Validity of the CBCL/YSR DSM-IV scales Anxiety Problems and Affective Problems.
BACKGROUND
The Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) and Youth Self-Report (YSR) are widely used for clinical and research purposes. Fairly recently, new 'DSM-IV scales' designated Anxiety Problems and Affective Problems were developed. Knowledge about the validity of these scales is needed.


METHODS
In a referred sample of 277 6- to 18-year-olds, it was examined to what extent CBCL/YSR scores on the Anxiety Problems and Affective Problems scale predicted DSM-IV diagnoses of separation anxiety disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, specific phobia, major depressive disorder, or dysthymia. DSM-IV diagnoses were assessed with the Anxiety Disorders Interview Schedule for Children (ADIS-C/P).


RESULTS
Scores on the CBCL and YSR Anxiety Problems scale predicted DSM-IV disorders only moderately. However, CBCL and YSR scores on the Affective Problems scale corresponded closely to DSM-IV major depressive disorder and dysthymia.


CONCLUSIONS
Scores on the CBCL/YSR Affective Problems scale can be used to screen for DSM-IV affective disorders. The item content of the CBCL/YSR Anxiety Problems scale requires renewed attention.
Ferdinand
Robert F
RF
Erasmus Medical Center Rotterdam/Sophia Children's Hospital, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Dr. Molewaterplein 60/P.O. Box 2060, 3000 CB Rotterdam, The Netherlands. r.f.ferdinand@erasmusmc.nl
D000293:Adolescent; D001008:Anxiety Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology; D002648:Child; D039721:Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D019964:Mood Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology; D009426:Netherlands / Q000453:epidemiology; D010290:Parents; D015995:Prevalence; D011581:Psychological Tests; D012372:ROC Curve; D015203:Reproducibility of Results