CAARS 2 Manual

Appendix B: Omitted Items, Tables

Table B.1. Maximum Number of Allowable Item Omissions for CAARS 2 Scales

Scale		CAARS 2		CAARS 2–Short
Scale		Self-Report	Observer	Self-Report	Observer
Content Scales	Inattention/Executive Dysfunction	2	2	1	1
	Hyperactivity	1	1	1	1
	Impulsivity	1	1	1	1
	Emotional Dysregulation	1	1	1	1
	Negative Self-Concept	1	1	–	–
DSM Symptom Scales	ADHD Inattentive Symptoms	1*	1*	–	–
	ADHD Hyperactive/Impulsive Symptoms	1*	1*	–	–
	Total ADHD Symptoms	2*	2*	–	–
Index	CAARS 2-ADHD Index	1	1	1	1

Note. *The maximum number of allowable item omissions are for the DSM Symptom Scale T-scores and do not apply to Symptom Counts.

Table B.2. Samples of Negative Impression Index Interpreted with Omitted Items: CAARS 2 Self-Report

Example	Raw Score	Number of Omitted Items	Cut-Off	Guideline	Explanation
1	7	1	≥ 6	Warrants follow-up	The cut-off (6) has been exceeded by the Raw Score (7), regardless of the omitted items. This score may be an underestimate.
2	0	1	≥ 6	Within the expected range	The cut-off (6) cannot be met or exceeded.
3	3	1	≥ 6	Could not be scored due to omitted item(s)	Depending on the value for the omitted item, the cut-off could either be met (e.g., if the omitted item score = 3, the Raw Score = 3 + 3 = 6) or not met (e.g., if the omitted item score = 2, the Raw Score = 3 + 2 = 5). Because of this ambiguity, the score cannot be interpreted.

Note. The Raw Score is based on the items that were rated.

Table B.3. Samples of Inconsistency Index Interpreted with Omitted Items: CAARS 2 Self-Report

Example	Raw Score	Number of Omitted Item Pairs	Cut-Off	Guideline	Explanation
1	5	1	≥ 4	Warrants follow-up	The cut-off (4) has been exceeded by the Raw Score (5), regardless of the omitted items. This score may be an underestimate.
2	0	1	≥ 4	Within the expected range	The cut-off (4) cannot be met or exceeded. That is, even if the difference between items in the omitted pair was 3, the score would be below the cut-off.
3	1	1	≥ 4	Could not be scored due to omitted item(s)	Depending on the value for the omitted item pair difference, the cut-off could either be met (e.g., if the omitted pair difference score = 3, the Raw Score = 1 + 3 = 4) or not met (e.g., if the omitted pair difference score = 0, the Raw Score = 1 + 0 = 1). Because of this ambiguity, the score cannot be interpreted.

Note. The Raw Score is based on the items that were rated.

Table B.4. Samples of DSM ADHD Inattentive Symptoms Scale Symptom Count Interpreted with Omitted Items

Example	Partial Symptom Count	Number of Missing Symptoms	Symptom Count Reported	Explanation
1	1	1	1*/9	Symptom Count(s) may be underestimated due to omitted item(s).
2	1	2	?	Could not be scored due to omitted item(s).
3	8	2	8*/9	Symptom Count(s) may be underestimated due to omitted item(s).

Note. The DSM-5-TR requires at least 5/9 symptoms for individuals ≥ 17 years of age.