Vanderbilt ADHD Diagnostic Rating Scale (VADRS)

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IntroductionThe Vanderbilt ADHD Diagnostic Rating Scale (VADRS) is an assessment tool specifically designed to evaluate symptoms of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in children and adolescents. Rooted in the criteria established by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM-IV), this scale serves a critical role in both clinical and research settings for the identification and understanding of ADHD behaviors. The scale is distinguished by its comprehensive approach, incorporating inputs from both parents and teachers to provide a multifaceted view of the child's behavior across different environments.

Structured into two main parts, the Vanderbilt Scale assesses core ADHD symptoms, including inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, as well as additional domains relevant to childhood behavior disorders such as oppositional-defiant behavior, conduct disorder, and anxiety/depression. This broad scope allows for a thorough evaluation of the child's symptoms in relation to ADHD and co-occurring conditions, facilitating a more nuanced diagnostic process.

The Vanderbilt ADHD Diagnostic Rating Scale's emphasis on multi-informant input enhances its diagnostic accuracy, enabling healthcare professionals to make informed decisions regarding diagnosis and treatment planning. Its structured format and alignment with DSM-IV criteria contribute to its utility as a reliable tool for identifying ADHD and associated behavioral issues in pediatric populations.

InstructionsConsider the context of what is appropriate for the age of your child. How would you rate your child’s behaviors in the following areas over the past 6 months:

Never Occasionally Often Very Often 1. Does not pay attention to details or makes careless mistakes with, for example, homework Never Occasionally Often Very Often 2. Has difficulty keeping attention to what needs to be done Never Occasionally Often Very Often 3. Does not seem to listen when spoken to directly Never Occasionally Often Very Often 4. Does not follow through when given directions and fails to finish activities (not due to refusal or failure to understand) Never Occasionally Often Very Often 5. Has difficulty organizing tasks and activities Never Occasionally Often Very Often 6. Avoids, dislikes, or does not want to start tasks that require ongoing mental effort Never Occasionally Often Very Often 7. Loses things necessary for tasks or activities (toys, assignments, pencils, or books) Never Occasionally Often Very Often 8. Is easily distracted by noises or other stimuli Never Occasionally Often Very Often 9. Is forgetful in daily activities Never Occasionally Often Very Often 10. Fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in seat Never Occasionally Often Very Often 11. Leaves seat when remaining seated is expected Never Occasionally Often Very Often 12. Runs about or climbs too much when remaining seated is expected Never Occasionally Often Very Often 13. Has difficulty playing or beginning quiet play activities Never Occasionally Often Very Often 14. Is “on the go” or often acts as if “driven by a motor” Never Occasionally Often Very Often 15. Talks too much Never Occasionally Often Very Often 16. Blurts out answers before questions have been completed Never Occasionally Often Very Often 17. Has difficulty waiting his or her turn Never Occasionally Often Very Often 18. Interrupts or intrudes in on others’ conversations and/or activities Never Occasionally Often Very Often 19. Argues with adults Never Occasionally Often Very Often 20. Loses temper Never Occasionally Often Very Often 21. Actively defies or refuses to go along with adults’ requests or rules Never Occasionally Often Very Often 22. Deliberately annoys people Never Occasionally Often Very Often 23. Blames others for his or her mistakes or misbehaviors Never Occasionally Often Very Often 24. Is touchy or easily annoyed by others Never Occasionally Often Very Often 25. Is angry or resentful Never Occasionally Often Very Often 26. Is spiteful and wants to get even Never Occasionally Often Very Often 27. Bullies, threatens, or intimidates others Never Occasionally Often Very Often 28. Starts physical fights Never Occasionally Often Very Often 29. Lies to get out of trouble or to avoid obligations (i.e.,“cons” others) Never Occasionally Often Very Often 30. Is truant from school (skips school) without permission Never Occasionally Often Very Often 31. Is physically cruel to people Never Occasionally Often Very Often 32. Has stolen things that have value Never Occasionally Often Very Often 33. Deliberately destroys others’ property Never Occasionally Often Very Often 34. Has used a weapon that can cause serious harm (bat, knife, brick, gun) Never Occasionally Often Very Often 35. Is physically cruel to animals Never Occasionally Often Very Often 36. Has deliberately set fires to cause damage Never Occasionally Often Very Often 37. Has broken into someone else’s home, business, or car Never Occasionally Often Very Often 38. Has stayed out at night without permission Never Occasionally Often Very Often 39. Has run away from home overnight Never Occasionally Often Very Often 40. Has forced someone into sexual activity Never Occasionally Often Very Often 41. Is fearful, anxious, or worried Never Occasionally Often Very Often 42. Is afraid to try new things for fear of making mistakes Never Occasionally Often Very Often 43. Feels worthless or inferior Never Occasionally Often Very Often 44. Blames self for problems, feels guilty Never Occasionally Often Very Often 45. Feels lonely, unwanted, or unloved; complains that “no one loves him or her” Never Occasionally Often Very Often 46. Is sad, unhappy, or depressed Never Occasionally Often Very Often 47. Is self-conscious or easily embarrassed Never Occasionally Often Very Often Excellent Above Average Average Somewhat of a Problem Problematic 48. Overall school performance Excellent Above Average Average Somewhat of a Problem Problematic 49. Reading Excellent Above Average Average Somewhat of a Problem Problematic 50. Writing Excellent Above Average Average Somewhat of a Problem Problematic 51. Mathematics Excellent Above Average Average Somewhat of a Problem Problematic 52. Relationship with parents Excellent Above Average Average Somewhat of a Problem Problematic 53. Relationship with siblings Excellent Above Average Average Somewhat of a Problem Problematic 54. Relationship with peers Excellent Above Average Average Somewhat of a Problem Problematic 55. Participation in organized activities Excellent Above Average Average Somewhat of a Problem Problematic

Sources

1. M Wolraich, W Lambert, M Doffing, L Bickman, T Simmons, K Worley. Psychometric Properties of the Vanderbilt ADHD Diagnostic Parent Rating Scale in a Referred Population. Journal of Pediatric Psychology. 28(8): 559-568 (2003).