Translation and validation of the Brown attention-deficit disorder scale for use in Brazil: identifying cases of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder among samples of substance users and non-users. Cross-cultural validation study.

Simone Mayumi Kakubo,Conrado Nitta,Dartiu Xavier Da Silveira,Thiago Marques Fidalgo,Leonardo Maringolo,Juliana Doering Silveira,Mariel Mendez

doi:10.1590/1516-3180.2017.0227121217

Abstract

The Brown Attention-Deficit Disorder Scale (BADDS) was developed as a self-report assessment that was designed to screen for presence of symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The objective here was to translate and validate the adult self-report BADDS for use in Brazil. Cross-cultural validation study conducted in an addiction unit at a public university hospital. This study included a control group (n = 100) and a drug-user group (n = 100). Both groups included subjects aged 18 to 60 years old. The control group had no prior diagnosis of drug addiction and the drug-user group included participants with a diagnosis of addiction. Each participant answered Brazilian Portuguese translations of both the BADDS and the Adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Self-Report Scale (ASRS) questionnaires, in paper-and-pencil format. The drug-user group scored higher than the control group on both scales. The mean scores on ASRS were 27.26 (standard deviation, SD: 11.99) and 25.85 (SD: 8.65) respectively (P > 0.05). The mean scores on BADDS were 79.56 (SD: 29.61) and 79.31 (SD: 18.09), respectively (P > 0.05). Cronbach's alpha for BADDS was 0.95. BADDS presented fair sensitivity (72% accuracy) and fair specificity (88% accuracy). This study provides discriminative validity evidence for use of BADDS among Brazilian adults with substance-use disorders.

Highlights

Until recently, it was believed that attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) was exclusively a pediatric condition.[1]
A recent study that used the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-IV (DSM-IV) criteria for ADHD, which was conducted in both developed and underdeveloped countries, estimated that the worldwide prevalence of ADHD was 3.4% and showed that it was higher among underdeveloped countries.[4]
This study demonstrated that Brown Attention-Deficit Disorder Scale (BADDS), a tool for diagnosing ADHD among adults, has high internal consistency and differentiates possible cases of ADHD among people with concurrent substance use and people without a psychiatric diagnosis

Summary

Introduction

It was believed that attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) was exclusively a pediatric condition.[1]. The Brown Attention-Deficit Disorder Scale (BADDS) was developed as a self-report assessment that was designed to screen for presence of symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The objective here was to translate and validate the adult self-report BADDS for use in Brazil. METHODS: This study included a control group (n = 100) and a drug-user group (n = 100). Both groups included subjects aged 18 to 60 years old. Each participant answered Brazilian Portuguese translations of both the BADDS and the Adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Self-Report Scale (ASRS) questionnaires, in paper-and-pencil format. RESULTS: The drug-user group scored higher than the control group on both scales. CONCLUSION: This study provides discriminative validity evidence for use of BADDS among Brazilian adults with substance-use disorders

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Methods

Results

Conclusion