Conners Adult ADHD Rating Scales 2nd Edition (CAARS 2) is now available - find out more and order here.
The CAARS is used to measure the presence, severity and impact of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) symptoms in adults.
Individuals aged 18 to 80 years.
For individuals younger than 18 year, the Conners 4th Edition is available here.
English
When ADHD persists into adulthood, it usually contributes to larger personal and professional difficulties. The CAARS measures the presence and severity of ADHD symptoms to help determine whether or not ADHD is a contributing factor to an individual's problems.
Key Features
Areas measured by the CAARS
The CAARS quantifies ADHD symptoms across clinically significant domains and explores the manifestations of those symptoms. The key areas measured are:
The CAARS consist of six complementary scales; three self-report scales (long version, short version and screening version) and three observer scales (long version, short version and screening version). The self-report (CAARS-S) and observer ratings (CAARS-O) both address the same behaviours and contain identical scales, sub-scales and indexes.
With the hand scored format, raw scores and T-scores are produced for each scale, sub-scale and index. These are then plotted on Profile Forms.
Long Versions
The long self-report (CAARS-S: L) and observer (CAARS-O:L) forms provide scores for all sub-scales, the ADHD index, and Inconsistency Index. The long versions provide the most detailed information upon which to base treatment plans.
Short Versions
The short self-report (CAARS-S: S) and observer (CAARS-O: S) forms examine and highlight key dimensions, making them ideal when time with a respondent is limited. The short versions are also often used during treatment to track progress over time. They include abbreviated versions of the factor-derived sub-scales that are in the long versions. The ADHD Index and the Inconsistency Index are included as well.
Screening Versions
The screening versions of the self-report (CAARS-S:SV) and observer (CAARS-O:SV) forms focus on DSM-IV criteria for quick ADHD identification. They include the DSM-IV ADHD sub-scales and the ADHD Index to screen for the possibility of ADHD.
Qualification level required:
Level 2. Please see our Test User Qualifications page for guidance
A number of statistical exercises were undertaken to determine the reliability of the CAARS scales with men and women in particular age groups. It was found that CAARS scales are quite accurate in measuring the constructs they were developed to assess.
The normative sample for self-report forms includes 1026 non-clinical adults. The normative sample for observer forms includes spouses, family members or friends of 943 non-clinical adults. Separate norms are available by gender and age group intervals.
Long versions: 30 minutes, short versions: 10 minutes.
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