SPECIAL ARTICLE
Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School-Age Children-Present and Lifetime Version (K-SADS-PL): Initial Reliability and Validity Data

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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. J. Am. Acad. Child Adolesc. Psychiatry, 1997, 36(7): 980–988.

Key Words

assessment
child psychiatric interview
Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School-Age Children

Cited by (0)

This study was supported by grant PO5 MH 41712 (Dr. Ryan) and supplemental funds from Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic. Appreciation is extended to the many consultants, research staff, and children who made this endeavor possible and to Ms. Denise Carter-Jackson for word-processing the K-SADS-PL Copies of the K-SADS-PL (Final Draft II: 10-1-96) can be obtained from Dr. Kaufman, Yale University, Department of Psychology, P.O. Box 208205, New Haven, CT 06520, or off the Internet at www.yale.edu/psychology or www.wpic.pitt.edu