Reliability and Validity of the Chen ADHD Scale (C-ADHDS)

PURPOSE: This study aimed to establish the Chen ADHD Scale and to examine its reliability and validity. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We recruited 114 individuals diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and 39 non-ADHD controls aged between 5 and 18 years. Their parents completed the Chen ADHD Scale, Chinese versions of the SNAP-IV, and Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). We examined the psychometric properties of Chen ADHD Scale, including test–retest reliability, internal consistency, construct validity, convergent and divergent validity. RESULTS: Receiver operating characteristic analysis was performed to calculate the area under the curve (AUC), sensitivity, and specificity of the Chen ADHD Scale for predicting ADHD. The Chen ADHD Scale demonstrated satisfactory test–retest reliability (intraclass correlation = 0.916), internal consistency (alpha = 0.966 to 0.978), a good model fit for a two-factor structure (inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity) and good convergent and divergent validity with SNAP-IV and SDQ. The AUC of Chen ADHD Scale for predicting ADHD was 0.944. The optimal cut-off value of Chen ADHD Scale with impairment requirement for predicting ADHD was 37 with a sensitivity of 0.87 and a specificity of 0.97. CONCLUSION: The Chen ADHD Scale is a reliable and valid instrument for screening ADHD symptoms in clinical settings in Taiwan.