The ADHD rating scale-IV preschool version: Factor structure, reliability, validity, and standardisation in a Danish...

Area of Science:

• Child Psychology
• Psychometric Assessment
• Developmental Disorders

Background:

• Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a prevalent developmental disorder with early childhood onset.
• Validated assessment tools are crucial for early identification of ADHD in preschool-aged children.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the psychometric properties of the ADHD Rating Scale (RS)-IV Preschool Version (-P) in a Danish community sample.
• To provide national standardization data for the ADHD RS-IV-P.

Main Methods:

• Parents (n=916) and kindergarten teachers (n=275) of children aged 3-5 years completed the ADHD RS-IV-P.
• Confirmatory factor analysis was used to assess the model fit.

Main Results:

• A three-factor model (inattention, hyperactivity, impulsivity) demonstrated the best fit for the data.
• The ADHD RS-IV-P exhibited acceptable internal consistency, test-retest reliability, inter-rater reliability, and criterion validity.
• Boys and younger children received higher ADHD RS-IV-P ratings.

Conclusions:

• The ADHD RS-IV-P is a reliable and valid measure for assessing ADHD symptoms in preschool children.
• Further research is needed to clarify the organization of ADHD symptoms and the external validity of its dimensions in this age group.