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Cited by 103Attention Deficit Hyperactivity DisorderHistorical and Modern Theater StudiesPsychometric Methodologies and Testing

German validation of the Conners Adult ADHD Rating Scales (CAARS) II: Reliability, validity, diagnostic sensitivity and specificity

Christiansen, H., Kis, B., Hirsch, O., Matthies, S., Hebebrand, J., Uekermann, J., Abdel-Hamid, M., Kraemer, M. +11 more·2012·European Psychiatry
DOI 10.1016/j.eurpsy.2010.12.010
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Abstract

Background: The German version of the Conners Adult ADHD Rating Scales (CAARS) has proven to show very high model fit in confirmative factor analyses with the established factors inattention/memory problems, hyperactivity/restlessness, impulsivity/emotional lability, and problems with self-concept in both large healthy control and ADHD patient samples. This study now presents data on the psychometric properties of the German CAARS-self-report (CAARS-S) and observer-report (CAARS-O) questionnaires. Methods: CAARS-S/O and questions on sociodemographic variables were filled out by 466 patients with ADHD, 847 healthy control subjects that already participated in two prior studies, and a total of 896 observer data sets were available. Cronbach's-alpha was calculated to obtain internal reliability coefficients. Pearson correlations were performed to assess test-retest reliability, and concurrent, criterion, and discriminant validity. Receiver Operating Characteristics (ROC-analyses) were used to establish sensitivity and specificity for all subscales. Results: Coefficient alphas ranged from .74 to .95, and test-retest reliability from .85 to .92 for the CAARS-S, and from .65 to .85 for the CAARS-O. All CAARS subscales, except problems with self-concept correlated significantly with the Barrett Impulsiveness Scale (BIS), but not with the Wender Utah Rating Scale (WURS). Criterion validity was established with ADHD subtype and diagnosis based on DSM-IV criteria. Sensitivity and specificity were high for all four subscales. Conclusion: The reported results confirm our previous study and show that the German CAARS-S/O do indeed represent a reliable and cross-culturally valid measure of current ADHD symptoms in adults.

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Authors
Christiansen, H., Kis, B., Hirsch, O., Matthies, S., Hebebrand, J., Uekermann, J., Abdel-Hamid, M., Kraemer, M., Wiltfang, J., Graf, E., Colla, M., Sobanski, E., Alm, B., Rösler, M., Jacob, C., Jans, T., Huss, M., Schimmelmann, B. G., & Philipsen, A.
Affiliations
  • Philipps University of Marburg (DE)
  • University of Duisburg-Essen (DE)
  • University of Freiburg (DE)
  • Alfried Krupp Hospital (DE)
  • University Medical Center Freiburg (DE)
  • Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin (DE)
  • Central Institute of Mental Health (DE)
  • Saarland University (DE)
  • University of Würzburg (DE)
  • Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz (DE)
  • University of Bern (CH)
Corresponding author
Christiansen, H.
ORCID
Venue
European Psychiatry
Publisher
Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Published
2012-07
Volume
27
Issue
5
Pages
321-328
ISSN
  • 0924-9338 (ISSN-L)
  • 1778-3585
DOI
10.1016/j.eurpsy.2010.12.010
OpenAlex
W2006919243
Cited by
103
References
30
Citations by year
2026: 8 · 2025: 11 · 2024: 7 · 2023: 5 · 2022: 7 · 2021: 3 · 2020: 3 · 2019: 8 · 2018: 2 · 2017: 9 · 2016: 9 · 2015: 11 · 2014: 5 · 2013: 8 · 2012: 5
FWCI
4.38
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Licence
www.cambridge.org/core/terms (unspecified, 2845 d)
Locations
  • European Psychiatry (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • BORIS (University Library Bern) (submittedVersion)
Funders
  • Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung
  • Universität Duisburg-Essen
Topics
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Psychiatry and Mental health › Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Historical and Modern Theater Studies
  • Social Sciences › Decision Sciences › Management Science and Operations Research › Psychometric Methodologies and Testing
Keywords
Conners' Adult ADHD Rating Scale, adult ADHD, German translation, psychometric validation, self-report questionnaire, observer reports, inattention, hyperactivity, impulsivity, emotional lability, self-concept, sensitivity and specificity, cross-cultural validity
MeSH terms
Adult, Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity, Cross-Sectional Studies, Factor Analysis, Statistical, Female, Humans, Male, Middle Aged, Psychiatric Status Rating Scales, Psychometrics, Sensitivity and Specificity, Reproducibility of Results, Diagnostic Self Evaluation

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