Convergent and divergent validity of K-SADS-PL anxiety and attention deficit hyperactivity
disorder diagnoses in a clinical sample of school-aged children
Sammanfattning
Background The Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School Age Children,
Present and Lifetime Version (K-SADS-PL) is a commonly used diagnostic interview both in research
and clinical settings, yet published data on the psychometric properties of the interview generated
diagnoses are scarce. Aims To examine the convergent and divergent validity of the Norwegian
version of the K-SADS-PL current diagnoses of anxiety disorders and attention deficit hyperactivity
disorder (ADHD). Method Participants were 105 children aged 7-13 years referred for treatment at
child mental health clinics and 36 controls. Diagnostic status was determined based on K-SADS-PL
interviews with the mothers. Child and mother reported child symptoms of anxiety on the
Multidimensional Anxiety Scale for Children and teachers reported anxiety symptoms on the Teacher
Report Form. Mother and teacher reported on symptoms of ADHD on the Disruptive Behavior Rating
Scale. Results Rating scale data from multiple informants in a clinical sample and healthy controls
supported the convergent and divergent validity of K-SADS-PL anxiety diagnoses combined, and,
specifically, the diagnoses of separation anxiety disorder, social phobia, and specific phobia.
Support was also observed for convergent and divergent validity of ADHD diagnoses, including the
predominately inattentive subtype. Conclusion The K-SADS-PL generates valid diagnoses of anxiety
disorders and ADHD.