Cross-cultural Adult ADHD assessment in 42 countries using the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale Screener

Abstract

Based on a large-scale research project involving 42 countries (International Sex Survey, N=72,627, 57% women, Mage=32.84; SD=12.57), we analyzed adult ADHD symptoms in a cross-cultural context, including investigation of the occurrence and potential correlates of adult ADHD, and psychometric examination of the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS) Screener. The ASRS Screener demonstrated good reliability and validity, along with partial invariance across different languages, countries, and genders. Consistent with previous evidence showing low specificity of adult ADHD screening instruments, the occurrence of being at risk for adult ADHD was relatively high (21.4% for women, 18.1% for men). The highest scores were obtained in the US, Canada, and other English-speaking Western countries, with significantly lower scores among East Asian and non-English-speaking European countries. Moreover, ADHD symptom severity and occurrence were especially high among gender-diverse individuals. Significant associations between adult ADHD symptoms and age, mental and sexual health, and socioeconomic status were observed