TEACHER RATINGS OF ATTENTION-DEFICIT HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER SYMPTOMS - FACTOR STRUCTURE AND NORMATIVE DATA

Behavior rating scales are a primary method for screening and identify ing children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The factorial structure and normative data of a teacher rating scale cont aining the 18 symptoms of ADHD were examined in this study. Factor ana lyses and assessment of differences in ADHD ratings across sex, age, a nd ethnic group were conducted with 4,009 children and adolescents who attended kindergarten through 12th grade in 31 U.S. school districts. Two factors (inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity) were derived, and normative data for a nationally representative sample were presen ted. Boys, younger children, and African Americans received higher rat ings of ADHD symptoms. Limitations of this investigation and potential uses of this scale in clinical practice and research are discussed.