Abstract

Rating scales are an integral component in the assessment of attention-deficit/ hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults, and a variety of scales designed for this purpose have been developed. Existing reviews of adult ADHD rating scales are limited with respect to their focus, coverage of some clinically relevant content, and/or their reflection of the most recent scales and data. Thus, the current project aimed to identify and thoroughly review current adult ADHD rating scales best suited for clinical practice. Inclusionary and exclusionary criteria aimed at identifying readily available, clinically-oriented scales for assessing ADHD symptoms in adults. The criteria yielded the following seven rating scales, which were the focus of the current review: the Adult Attention Deficit Disorders Evaluation Scale (A-ADDES), the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale v1.1 Symptom Checklist (ASRS), the Attention-Deficit Scales for Adults (ADSA), the Barkley Adult ADHD Rating Scale-IV (BAARS-IV), the Brown Attention-Deficit Disorder Rating Scales for Adults (BADDS), the Conners' Adult ADHD Rating Scales (CAARS), and the Wender Utah Rating Scale (WURS). The subsequent review, based on an extensive search of relevant literature (including but not limited to user and technical manuals), provides descriptive information on each scale, its development, derived factors, scoring, normative sample(s), psychometric properties, and clinical utility. Implications of the findings for clinicians seeking to select rating scales for screening, diagnosis, and/or treatment monitoring are discussed, as are future directions for the development of adult ADHD rating scales.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Dissertations (PsyD) -- Psychology; Attention-deficit disorder in adults; Attention-deficit-disordered adults -- Rating of

Date of Award

2012

School Affiliation

Graduate School of Education and Psychology

Department/Program

Psychology

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctorate

Faculty Advisor

Erhardt, Drew;

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