Weiss Functional Impairment Rating Scale

The Weiss Functional Impairment Rating Scale Self-Report (WFIRS-S) is a 50-item self-report questionnaire that evaluates functioning in six clinically relevant domains. Since functional “impairment” is required for an ADHD diagnosis, the WFIRS-S is useful in looking specifically at “impairment” rather than the symptoms associated with ADHD. The questionnaire uses a Likert scale and is psychometrically validated.

The WFIRS-S is based on a deficit model, which we typically try to avoid. We prefer to use the language of “challenges” rather than “impairments.” However the WFIRS-S is unique in that it is the only scale that looks at functional areas specific to ADHD. While symptoms and functioning often overlap, that’s not always the case. The WFIRS-S helps us sort this out as a means to making a definitive diagnosis.

Interested in learning more? You can find additional info about the WFIRS-S here.