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Conners' Adult ADHD Rating Scales (CAARS). By C.K. Conners, D. Erhardt, M.A. Sparrow. New York: Multihealth Systems, Inc., 1999

2003; Oxford University Press; Volume: 18; Issue: 4 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1016/s0887-6177(03)00021-0

1873-5843

Katherine DeGeorge Macey,

Children's Physical and Motor Development

Test descriptionIn previous years, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) was thought to be a disorder that primarily affected children.Current research has shown that ADHD is a problem that also affects adults.Although the age of onset for this disorder is in childhood, the problems continue throughout adulthood and is not something an individual will overcome through the mere maturation process.Individuals with ADHD, in addition to having difficulties with sustaining attention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity, also are at risk for other difficulties throughout their lifetime.With the emphasis traditionally on assessment of ADHD in children, there has been a paucity of measures for use in the assessment of ADHD in adults.In addition, while assessment of children often relies on teacher(s) and parent(s) serving as informants, with adults the use of others as informants becomes more problematic.As a result, adult diagnosis is often based on self-report.The Conners' Adult ADHD Rating Scales (CAARS) were designed to assess ADHD in adults.The CAARS utilizes short, long, and screening self-report and observer rating scale forms.The instrument is designed for individuals aged 18 through 50 years and older.The scales address ADHD symptoms as described in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual Fourth Edition (American Psychiatric Association, 1994).Separate T-scores are provided for men and women.The various scales (short, long, screening) provide differing scores and vary in reliability and validity.The long version rating scales include measures of Inattention/Memory problems, Hyperactivity/Restlessness, Impulsivity/Emotional Lability, Problems with Self-Concept, DSM-IV Inattentive Symptoms, DSM-IV Hyperactive-Impulsive Symptoms, DSM-IV ADHD Symptoms Total, and ADHD Index.The short version rating scales only include DSM-IV Inattentive Symptoms, DSM-IV Hyperactive-Impulsive Symptoms, DSM-IV ADHD Symptoms Total, and ADHD Index.The CAARS also utilizes an Inconsistency Index.This score is made up of paired items that can be used to determine whether or not an individual completing the scale may be unmotivated, noncompliant, or may be answering in a haphazard fashion.It may also be used as an indicator of whether or not the respondent was able to understand wording of the test items.Test development, normative data, reliability, and validity of the scales will be discussed.