Emotional expression in children treated with ADHD medication: development of a new measure.
OBJECTIVE
Although existing instruments contain items addressing the effect of ADHD medications on emotional expression, a review of measures did not yield any instruments that thoroughly evaluated positive and negative aspects of emotional expression.


METHODS
The Expression and Emotion Scale for Children (EESC), a parent-report measure, was developed from an analysis of qualitative data from parent focus groups and expert opinion. Data from 179 parents and children treated with stimulants or atomoxetine are used to examine the psychometric properties of the EESC.


RESULTS
The EESC demonstrates good internal consistency and test-retest reliability. A factor analysis yields three factors (positive, flat, and emotional lability) that were consistent with the predicted structure of the measure. Small to moderate correlations between the EESC and psychological symptom measures are found, with the strength of the relationships varying by symptom measure.


CONCLUSIONS
The EESC shows appropriate psychometric properties and is appropriate for use in clinical and research settings.
Perwien
Amy R
AR
Eli Lilly & Company.
Kratochvil
Christopher J
CJ
Faries
Douglas
D
Vaughan
Brigette
B
Busner
Joan
J
Saylor
Keith E
KE
Buermeyer
Curtis M
CM
Kaplan
Stuart
S
Swindle
Ralph
R
D000339:Affect; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002648:Child; D019260:Expressed Emotion; D005163:Factor Analysis, Statistical; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008774:Methylphenidate / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011594:Psychometrics; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants; D008774:Methylphenidate