Psychometric properties of the Self-Report Wender-Reimherr Adult Attention Deficit Disorder Scale.

Background: The Self-Report Wender-Reimherr Adult Attention Deficit Disorder Scale (SR-WRAADDS) assesses the same 7 attention-deficit/ hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) domains as the interviewer-administered WRAADDS.

Methods: A normative sample was recruited, and additional participants came from trials involving ADHD, anxiety, or depression. Using the investigator-administered WRAADDS, participants in the ADHD sample were classified as ADHD inattentive presentation or ADHD emotional dysregulation presentation.

Results: In the ADHD sample, the SR-WRAADDS correlated with the investigator-rated version WRAADDS (P < .001). In comparing adults with ADHD with normal controls, all SR-WRAADDS domains demonstrated discriminate validity (P < .001); a cut point was identified yielding sensitivity of 97% and specificity of 89%. In comparison, in screening for ADHD in depression or anxiety disorders, sensitivity was 87% and specificity, 49%. Internal consistency was satisfactory (Cronbach α = 0.78; split-half reliability r = 0.92). Factor analysis yielded a 2-factor solution: one reflected emotional dysregulation; the other, inattention and disorganization. Detecting ADHD emotional dysregulation presentation within the ADHD sample, as the "disorder-of-interest," SR-WRAADDS and the investigator-rated WRAADDS agreement was 72% (sensitivity, 87%; specificity, 49%). The SR-WRAADDS detected a methylphenidate vs placebo treatment effect (P < .001).

Conclusions: The psychometric properties of the SR-WRAADDS support its use in research and clinical practice. Emotional domains are integral to its assessment of adult ADHD.