What should you know about CAARS and ADHD?

CAARS refers to rating scales that ask about symptoms such as distractibility, restlessness, impulsive behaviour and difficulties with organisation. The person completing the questionnaire rates how often or how strongly experiences occur. Results can help identify patterns worth discussing, but similar experiences may occur with anxiety, low mood, sleep problems, stress, learning differences or physical health concerns. ADHD assessment also considers whether difficulties began earlier in life, occur in more than one setting and interfere with daily functioning. The clinician may seek information from another person when appropriate.

Answer each item based on your usual pattern rather than one unusually difficult day. Note examples from work, study, relationships and home life, and bring a list of medicines, sleep concerns and relevant medical history. A mental health assessment may include an interview and screening for other explanations. Do not use a questionnaire score to start, stop or alter medicine. Practical supports such as written reminders, breaking tasks into smaller steps and reducing distractions may help while assessment is under way.

Arrange an assessment when attention, impulsivity or restlessness repeatedly disrupts work, learning, relationships, driving or self-care. Seek urgent help for thoughts of suicide, immediate danger, severe agitation, hallucinations or inability to care for yourself. Feeling anxious or irritable can accompany many problems, so worsening distress deserves direct clinical attention rather than self-diagnosis.

Ask what CAARS measures, who should complete it, how your examples affect the interpretation, which alternative explanations need checking, and what support is available before a diagnosis is settled.