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This self-assessment Vanderbilt ADHD Diagnostic Rating Scale (VADRS) , was originally developed by Wolraich M. L., Lambert W., Doffing M., Bickman L., Simmons T., and Worley K. . TraitProfiler provides an interactive digital version for educational, informational, and self-exploration purposes only.

Vanderbilt ADHD Diagnostic Rating Scale (VADRS)

Background

The Vanderbilt ADHD Diagnostic Rating Scale (VADRS) is a psychological assessment used to measure symptoms related to Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and related emotional or behavioral difficulties in children and adolescents.

The assessment looks at attention problems, hyperactivity, impulsivity, oppositional behavior, conduct problems, anxiety, depression, and difficulties in school or relationships.

The VADRS is commonly used in pediatric, educational, and mental health settings because it provides a structured way to screen for ADHD-related symptoms and associated behavioral concerns.

Higher scores may suggest attention regulation difficulties, impulsivity, hyperactivity, emotional distress, behavioral difficulties, or problems in academic and social functioning.

Procedure

You will be presented with statements about attention, behavior, emotions, and daily functioning.

Read each statement carefully and choose the response that best matches the child’s usual behavior and experiences.

Please answer honestly based on behavior over recent months.

Participation

This assessment is intended for parents, caregivers, teachers, or professionals who are familiar with the child’s daily behavior and functioning.

Participation is voluntary. Responses are anonymous and intended for educational, self-awareness, and research-related purposes only.

Higher scores may reflect ADHD-related symptoms, emotional difficulties, behavioral concerns, or impairment in school, home, or social functioning.

Scoring & Interpretation

Higher scores indicate greater ADHD-related symptoms, behavioral concerns, emotional distress, or functional impairment.

Vanderbilt ADHD Diagnostic Rating Scale (VADRS) Questionnaire

Instructions & Terms

Below is the Vanderbilt ADHD Diagnostic Rating Scale (VADRS), a digitally adapted 55- items self-assessment questionnaire. This assessment does not provide a clinical diagnosis, medical determination, or substitute for professional psychological evaluation.

Question 1 of 55 ADHD

Does not pay attention to details or makes careless mistakes.


Question 2 of 55 ADHD

Has difficulty keeping attention on tasks.


Question 3 of 55 ADHD

Does not seem to listen when spoken to directly.


Question 4 of 55 ADHD

Does not follow directions or finish activities.


Question 5 of 55 ADHD

Has difficulty organizing tasks and activities.


Question 6 of 55 ADHD

Avoids or dislikes tasks requiring mental effort.


Question 7 of 55 ADHD

Loses things needed for tasks or activities.


Question 8 of 55 ADHD

Is easily distracted by noises or other stimuli.


Question 9 of 55 ADHD

Is forgetful in daily activities.


Question 10 of 55 ADHD

Fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in seat.


Question 11 of 55 ADHD

Leaves seat when remaining seated is expected.


Question 12 of 55 ADHD

Runs about or climbs excessively when remaining seated is expected.


Question 13 of 55 ADHD

Has difficulty playing quietly.


Question 14 of 55 ADHD

Acts as if “driven by a motor.”


Question 15 of 55 ADHD

Talks too much.


Question 16 of 55 ADHD

Blurts out answers before questions are completed.


Question 17 of 55 ADHD

Has difficulty waiting his or her turn.


Question 18 of 55 ADHD

Interrupts or intrudes on others.


Question 19 of 55 Behavior

Argues with adults.


Question 20 of 55 Behavior

Loses temper.


Question 21 of 55 Behavior

Defies or refuses adults’ requests or rules.


Question 22 of 55 Behavior

Deliberately annoys people.


Question 23 of 55 Behavior

Blames others for mistakes or misbehavior.


Question 24 of 55 Behavior

Is touchy or easily annoyed.


Question 25 of 55 Behavior

Is angry or resentful.


Question 26 of 55 Behavior

Is spiteful or wants revenge.


Question 27 of 55 Conduct

Bullies, threatens, or intimidates others.


Question 28 of 55 Conduct

Starts physical fights.


Question 29 of 55 Conduct

Lies to avoid trouble or obligations.


Question 30 of 55 Conduct

Skips school without permission.


Question 31 of 55 Conduct

Is physically cruel to people.


Question 32 of 55 Conduct

Has stolen valuable things.


Question 33 of 55 Conduct

Deliberately destroys property.


Question 34 of 55 Conduct

Has used a weapon that could seriously harm others.


Question 35 of 55 Conduct

Is physically cruel to animals.


Question 36 of 55 Conduct

Has deliberately set fires to cause damage.


Question 37 of 55 Conduct

Has broken into homes, businesses, or cars.


Question 38 of 55 Conduct

Stays out at night without permission.


Question 39 of 55 Conduct

Has run away from home overnight.


Question 40 of 55 Conduct

Has forced someone into sexual activity.


Question 41 of 55 Emotional

Is fearful, anxious, or worried.


Question 42 of 55 Emotional

Is afraid to try new things because of fear of mistakes.


Question 43 of 55 Emotional

Feels worthless or inferior.


Question 44 of 55 Emotional

Blames self for problems or feels guilty.


Question 45 of 55 Emotional

Feels lonely, unwanted, or unloved.


Question 46 of 55 Emotional

Is sad, unhappy, or depressed.


Question 47 of 55 Emotional

Is self-conscious or easily embarrassed.


Question 48 of 55 Functioning

Overall school performance.


Question 49 of 55 Functioning

Reading performance.


Question 50 of 55 Functioning

Writing performance.


Question 51 of 55 Functioning

Mathematics performance.


Question 52 of 55 Functioning

Relationship with parents.


Question 53 of 55 Functioning

Relationship with siblings.


Question 54 of 55 Functioning

Relationship with peers.


Question 55 of 55 Functioning

Participation in organized activities.




Psychometric Norms

4
Participants
75%
Community Mean
9%
Sample SD
89%
Highest Observed Score
64%
Lowest Observed Score
2026–2026
Collection Period

Current normative data for theCurrent normative data for the Vanderbilt ADHD Diagnostic Rating Scale (VADRS) are derived from 4 anonymous participant responses collected through TraitProfiler between 2026 and 2026. All response data are collected anonymously and are intended exclusively for educational, psychometric, and non-commercial research purposes.

Sources
  1. Wolraich M. L. et al. "Psychometric properties of the Vanderbilt ADHD Diagnostic Parent Rating Scale in a referred population." Journal of pediatric psychology vol. 28,8 (2003): 559-67 (2003).