Conners' Adult ADHD Rating Scales–Self-Report: Long ...

1 interpretive ReportBy C. Keith Conners, , Drew Erhardt, , and Elizabeth Sparrow, 2002 Multi-Health Systems Inc. All rights Box 950, North Tonawanda, NY 14120-09503770 Victoria Park Ave., Toronto, ON M2H 3M6 Conners' Adult ADHD Rating Scales Self-Report: LongVersion (CAARS S:L)IntroductionThe Conners Adult ADHD Rating Scales Self Report: Long Version (CAARS S:L) is an assessmentthat prompts an Adult to provide valuable information about themselves. This instrument is helpful whenconsidering a diagnosis of ADHD or related problems.

2 The normative sample includes 1026 adults. Thisreport provides information about the Adult s score, how he or she compares to other adults, and whatsubscales are elevated. See the Conner s Adult ADHD Rating Scales Technical Manual (published byMHS) for more information about the instrument. The computerized report is meant to act as an interpretive aid and should not be used as the sole basisfor clinical diagnosis or intervention. This report works best when combined with other sources ofrelevant information. The CAARS results are based on the individual's current functioning and thuscannot be used to establish the childhood onset of symptoms, which is necessary for diagnosis.

3 Thereport is based on an algorithm that produces the most common interpretations for the scores that havebeen obtained. Test users should review the individual's responses to specific items to ensure thatthese generic interpretations apply. Highly idiosyncratic response patterns must be explored in otherways and on a case-by-case S:L Subscale T-ScoresThe following graph provides John's T-scores for each of the CAARS S:L S:L interpretive Report for John SamplePage 2 CAARS S:L interpretive Report for John SamplePage 3 Summary of Subscale ScoresThe following table summarizes John's subscale scores and gives general information about how hecompares to the nomative group.

4 More interpretive data are provided later in this Characteristics ofHigh ScorersT-ScoreRawScoreSubscaleMarkedly atypical(indicates significantproblem)Difficulties may includetrouble concentrating,difficulty planning orcompleting tasks,forgetfulness,absent-mindedness, ProblemsSlightly atypical(borderline: shouldraise concern)Difficulties may includeproblems with working at thesame task for long periods oftime, feeling more restlessthan others seems to be, atypical(indicates significantproblem)Difficulties may includeengaging in more impulsiveacts than others do, lowfrustration tolerance, quickand frequent mood changes,feeling easily angered andirritated by LabilityModerately atypical(indicates significantproblem)

5 Difficulties may include poorsocial relationships, lowself-esteem and with Self-ConceptMildly atypical(possible significantproblem)Behave in a mannerconsistent with the InattentiveSubtype of ADHD, describedin the : Inattentive SymptomsMildly atypical(possible significantproblem)Behave in a mannerconsistent with theHyperactive-ImpulsiveSubtype of ADHD, describedin the : Hyperactive-ImpulsiveSymptomsModerately atypical(indicates significantproblem)Behave in a mannerconsistent with the DSM-IVdiagnostic criteria forCombined type : ADHD SymptomsTotalModerately atypical(indicates significantproblem)Identifies individuals 'at risk'for ADHD7022 ADHD IndexCAARS S.

6 L interpretive Report for John SamplePage 4 Response Key0 = Not at all, Never1 = Just a little, Once in a while2 = Pretty much, Often3 = Very much, Very frequentlyItem Response TableThe following response values were entered for the items on CAARS S:L interpretive Report for John SamplePage 5 DSM-IV Subscales: Elevated ResponsesThe following graph shows the number of items for which John answered " Very much, Very Frequently"(3) or "Pretty much, Often" (2). The answers are grouped by DSM-IV subscale. The DSM-IV subscalesare interpreted in more detail later in this the findings presented here conflict with other sources of information, then the reason(s) for theconflicting information should be considered, and the results described in this report should beinterpreted with these reasons in mind.

7 If these results conflict with other information, then it is possible that the respondent is eitherexaggerating current problems, or has denied the existence of problems previously. It is also possible,however, that behavior and attitudes are situation specific. That is, behavior and attitudes at home maybe quite different than behavior and attitudes away from home ( , at work). Use of the CAARS observer form is recommended to help resolve apparent inconsistencies. An examination of the individual item responses reveals some possible inconsistencies.

8 Quite differentresponses were given to items with similar content. If possible, discrepancies in the responses to itemsshould be discussed with John. Some items may have been misunderstood, or perhaps he wasunwilling or unable to give a clear picture of his own behavior and AssessmentThe following item pairs reveal inconsistent responses that should be explored pairs withsimilar content 12311. 49. 22040. 44. 11220. 25. 23130. 47. 13219. 23. 1236. 37. 33026. 63. Moderately elevated. This index consists of the best set of items on CAARS for identifying adults "atrisk" for ADHD.

9 John's score on this index is notably elevated, indicating possible ADHD. This findingshould be combined with other information to corroborate whether a diagnosis of ADHD is Index: T-Score = 70 Examination of Subscale ScoresMarked elevated. John could experience serious difficulties with organizing or planning his work,completing tasks or projects, and concentrating on tasks that require sustained mental effort. A numberof items on this subscale indicate some difficulties related to memory and Problems: T-Score = 72 CAARS S:L interpretive Report for John SamplePage 6 Slightly elevated.

10 The score obtained on this subscale indicates that John might have some difficultysitting still or remaining stationary for very long. John is probably also a little more restless than : T-Score = 56 Markedly elevated: John's score on the Impulsivity/Emotional Lability subscale is quite high, indicatingan individual who is very prone to emotional responses/behaviors like getting upset or having temperoutbursts. John is likely to be more impulsive, both verbally and behaviorally, than is typical of is also likely to have a low frustration tolerance and hence prone to moodiness and to be easilyangered or Lability: T-Score = 73 Moderately elevated.