German Validation of the Conners Adult ADHD Rating Scales–self-report (CAARS-S) I: Factor Structure and Normative Data

Abstract

Even though the explorative factor analysis yields a solution different from the American original, the confirmative factor analysis results in such a high model-fit that use of the American version is justified with respect to international multicenter studies, for which this instrument will be highly valuable.

Faking ADHD? Symptom Validity Testing and Its Relation to Self-Reported, Observer-Reported Symptoms, and Neuropsychological Measures of Attention in Adults With ADHD

“…Four factors emerged from their analyses: inattention/memory problems, hyperactivity/restlessness, impulsivity/emotional lability, and problems with self-concept. Confirmatory factor analyses of the German version in healthy adults and ADHD patients supported this factor analytic solution (Christiansen et al, 2013;Christiansen et al, 2011). The four subscales were significantly influenced by age, gender, and the number of years in education.…”

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Prevalence and Correlates Pre- and Post-Bariatric Surgery: A Comparative Cross-Sectional Study

“…As with the long version, the ADHD Index (Cronbach's α = 0.843) is incorporated on this form. The German version of the long form (42 items) was validated by Christiansen et al [22,23,26] and has shown to have good psychometric properties. The raw scale scores were transformed into standard T scores which were derived from the German normative data [27].…”

“…This scale for which cross-international validity has been demonstrated [22] is internationally frequently used as a screening instrument of adult ADHD. In addition, the reliability of the four subscales is sufficiently robust that the scales can be used separately for purposes of clinical description and research [23].…”

The structure of adult ADHD

“…A number of researchers have attempted to confirm these clinical observations by developing expanded assessments that include deficits in executive functioning and in emotional control along with the DSM symptoms of inattention (AD) and hyperactivity-impulsivity (HD) and carrying out exploratory factor analyses of this expanded symptom set among patients with ADHD and controls (Amador-Campos et al , 2014; Christiansen et al , 2011; Conners et al , 1999; Kessler et al , 2010; Marchant et al , 2013; Marchant et al , 2015). These studies have found a 2-factor structure in studies of the clinician-administered Wender-Reimherr Adult Attention Deficit Disorder Scale (WRAADDS) (Marchant et al , 2013) and the self-report version of that scale (Marchant et al , 2015) compared to 3-factor (Kessler et al , 2010), 4-factor (Amador-Campos et al , 2014; Conners et al , 1999), or 6-factor (Christiansen et al , 2011) solutions in studies using other instruments.…”

“…These studies have found a 2-factor structure in studies of the clinician-administered Wender-Reimherr Adult Attention Deficit Disorder Scale (WRAADDS) (Marchant et al , 2013) and the self-report version of that scale (Marchant et al , 2015) compared to 3-factor (Kessler et al , 2010), 4-factor (Amador-Campos et al , 2014; Conners et al , 1999), or 6-factor (Christiansen et al , 2011) solutions in studies using other instruments.…”