CAARS 2 Manual

Appendix G: DSM-5-TR Representation on the CAARS 2, Tables

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Table G.1. CAARS 2 Symptom Count and Criterion Status Score Requirements for DSM ADHD Inattentive Symptoms

DSM-5-TR Criterion A*	CAARS 2 Item Stem	Item # (Self-Report & Observer)	Contributes to Symptom Count**
1a	Makes careless mistakes	29	2,3 -or- 2,3
1a	Has difficulty paying attention to details	79	2,3 -or- 2,3
1b	Difficulty staying focused	17	2,3
1c	Has trouble listening	73	2,3
1d	Difficulty following instructions	43	One item score = 2,3 -and- other item score = 1,2,3
1d	Difficulty completing tasks	64	One item score = 2,3 -and- other item score = 1,2,3
1e	Difficulty organizing	23	2,3
1f	Doesn’t like focusing for a long time	70	2,3
1g	Loses things	1	2,3
1h***	Distracted easily	41	2,3
1i	Forgets to do things	39	2,3

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Table G.2. CAARS 2 Symptom Count and Criterion Status Score Requirements for DSM ADHD Hyperactive/Impulsive Symptoms

DSM-5-TR Criterion A*	CAARS 2 Item Stem	Item # (Self-Report & Observer)	Contributes to Symptom Count**
2a	Fidgets	65	2,3 -or- 2,3
2a	Taps hands or feet	72	2,3 -or- 2,3
2b	Leaves seat when they shouldn’t	46	2,3
2c****	Feels restless (Self-Report); Appears restless (Observer)	52	2,3
2d	Struggles to do things quietly	40	2,3
2e	Difficulty staying still	20	2,3 -or- 2,3
2e	Moves around when they should not	22	2,3 -or- 2,3
2f	Talks too much	4	2,3
2g	Blurts out answers	9	2,3
2h	Difficulty with turn-taking	53	2,3
2i	Interrupts others	44	2,3 -or- 2,3
2i	Intrudes	48	2,3 -or- 2,3

Note.

* DSM-5-TR ADHD Criterion A includes that the symptoms must (a) have persisted for at least 6 months, (b) not be consistent with developmental level, and (c) have a direct negative impact on social and academic/occupational activities. Criterion A also states that “…the symptoms are not solely a manifestation of oppositional behavior, defiance, hostility, or failure to understand tasks or instructions” (p. 59; APA, 2013).

** Numeric scores in the “Contributes to Symptom Count” column are equivalent to the following text responses: 1 = “Just a little true; Occasionally”; 2 = “Pretty much true; Often/Quite a bit”; 3 = “Completely true; Very often/Always.”

*** Criterion A1h indicates that, in adults, the tendency to be easily distracted by extraneous stimuli may include unrelated thoughts as the source of distraction. If Criterion A1h is not met with the identified CAARS 2 item, consider data from Inattention/Executive Dysfunction Content Scale items as well as other sources of information to determine if this symptom may be present.

**** Criterion A2c states that, in adults, overactivity may be limited to feeling restless, corresponding to the selected CAARS 2 item; however, this symptom can also be represented by running/climbing in situations where that activity is inappropriate. If Criterion A2c is not met with the identified CAARS 2 item, consider data from Hyperactivity Content Scale items as well as other sources of information to determine if this symptom may be present.