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German validation of the Conners Adult ADHD Rating Scales (CAARS) II: reliability, validity, diagnostic sensitivity
H Christiansen1, B Kis, O Hirsch
1Philipps-University Marburg, Department of Clinical Psychology, Germany. christih@staff.uni-marburg.de
Summary
The German Conners Adult ADHD Rating Scales (CAARS-S/O) demonstrate strong reliability and validity for assessing adult ADHD symptoms. These findings confirm CAARS as a cross-culturally valid measure for clinical use.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Psychometrics
- Clinical Psychology
Background:
- The German Conners Adult ADHD Rating Scales (CAARS) previously showed high model fit for established ADHD factors.
- This study evaluates the psychometric properties of the German CAARS self-report (CAARS-S) and observer-report (CAARS-O).
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the reliability and validity of the German CAARS-S and CAARS-O questionnaires.
- To confirm CAARS as a cross-culturally valid measure for adult ADHD symptoms.
Main Methods:
- 466 ADHD patients and 847 healthy controls participated.
- Internal reliability (Cronbach's-alpha), test-retest reliability, and validity (concurrent, criterion, discriminant) were assessed.
- Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) analyses determined sensitivity and specificity.
Main Results:
- High internal reliability (alphas .74-.95 for CAARS-S, .65-.85 for CAARS-O) and test-retest reliability (.85-.92 for CAARS-S, .65-.85 for CAARS-O) were found.
- Significant correlations with the Barrett Impulsiveness Scale (BIS) supported concurrent validity.
- High sensitivity and specificity were observed for all subscales, confirming criterion validity.
Conclusions:
- The German CAARS-S/O are reliable and cross-culturally valid instruments.
- These scales effectively measure current ADHD symptoms in adults.
- Results align with previous studies, supporting CAARS's utility.
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