Parent-child agreement on symptoms assessed via a clinical research interview for children: the Child Assessment Schedule (CAS)

Abstract

This study examined the relationship between symptom type and parent-child agreement, as reflected in symptom scores on a structured diagnostic interview, the Child Assessment Schedule (CAS). Forty-eight psychiatric inpatients (mean age 10 years) were administered the CAS. Their mothers were interviewed independently with the parent form. The average time between interviews was 12 days. High parent-child agreement was found for conduct/behavioral problems and moderate agreement for affective symptoms. Parents reported more conduct-related problems; children reported more anxiety and somatic symptoms and more family problems. The pattern of parent-child differences was the same as observed for other interviews.