Comparing the convergent validity and clinical utility of the Behavior Assessment System for Children-Parent Rating Scales and Child Behavior Checklist in children with epilepsy

The convergent validity and clinical utility of two parent-report child behavior rating scales, the Behavior Assessment System for Children-Parent Rating Scales (BASC-PRS) and Child Behavior Checklist/Ages 6–18 (CBCL), in children with epilepsy were examined. Analogous broadband and narrowband behavior rating scales were evaluated in 60 subjects aged 6–17 years (mean = 11.0, SD = 3.4) with Full Scale IQ >70. Correlations for each similarly labeled scale were statistically significant (P < 0.002) and greater with broadband (r = 0.71–0.79) than with narrowband (r = 0.41–0.78) scales. The BASC captured significantly less composite internalizing symptoms (P < 0.002), but more unusual thought processes (P < 0.0002) and attention problems versus a CBCL DSM-oriented attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder scale (P < 0.002). Variation in the correlations between measures may stem from underlying differences between rationally-and empirically-derived approaches to test construction. Both the CBCL and BASC have diagnostic and clinical utility in assessing behavior problems in pediatric epilepsy.