capable of accurately identifying individuals who likely have ADHD and ruling out those who don't. However, while the WURS provides a strong indication of ADHD, it does not provide a definitive diagnosis. A positive result on the WURS should be followed by a comprehensive assessment by a healthcare professional.
The WURS is primarily used because it focuses on childhood behaviour, as the diagnosis of ADHD in adults sometimes requires the presence of symptoms before the age of twelve. Therefore, the WURS is a valuable tool to retrospectively assess ADHD symptoms in childhood. It comprises questions related to mood, temperament, and behaviours during school-age years, providing valuable insight into long-term behavioural patterns.
Using the WURS as a screening test has numerous benefits. It's efficient, relatively quick to complete, and can be self-administered. Additionally, the WURS has been widely researched and validated across diverse populations, making it a trusted instrument in the preliminary stages of ADHD assessment.
In conclusion, the Wender Utah Rating Scale is a critical tool in the screening process for ADHD in adults. By assessing childhood behaviours retrospectively, it helps identify potential ADHD cases and sets the stage for further in-depth assessment. Despite its strengths, it is crucial to remember that the WURS, like any screening test, should be part of a comprehensive diagnostic process conducted by a qualified healthcare professional.
Need a printable version?
View the PDF version of the WURS-25 test to print, save, or share with others.
Please rate yourself on each of the items below, based on your recollection of your behavior as a child (up to age 12).
WURS-25 Online Assessment
Frequently Asked Questions
While the WURS test is an effective screening tool for identifying potential ADHD symptoms in adults based on childhood behaviors, it cannot provide a definitive diagnosis. Only a qualified healthcare professional can diagnose ADHD after a comprehensive evaluation.
The WURS has a sensitivity of 96% and a specificity of 96%, making it a reliable screening tool. However, it's important to remember that it's not a diagnostic instrument and should be used in conjunction with other assessment methods.
If your WURS score suggests the possibility of ADHD, it's recommended to seek a comprehensive assessment from a healthcare professional. In Australia, you can start by visiting your GP, who may refer you to a specialist for further evaluation. Our partner, Kantoko, offers affordable online ADHD assessment for adults across Australia. Learn more at kantoko.com.au
How Scoring Works
The Wender Utah Rating Scale (WURS) is a retrospective self-report of childhood ADHD symptoms used to screen for possible adult ADHD. There are different WURS forms, but we use the WURS-25, which consists of 25 items specifically associated with ADHD.
Each item is scored on a scale of 0-4:
- Not at all or very slightly - 0
- Mildly - 1
- Moderately - 2
- Quite a bit - 3
- Very Much - 4
The maximum possible score is 100. Research shows that a score of 36 or higher correctly identifies 96% of adults with ADHD and 96% without ADHD. Using a higher cutoff of 46 increases accuracy for identifying those without ADHD to 99%, while still correctly identifying 86% of adults with ADHD (source). While these scores suggest the possibility of ADHD, it's important to note that this is not a definitive diagnosis. Only a qualified healthcare professional can diagnose ADHD after a comprehensive evaluation.
The WURS has a sensitivity of 96% and a specificity of 96%, making it a reliable screening tool. However, it should be used in conjunction with other assessment methods for a thorough evaluation.
Important Note:
If your score suggests the possibility of ADHD, it's recommended to seek a comprehensive assessment from a healthcare professional. In Australia, you can start by visiting your GP, who may refer you to a specialist for further evaluation. Our partner, Kantoko, offers affordable online ADHD assessment for adults across Australia. Learn more at kantoko.com.au
Handbook of Utah Scales for the Assessment and Treatment of ADHD in Adults, Version 1 (2022) by Frederick W. Reimherr, M.D., Barrie K. Marchant, M.S., Thomas E. Gift, M.D., Tammy A. Steans, M.S., Melissa Wilson, M.B.A., and Camille Pommerville, B.S. is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution‑NonCommercial‑NoDerivs 4.0 International License.