The conners' adult ADHD rating scales--short self-report and observer forms: psychometric properties of the Catalan version

Abstract

Objective: To validate the Catalan adaptation of the Conners' Adult ADHD Rating Scales (CAARS), short version (self-report: CAARS-S:S; observer: CAARS-O:S).

Method: A community sample of 424 adults responded to the two forms. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to test the dimensional structure.

Results: The hypothesized four-factor model (Inattention/Memory Problems, Hyperactivity/Restlessness, Impulsivity/Emotional Lability, and Problems With Self-Concept) presented an adequate fit for the self-report and observer forms. Reliability was slightly higher for the CAARS-O:S (average α = .78) than for the CAARS-S:S (average α = .75). Test-retest average correlations were r = .80 (self-reports) and r = .73 (observer ratings). Informant agreement was high at test (average r = .59) and retest (average r = .61). There were significant gender and age differences.

Conclusion: This adaptation of the two short forms of the CAARS-S presents adequate evidence of validity and reliability, and it can therefore be used for diagnostic purposes and cross-cultural comparisons.

Keywords: ADHD; Conners’ rating scales; construct validity; informant report; reliability; self-report.