Prevalence of ADHD symptoms among youth in a secure facility: the consistency and accuracy of self- and informant-report ratings

Abstract

The current study aimed to determine the most reliable source of information about attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms. This was a between-groups cohort study in order to compare the accuracy of three informant groups (self-, teacher-, and keyworker-report ratings) in identifying symptoms of ADHD. The estimate of ADHD prevalence was obtained by comparing the Conners' rating scales administered to 54, 14-year-old antisocial persons detained in a high-risk care home with a psychiatric assessment conducted on every third child. Overall, teachers were the most valid source and their ratings estimated that 43% of antisocial adolescents might have ADHD with sensitivity and specificity rates of 67% and 75%, respectively. In conclusion, rating scales may assist services in targeting their resources for those with most clinical need in this population, but these should not replace comprehensive assessment procedures.