Convergent validity of K-SADS-PL by comparison with CBCL in a Portuguese speaking outpatient population

Abstract

BackgroundDifferent diagnostic interviews in child and adolescent psychiatry have been developed in English but valid translations of instruments to other languages are still scarce especially in developing countries, limiting the comparison of child mental health data across different cultures. The present study aims to examine the convergent validity of the Brazilian version of the Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School-Age Children/Present and Lifetime Version (K-SADS-PL) by comparison with the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL), a parental screening measure for child/adolescent emotional/behavior problems.MethodsAn experienced child psychiatrist blind to CBCL results applied the K-SADS-PL to a consecutive sample of 78 children (6-14 years) referred to a public child mental health outpatient clinic (response rate = 75%). Three K-SADS-PL parameters were considered regarding current disorders: parent screen interview rates, clinician summary screen interview rates, and final DSM-IV diagnoses. Subjects were classified according to the presence/absence of any affective/anxiety disorder, any disruptive disorder, and any psychiatric disorder based on K-SADS-PL results. All subjects obtained T-scores on CBCL scales (internalizing, externalizing, total problems).ResultsSignificant differences in CBCL mean T-scores were observed between disordered and non-disordered children. Compared to children who screened negative, children positive for any affective/anxiety disorder, any disruptive disorder, and any psychiatric disorder had a higher internalizing, externalizing and total problem T-score mean, respectively. Highly significant differences in T-score means were also found when examining final diagnoses, except for any affective/anxiety disorder.ConclusionsEvidence of convergent validity was found when comparing K-SADS-PL results with CBCL data.

Emotional and Behavioral Problems in Children Living With Addicted Family Members: Prevention Challenges in an Underprivileged Suburban Community

“…The first indicated high sensitivity of the instrument in comparison with psychiatric assessment: 87% of the clinical cases were identified (Bordin, Mari, & Caiero, 1995). This was confirmed in comparison with results found using a semi-structured psychiatric interview (K-SADS-PL): 82.4% of children with psychiatric disorders achieved clinical scores on the CBCL (Brasil & Bordin, 2010). Using the latest version of the CBCL, Rocha et al (2013) reported the validity of its factorial structure (RMSEA = .023), the discriminative capacity of the instrument (p < .001), and suggested more appropriate normative standards for assessing our population.…”

Convergent and divergent validity of K-SADS-PL anxiety and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder diagnoses in a clinical sample of school-aged children

“…As an upshot, validity and reliability data for specific K-SADS-PL diagnoses are scant. In a Brazilian clinical sample, the authors found support for convergent validity of any diagnosis and any disruptive diagnosis, but not for any affective/anxiety diagnosis (11). This study only examined broad diagnostic categories without considering specific diagnoses.…”

Mood disorders in childhood and adolescence

“…63 All of them have been validated in Brazil, and, as mentioned before, do not provide a definitive diagnosis, but may suggest comorbidities, and allow symptom follow-up. [64][65][66] Treatment Pharmacological treatment in children and adolescents with BD is mandatory not only in the acute phase that may involve crisis stabilization for psychosis, suicidal behavior or agitation, but also to prevent relapses and recurrences. The mainstay for the management of BD is the use of medication along with enhancement of social skills and family support.…”