ADHD Rating Scale-IV (ADHDRS)

How to Use
The ADHD Rating Scale-IV obtains parent ratings regarding the frequency of each
ADHD symptom based on DSM-IV criteria. Parents are asked to determine
symptomatic frequency that describes the childs home behavior over the previous 6
months.

The ADHD Rating Scale-IV is completed independently by the parent and

scored by a clinician. The scale consists of 2 subscales: inattention (9 items)
and hyperactivity-impulsivity (9 items). If 3 or more items are skipped,
the clinician should use extreme caution in interpreting the scale. Results from
this rating scale alone should not be used to make a diagnosis.

How to Score
For inattention (IA) subscale raw score: Add the odd-numbered items
For hyperactivity-impulsivity (HI) subscale raw score: Add the evennumbered items
To obtain the total raw score: Add the IA and Hi subscale raw scores
Convert the raw scores to percentile scores by using the appropriate scoring
profile provided on the back of the rating scale.

Optimal Cutoff Scores for Diagnosing and Ruling Out ADHD

*

Diagnosing ADHD/I*

Inattention subscale (teacher) 90th percentile

Inattention subscale (parent) 93rd percentile

Hyperactivity-Impulsivity subscale (teacher) 85th percentile

Ruling out ADHD/I

*

Inattention subscale (teacher) < 80th percentile

Inattention subscale (parent) < 85th percentile

Diagnosing ADHD/COM
*

Inattention subscale (teacher) 90th percentile

Inattention subscale (parent) 93rd percentile

Hyperactivity-Impulsivity subscale (teacher) 98th percentile

Ruling our ADHD/COM

*

Inattention subscale (teacher) < 80th percentile

Inattention subscale (parent) < 85th percentile

Hyperactivity-Impulsivity subscale (teacher) < 85th percentile