Conners’ Adult ADHD Rating Scales (CAARS™)
Authors: C. Keith Conners, PhD; Drew Erhardt, PhD and Elizabeth Sparrow, PhD
Purpose: To help assess, diagnose and monitor treatment of ADHD in adults
Administer to: Individuals 18 years and older
Reading/Educational Level: 6th grade
Administration time: 10 – 30 minutes
Scoring Options: Hand-scorable / Bureau Service / Online
This multidimensional instrument helps assess the presence and severity of ADHD in adults. The CAARS™ elicit
self-report (CAARS-S) and observer ratings (CAARS-O) providing a multiple informant assessment of adult ADHD
symptoms and behaviours. The self-report and observer forms contain an identical set of scales, subscales, and
indexes.
The CAARS™ is available in a long, short and screening version. The CAARS:SV include the same 12-item ADHD
Index of the long and short CAARS™ forms and contain the DSM-IV™ ADHD Symptom Subscales (18 items that
relate to DSM-IV™ criteria for ADHD). The Screening Versions are ideal when insufficient time is available to
complete the lengthier forms.
Key Areas Measured:
Factor-Derived Subscales • DSM-IV ADHD Symptom Subscales • Inconsistency Index
Inattention/Memory Problems Inattentive Symptoms ADHD Index
Hyperactivity/Restlessness Total ADHD Symptoms
Impulsivity/Emotional Lability Hyperactive-Impulsive Symptoms
Problems with Self-Concept • •
Areas of Application
• Clinical research, rehabilitation, and correctional settings can use the CAARS™ to help identify, assess, and
treat adults with ADHD-related symptoms and behaviours.
• The Forensic Version assists in the identification and assessment of adults with ADHD related symptoms and
behaviours. Impulsivity plays a critical role in criminal behaviour and this facet of behaviour is formally
assessed by the CAARS™ forensic version relative to other offenders.
• To assist in identifying ADHD in a clinical setting and as an aid in choosing appropriate intervention
techniques.
Report Options
• Profile report: Presents scores for each of the scales, subscales and indexes graphically and numerically. It is
available for all three versions.
• Interpretive Report: Contains detailed descriptions of the scales, item responses and intervention strategy
suggestions. It is available for only the long and short versions.
Language
English
Related Tests
Conners’ Adult ADHD Diagnostic Interview for DSM-IV (CAADID): An empirically based structured
interview in two parts that aids the process of diagnosing ADHD in adults.
• Conners’ Continuous Performance Test II Version 5 (CPT II V.5): To assess attention problems and
treatment effectiveness.
• Conners’ Adult ADHD Rating Scales (CAARS): For use in correctional settings.