Validation of the adult ADHD investigator symptom rating scale (AISRS).
OBJECTIVE
Validation of the Adult ADHD Investigator Symptom Rating Scale (AISRS) that measures aspects of ADHD in adults.


METHODS
Psychometric properties of the AISRS total and AISRS subscales are analyzed and compared to the Conners' Adult Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Rating Scale-Investigator Rated: Screening Version (CAARS-Inv:SV) and the Clinical Global Impression-ADHD-Severity Scale using data from a placebo-controlled 6-month clinical trial of once-daily atomoxetine.


RESULTS
The AISRS has high internal consistency, good convergent, and discriminant validities; modest divergent validity; and small ceiling and floor effects (<or=1%). It correlates highly with the CAARS-Inv:SV. Factor analysis confirms 2 AISRS subscales, hyperactivity-impulsive scale and inattention. The AISRS total and AISRS subscales perform stably. All scales demonstrate responsiveness to change with medication.


CONCLUSIONS
The AISRS and its subscales are robust, valid efficacy measures of ADHD symptoms in adult patients. Its anchored items and semistructured interview are advancements over existing scales.
Spencer
Thomas J
TJ
Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA. SPENCER@HELIX.MGH.HARVARD.EDU
Adler
Lenard A
LA
Meihua Qiao
Saylor
Keith E
KE
Brown
Thomas E
TE
Holdnack
James A
JA
Schuh
Kory J
KJ
Trzepacz
Paula T
PT
Kelsey
Douglas K
DK
D000293:Adolescent; D018759:Adrenergic Uptake Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000328:Adult; D000069445:Atomoxetine Hydrochloride; D001288:Attention / Q000502:physiology; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005163:Factor Analysis, Statistical; D006801:Humans; D007175:Impulsive Behavior / Q000175:diagnosis; D008875:Middle Aged; D011437:Propylamines / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D018759:Adrenergic Uptake Inhibitors; D011437:Propylamines; D000069445:Atomoxetine Hydrochloride