Application of four commonly used rating scales in diagnosis and follow-up management of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

Abstract:

Objective：To introduce and compare four commonly used rating scales for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder（ADHD），and to help physicians engaged in general pediatrics，child care，and developmental and behavioral pediatrics to understand and select these scales. Methods：Related articles were searched for and analyzed retrospectively. Results：Conners’ Rating Scale was developed the earliest，and Vanderbilt Rating Scale was developed the latest. Swanson，Nolan and Pelham Rating Scales，ADHD Diagnostic Scale-Parent Version，and Vanderbilt Rating Scale were developed with reference to the diagnostic criteria for ADHD in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. The contents of the screening of comorbidities and parent/teacher follow-up scales were added to Vanderbilt Rating Scale. The national norm and psychometric studies of Conners’ Rating Scale and ADHD Diagnostic Scale-Parent Version are relatively complete in China，and the psychometric studies of Vanderbilt Rating Scale in foreign countries have shown that this scale has good psychometric features，but there is a lack of related studies in China. Conclusion：New scales，such as Vanderbilt Rating Scale，should be introduced and standardized to improve clinical diagnosis and follow-up management. Rating scales and application standards which meet the basic conditions of China should be developed in the future to adapt to the actual situation of the relationship between medicine，education，and family and promote the comprehensive diagnosis，treatment，and management of ADHD in China.