Self-informant rating concordance for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms was assessed in 281 adults at the subscale (Inattention, Hyperactivity-Impulsivity) and individual symptom levels. Potential demographic, diagnostic, and informant identity moderators were also investigated. Concordance levels were similar for current and childhood symptoms. Although moderate positive correlations were found between self- and informant ratings on both subscales, informants endorsed more significant inattentive symptom severity. Kappa coefficients were variable, suggesting low concordance for certain symptoms. Sex and ADHD diagnosis moderated concordance, although effect sizes were small. These results have implications for the use of behavior rating scales in diagnosing ADHD, raise questions about the validity of self- and informant ratings, and support the need to investigate individual-differences variables that may impact concordance.

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Complex trauma (i.e., exposure to chronic, interpersonal trauma in childhood) has been associated with structural and functional alterations in brain development, which in turn can result in cognitive and neuropsychological deficits. The goal of combining neuropsychological assessment with standard trauma specialty evaluation is to gain a comprehensive understanding of each child's unique set of cognitive strengths and weaknesses and associated behavioral manifestations within a trauma-informed framework. This process can be a vital aide in diagnosing, conceptualizing, and designing effective interventions for traumatized youth and avoiding the common misdiagnoses that lead to ineffective treatment. This paper presents a trauma-informed approach to neuropsychological assessment, using two case studies to illustrate the process of integrating neuropsychological testing with trauma specialty evaluation.Complex trauma refers to the dual problem of children's exposure to traumatic events and the impact of such exposures on their development and long-term outcomes (Cook, Blaustein, Spinazzola, & van der Kolk, 2003;Cook et al., 2005). Complex trauma exposure is the experience in early childhood of chronic, developmentally adverse traumatic events, typically of an interpersonal nature, occurring within the child's caregiving system. These exposures include sexual, emotional, and physical abuse; neglect; loss; and witnessing domestic and community violence. Research and clinical observation have demonstrated impairment in the regulatory capacities of children with complex trauma exposure in the affective, cognitive, behavioral, physiological/ biological, relational/interpersonal,

The present study was designed to assess differences in dissociative symptoms in adults with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) vs. PTSD plus Disorders of Extreme Stress Not Otherwise Specified (DESNOS). This study was done for two reasons: (1) to better understand the clinical profile of DESNOS clients in order to inform more effective treatment, and (2) to further empirical research on the validity of the DESNOS construct. To assess severity of dissociative symptoms, the authors administered the Dissociative Experiences Scale (DES) to 155 participants with PTSD. Using the Structured Interview for Disorders of Extreme Stress (SIDES), participants were divided into two groups: those who also met criteria for DESNOS and those who did not. DES means are provided for the two groups. Participants with PTSD plus DESNOS scored higher than participants with only PTSD on the measure of dissociative symptomatology, particularly on the DES scales that tap absorption/fantasy and depersonalization/derealization. The two groups did not differ on the amnesia subscale of the DES. Findings support the construct validity of the DESNOS concept and further delineate the clinical profiles of community-based PTSD with and without DESNOS, thus contributing to the knowledge base on the assessment of complex adaptations to trauma.

The present study evaluated the impact of Urban Improv (UI), a theater-based youth violence prevention (YVP) program developed for inner-city youth, on three behavioral and psychological outcome domains: aggressive behaviors, prosocial behaviors, and scholastic