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The Pediatric Anxiety Rating Scale (PARS): Development and Psychometric Properties

2002; Elsevier BV; Volume: 41; Issue: 9 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1097/00004583-200209000-00006

1527-5418

THE RESEARCH UNITS ON PEDIATRIC P,

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Objective To describe the development and psychometric properties of the Pediatric Anxiety Rating Scale (PARS), a clinician-rated instrument for assessing the severity of anxiety symptoms associated with common DSM-IV anxiety disorders (social phobia, separation anxiety disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder) in children. Method As part of a multisite study of the efficacy of fluvoxamine, 128 children (aged 6–17) and their parents were interviewed weekly with the PARS. Data from multiple raters on a subsample of children (using live and videotaped interviews) were used to evaluate interrater reliability. Internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and validity (convergent, divergent) also were evaluated. Results The PARS showed high interrater reliability, adequate test-retest reliability, and fair internal consistency. Convergent and divergent validity were satisfactory. PARS scores were sensitive to treatment and paralleled change in other measures of anxiety symptoms and global improvement. Conclusions The PARS is a useful clinician-rated instrument for assessing pediatric anxiety symptoms, severity, and impairment, particularly in treatment studies. Further study of the psychometric properties is warranted.