Determining the Accuracy of Self-Report Versus Informant-Report Using the Conners' Adult ADHD Rating Scale. (April 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Alexander, Lisa; Liljequist, Laura
• Is Part Of: Journal of attention disorders. Volume 20:Number 4(2016:May)
• Page Start: 346
• Page End: 352
• Publication Date: 2016-04
• Subjects: adult ADHD -- assessment -- validity -- self-report -- informant-report; Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder -- Periodicals; Attention -- Periodicals; 616.8589
• DOI: 10.1177/1087054713478652
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1087-0547

Abstract

Objective: The present research examined the validity of self-report versus informant-report in relation to a performance-based indicator of adult ADHD.Method: Archival data from 118 participants (52 males, 66 females) were used to compare Conners' Adult ADHD Rating Scale–Self-Report: Long Format (CAARS-S:L) and Conners' Adult ADHD Rating Scale–Observer Report: Long Format (CAARS-O:L) with discrepancy scores calculated between the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale–Third Edition (WAIS-III) Verbal Comprehension Index – Working Memory Index (VCI – WMI) and Perceptual-Organizational Index – Processing Speed Index (POI – PSI) scaled scores.Results: Neither the self- nor informant-report formats of the CAARS were better predictors of discrepancies between WAIS-III Index scores. Intercorrelations between the CAARS-S:L and CAARS-O:L revealed generally higher correlations between the same scales of different formats and among scales measuring externally visible symptoms. Furthermore, regression analysis indicated that both the CAARS-S:L and CAARS-O:L clinical scales contributed a significant proportion of variance in WAIS-III VCI – WMI discrepancy scores (14.7% and 16.4%, respectively).Conclusion: Results did not establish greater accuracy of self-report versus informant-report of ADHD symptomatology, rather demonstrate the need for multimodal assessment of ADHD in adults.