The A-B neuropsychological assessment schedule (ABNAS): the further refinement of a patient-based scale of patient-perceived cognitive functioning.
OBJECTIVE
To provide further evidence of the reliability and validity of the ABNAS as a measure of patient-perceived cognitive side effects of antiepileptic drug treatment.


METHODS
The measure was developed specifically to assess patient-perceived cognitive side effects of antiepileptic drug treatment. Evidence of its reliability and validity has been previously documented and this evidence has been further extended by administration of a battery of 400 questionnaires to two groups (200 people with epilepsy, PWE; and 200 controls who do not have epilepsy). The questionnaire packs consisted of the ABNAS, HADS, the everyday memory questionnaire, and the Adverse Events Profile. Data were analysed using MAP-R and SPSS.


RESULTS
Further evidence of the psychometric properties of the scale demonstrated that it had excellent reliability (Cronbach's alpha=0.96) and good face, congruent, content and construct validity. The sensitivity of the instrument was demonstrated through analysis of floor and ceiling levels.


CONCLUSIONS
The ABNAS is a reliable, tool for the detection of cognitive impairments associated with epilepsy and its treatment. We have provided further evidence of its criterion validity. This measure has the potential to be a useful tool for both clinical practice and clinical trials.
The Walton Centre for Neurology and Neurosurgery, Lower Lane, Fazakerley, L9 7LJ, Liverpool, UK.
J
J
Brooks
G A
GA
Baker
A P
AP
Aldenkamp
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003071:Cognition / Q000187:drug effects; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D011594:Psychometrics; D015203:Reproducibility of Results
D000927:Anticonvulsants