[A scale for the assessment of psychiatrically disordered children and adolescents]

A global assessment scale for children and adolescents is presented. The reliability and validity of the scale were documented in previous studies. In the present study the instrument was used to assess a group of children and adolescents seen consecutively at an outpatient psychiatric clinic. Again the scale was found to differentiate well among patients with a variety of problems. Both mental retardation and low socioeconomic status are associated with low scores on the scale. With a cutoff score of 70 most subjects with problems or impairments can be differentiated from normal subjects. The scale also reflects the need for treatment and gives an indication of the type of therapy needed. Furthermore, it can be used to assess changes during therapy.