VADPRS – Vanderbilt ADHD Screening Tool

The Vanderbilt ADHD Diagnostic Parent Rating Scale (VADPRS) is a widely used assessment tool for identifying attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children. It is a standardized, self-report questionnaire that is completed by parents or guardians to assess the presence of ADHD symptoms in children aged 6-12 years. The VADPRS consists of a total of 18 items, with 9 items assessing inattention and 9 items assessing hyperactivity/impulsivity.

The VADPRS is an ADHD screening tool designed to be used as part of a comprehensive evaluation for ADHD, which should also include a thorough medical history, physical examination, and, if necessary, additional testing (e.g., neuropsychological testing, educational testing). It is important to note that the VADPRS is not a diagnostic tool and should not be used in isolation to diagnose ADHD. Rather, it is intended to provide information to help inform a diagnosis.

The VADPRS is a reliable and valid measure of ADHD symptoms in children. Research has shown that it has good internal consistency, with high levels of agreement between parents and teachers on ratings of ADHD symptoms. It has also been found to have good predictive validity, with high correlations between VADPRS scores and diagnoses of ADHD made using structured clinical interviews.

One advantage of the VADPRS is that it is easy to administer and can be completed in a short amount of time (e.g., 15-20 minutes). It is also available in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, and French.

Despite its strengths, there are some limitations to consider when using the VADPRS. One limitation is that it is a parent-report measure, which means that it is based on the perceptions and opinions of the parent or guardian completing the questionnaire. This can be problematic if the parent is not aware of all of the child’s symptoms or if the parent is biased in their ratings.

Another limitation is that the VADPRS only assesses the presence of ADHD symptoms and does not consider other factors that may contribute to the child’s difficulties (e.g., learning disabilities, anxiety, depression). This means that it is important to consider the VADPRS results in the context of the child’s overall functioning and to conduct a comprehensive evaluation to identify any other contributing factors.

In conclusion, the Vanderbilt ADHD Diagnostic Parent Rating Scale (VADPRS) is a widely used and reliable ADHD screening tool in children aged 6-12 years. It is a self-report questionnaire that assesses the presence of ADHD symptoms and can provide useful information to help inform a diagnosis. However, it should not be used in isolation and should be part of a comprehensive evaluation that includes a thorough medical history, physical examination, and, if necessary, additional testing.