Schedule for affective disorders and schizophrenia for school-age children-present and lifetime version (K-SADS-PL): Initial reliability and validity data

Joan Kaufman, Boris Birmaher, David Brent, Uma Rao, Cynthia Flynn, Paula Moreci, Douglas Williamson, Neal Ryan

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

7267 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objective: To describe the psychometric properties of the Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School-Age Children-Present and Lifetime version (K-SADS-PL) interview, which surveys additional disorders not assessed in prior K-SADS, contains improved probes and anchor points, includes diagnosis-specific impairment ratings, generates DSM-III-R and DSM- IV diagnoses, and divides symptoms surveyed into a screening interview and five diagnostic supplements. Method: Subjects were 55 psychiatric outpatients and 11 normal controls (aged 7 through 17 years). Both parents and children were used as informants. Concurrent validity of the screen criteria and the K-SADS-PL diagnoses was assessed against standard self-report scales. Interrater (n = 15) and test-retest (n = 20) reliability data were also collected (mean retest interval: 18 days; range: 2 to 38 days). Results: Rating scale data support the concurrent validity of screens and K-SADS-PL diagnoses. Interrater agreement in scoring screens and diagnoses was high (range: 93% to 100%). Test-retest reliability κ coefficients were in the excellent range for present and/or lifetime diagnoses of major depression, any bipolar, generalized anxiety, conduct, and oppositional defiant disorder (.77 to 1.00) and in the good range for present diagnoses of posttraumatic stress disorder and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (.63 to 67). Conclusion: Results suggest the K-SADS-PL generates reliable and valid child psychiatric diagnoses.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)980-988
Number of pages9
JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
Volume36
Issue number7
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 1997
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Assessment
  • Child psychiatric interview
  • Schedule for affective disorders and schizophrenia for school-age children

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Developmental and Educational Psychology
  • Psychiatry and Mental health

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