Item response theory analyses of adolescent self-ratings of the ADHD symptoms in the Disruptive Behavior Rating Scale

The graded response model (GRM) was used to evaluate the item response theory properties of the ADHD inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity symptoms in the Disruptive Behavior Rating Scale-Self Report (DBRS-SR). This measure was completed by 363 adolescents, between 12 and 17 years of age. The findings showed that all symptoms were generally good for discriminating their respective latent traits. For most symptoms, their threshold values suggested that they were good at representing the appropriate traits from the mean trait levels, and their information values began to increase substantially from around −1 SD from the mean. These findings indicate good psychometric properties for the DBRS-SR. The practical and clinical implications of the findings are discussed.

► Rating scales with good psychometric properties are valuable for facilitating clinical diagnosis.
► Item response theory (IRT) is valuable approach for establishing such properties.
► Rating scales are used to facilitate clinical diagnosis of ADHD.
► Adolescent self-ratings of an ADHD rating scale showed IRT properties that supported its used in clinical settings.