Use of the pediatric symptom checklist in the pediatric neurology population

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the Pediatri c Symptom Checklist (PSC) as a mental health screening instrument in a busy pediatric neurology population in comparison with more lengthy, time-consu ming assessment methods. One hundred two children were screened using the P SC. PSC results were compared with scores on the Child Behavior Checklist ( CBCL), results from structured interviews, and ratings of adaptive function ing using the Children's Global Assessment Scale (CGAS). Thirty-nine of the patients (38%) scored 63 or above on the CBCL, indicating psychosocial imp airment. Using a cutoff score of 22, the PSC correctly identified 35 of the se 39 positive cases (sensitivity 89.7) and 48 of the 63 children with CBCL scores below 63 (specificity 76.2). CGAS scores were significantly negativ ely correlated with PSC scores (r = -0.60. P < 0.05). The PSC correctly ide ntified 85.9% of children who scored 70 or below on the CGAS. Among the 53 children with psychiatric diagnoses on the basis of the interview, 41 score d above the cutoff of 22 on the PSC. Results suggest that the PSC is an eff icient and accurate screen for identification of mental health problems in the pediatric neurology population. (C) 1999 by Elsevier Science Inc. All r ights reserved.