The following case studies are intended to illustrate the use of the Conners Adult ADHD Rating Scales 2nd Edition (CAARS™ 2) by licensed mental health professionals in clinical settings. The generic term “clinician” is used to represent the variety of mental health professionals qualified to interpret CAARS 2 results (such as psychologists, psychiatrists, other mental health care providers, and physicians). The narratives are based on composites of actual cases, with identifying details merged and changed. These cases were selected to illustrate a variety of clients and referral questions. Stylistic differences across the cases are intentional so as to illustrate different approaches clinicians might take to implementing the interpretive steps described in the previous chapter. For example, some clinicians might pull some content directly from the automated report whereas others who are highly familiar with the CAARS 2 might rely on shorthand notes to prompt themselves through the process. The purpose of this chapter is to provide qualified users with examples of how they might interpret the CAARS 2 in the context of different patterns of results produced by demographically diverse clients. These narratives are not intended to represent complete reports, nor are they expected to provide examples of how to interview, assess, write reports, or give feedback. This chapter is not a substitute for appropriate clinical training or licensure.

Please note that in most of the following cases, Normative Sample–Combined Gender (default setting) is selected as the reference sample for score comparison. Case 3, “Barbara,” provides an example of selecting Gender Specific Normative Sample as the Principal Reference Sample. For an example of selecting an Additional Reference Sample, see Case 5, “Anthony.”