The reliability, validity, and unique contributions of self-report by adolescents receiving treatment for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder

Participants were 36 adolescents diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperacti vity disorder (ADHD) who completed a summer treatment program. Self-report measures included the IOWA Conners Inattention/Overactivity and Oppositiona l/Defiant subscales, peer and staff interaction ratings, and a daily guess if the placebo or methylphenidate was given during a double-blind medicatio n trial. Self-reports were reliable, and some of the self-report measures d istinguished between placebo and methylphenidate conditions. However, the s elf-report measures exhibited weak correlations with observed frequencies o f negative behavior and did not make a unique contribution beyond what was reported by adults. This study replicates previous findings that adolescent s may be poor sources of information about ADHD symptoms, bur adolescents r eceiving treatment For ADHD may be able to provide valid self-reports about negative social behavior.