This chapter provides guidelines for interpreting the full-length Conners Adult ADHD Rating Scales 2nd Edition (CAARS™ 2); relevant sections can be applied to the CAARS™ 2–Short and the CAARS™ 2–ADHD Index. These interpretation guidelines are most relevant when using the CAARS 2 in an individual evaluation; please see Uses of the CAARS 2 in chapter 1, Introduction, for information about other applications such as screening a group of individuals, evaluating an intervention program, and research.

After completing the steps outlined in this chapter, clinicians should continue the interpretation process by considering how the CAARS 2 findings relate to other available information about the individual. The following supplementary guides are available to assist with interpretation:

• The Overview section of the digital report (see Figure 4.1) is a recommended starting point for the Interpretation process. This snapshot of the CAARS 2 results provides a visual summary of areas that may be of critical concern or require additional evaluation. The Cover page of the report is also important to review as it indicates the reference group(s) chosen for comparison as well as instances when the person being evaluated is outside the normative age group¹. (For more information on reference groups for score comparison, see Understanding Reference Samples in chapter 3, Administration and Scoring.)
  
  
• The CAARS 2 Interpretation Reference (appendix D) condenses these interpretation steps, text guidelines, and relevant scores.
  
  
• The CAARS 2 Scores Reference (appendix E) summarizes the different types of scores available on the CAARS 2, including raw scores, T-scores with confidence intervals, percentiles, Symptom Counts, probability scores, and elevated items.
  
  
• Also see chapter 5, Case Studies, which illustrates the application of the step-by-step interpretation guidelines through a variety of clinical cases.
  

Experienced users who prefer to use the CAARS 2 Interpretation Reference (appendix D) may refer to this chapter, the CAARS 2 Scores Reference (appendix E), and the glossary section of the report for additional guidance as needed. As with any psychological assessment, only qualified individuals with the appropriate background, training, and experience should interpret results from the CAARS 2. See Users and User Qualifications in chapter 1, Introduction, for further guidance.