Accuracy of the DSM-oriented attention problem scale of the child behavior checklist in diagnosing attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder.
OBJECTIVE
The present study aimed at testing the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) including an adapted five-item DSM-Oriented Attention Problem Scale for predicting attention deficit hyperactivity disorders (ADHD).


METHODS
CBCL ratings were made both in a community sample (N = 390) and an outpatient child psychiatric sample (N = 392). Four different prediction models were analyzed in a community subsample (n = 195) and an outpatient subsample (n = 196) and cross-validated in two further subsamples of the same size.


RESULTS
The adapted DSM-Oriented Attention Problem Scale was superior to the original Attention Problem Scale in the identification of ADHD participants. A raw score of 5 to 6 on the reduced DSM-Oriented Attention Problem Scale was the best discriminator between cases and noncases.


CONCLUSIONS
The adapted DSM-Oriented Attention Problem Scale of the CBCL is a useful screening instrument for ADHD with adequate diagnostic accuracy in community and outpatient samples. (J. of Att. Dis. 2010; 13(5) 454-463).
University of Zurich, Switzerland. maebi@ppkj.uzh.ch
Marcel
M
Aebi
Christa
C
Winkler Metzke
Hans-Christoph
HC
Steinhausen
D000293:Adolescent; D019540:Area Under Curve; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000175:diagnosis*; D057189:Checklist / Q000592:standards; D002648:Child; D002653:Child Behavior Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales / Q000592:standards*; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D012737:Sex Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires