Validation of two rating scales for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder diagnosis in Colombian children

Pediatr Neurol. 2005 Jul;33(1):15-25. doi: 10.1016/j.pediatrneurol.2005.02.001. Epub 2005 Apr 25.

Abstract

This study assesses the validity of the Behavioral Assessment System for Children-parent and teacher questionnaires for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder diagnosis in a randomized sample of 344 Colombian children (145 cases, 199 controls), males and females, ages 6 to 11, with an estimated Wechsler Full Scale Intelligence Quotient over 70. The assessment protocol for both groups included psychiatric, neurologic, and psychological interviews, parent and teacher rating forms, and an Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Checklist. All Behavioral Assessment System for Children-parent and teacher dimensions, except withdrawal and somatization, significantly differentiated cases and controls. Parents and teachers rated attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder combined type children as significantly more aggressive. Both questionnaires had good discriminant accuracy for detecting cases and control children, but accuracy for discriminating between attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder subtypes was poor. The Behavioral Assessment System for Children-parent and teacher questionnaires for 6- to 11-year-olds may be useful tools for diagnosing the presence of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. Additional assessment methods will be needed to discriminate between the subtypes.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Validation Study

MeSH terms

  • Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / diagnosis*
  • Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / epidemiology
  • Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / psychology*
  • Child
  • Colombia
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Multivariate Analysis
  • Psychiatric Status Rating Scales / standards*
  • Psychiatric Status Rating Scales / statistics & numerical data
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Statistics, Nonparametric