Manual

CAARS 2 Manual

Chapter 1: Introduction, Tables

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Table 1.1. Comparison of Content Across CAARS 2 Forms

Content Description CAARS 2 (full-length) CAARS 2–Short CAARS 2–ADHD Index
Response Style Analysis
  • Negative Impression Index
  • Inconsistency Index
  • Omitted Items
  • Pace (available for online administrations only)

These metrics provide a varied set of indicators to describe a rater’s response style, including two validity scales to identify response patterns that may reflect an attempt to present an unfavorable impression and random or careless responding.

()
Does not include Inconsistency Index 		–
Associated Clinical Concern Items
  • Critical Items
  • Screening Items

Four items to quickly identify areas that require immediate attention or further follow-up, including two critical items (suicidal thoughts/attempts, self-injury) and two screening items (anxiety/worry, sadness/emptiness*).

– –
Content Scales
  • Inattention/Executive Dysfunction
  • Hyperactivity
  • Impulsivity
  • Emotional Dysregulation
  • Negative Self-Concept

Scales designed to capture key clinical constructs related to ADHD.

()
Subset of items from the full-length form 		–
DSM Symptom Scales
  • ADHD Inattentive Symptoms**
  • ADHD Hyperactive/ Impulsive Symptoms**
  • Total ADHD Symptoms

Items that reflect DSM symptoms of ADHD, including how these symptoms typically present in adults.

– –
CAARS 2–ADHD Index

A set of 12 items that best differentiates individuals with ADHD from individuals in the general population.

Impairment & Functional Outcome Items

Item-level assessment of impairment from ADHD and related features, including general impairment and adverse functional outcomes in specific areas (e.g., relationships, sleep, risky behaviors).

– –
Additional Questions

Two open-ended items to capture other issues/problems and strengths/skills.

–
* The Self-Report form asks about sadness or emptiness; the Observer form asks only about sadness.
** Side-by-side comparison of the Symptom Counts from DSM ADHD Inattentive and Hyperactive/Impulsive Symptom Scales provides information about DSM ADHD Combined Presentation.
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Table 1.2. CAARS 2 Reading Levels (Grade Equivalents)

Rater Readability Score
CAARS 2 (full-length) CAARS 2–Short CAARS 2–ADHD Index
Self-Report 4.6 3.9 4.6
Observer 5.9 6.1 6.9
Note. The reading levels outlined in the table are for the CAARS 2 English forms. The Spanish and French versions were translated by expert linguists who sought to achieve similar reading levels that did not vary from the English version.
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