NICHQ Vanderbilt Assessment Scale
Helps diagnose ADHD in children of 6 to 12 years based on parent and teacher input.
Refer to the text below the scales for more information about the NICHQ VAS.
The NICHQ Vanderbilt Assessment Scale consists of a symptom and impairment in performance evaluation that is used in the diagnostic of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children of 6 to 12 years, based on parent and teacher input.
The two assessments (parent and teacher) consist of three subtypes and 3 screens for other co-morbidities:
- Predominantly Inattentive subtype;
- Predominantly Hyperactive/Impulsive subtype;
- ADHD Combined Inattention/Hyperactivity;
- Oppositional-Defiant Disorder Screen;
- Conduct Disorder Screen;
- Anxiety/Depression Screen.
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NICHQ Vanderbilt Assessment Scale Explained
The National Institute for Children’s Health Quality (NICHQ) Vanderbilt Assessment Scale consists of a symptom and impairment in performance evaluation that is used in the diagnostic of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children of 6 to 12 years, based on parent and teacher input.
The two assessments (parent and teacher) consist of three subtypes and 3 screens for other co-morbidities:
- Predominantly Inattentive subtype;
- Predominantly Hyperactive/Impulsive subtype;
- ADHD Combined Inattention/Hyperactivity;
- Oppositional-Defiant Disorder Screen;
- Conduct Disorder Screen;
- Anxiety/Depression Screen.
The scales are not meant to be used in isolation for ADHD diagnosis and should be accompanied by interviews and other information.
According to Wolraich et al. the scale has good internal reliability with Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of > .90 (parent) and >.89 (teacher). The scale also has adequate test-retest reliabilities (r=.27 - .34). Convergent validity is evidenced by the moderate to high correlations with the Diagnostic Interview Schedule for Children-IV Parent Version.
The parent scale showed 80% sensitivity and 75% specificity in predicting a positive ADHD diagnosis. The combined (parent and teacher) scale, however, showed a 19% positive predictive value and a 98% negative predictive value, showing more reliability in identifying children who do not have ADHD.
Scoring Instructions
The two tables below describe the scoring of the two assessment scales, parent and teacher, where, to meet the DSM-IV criteria for diagnosis, certain cut-off scores must be met.
Scores of 2 or 3 on the symptom sections reflect often-occurring behaviors. Scores of 4 or 5 on the performance section reflect problems in performance.
NICHQ Vanderbilt Assessment Scale - Parent Assessment Scale
Subtype | Scoring Instructions |
Predominantly Inattentive Subtype | Must score a 2 or 3 on 6 out of 9 items on questions 1–9 AND Score a 4 or 5 on any of the Performance questions 48–55 |
Predominantly Hyperactive/Impulsive Subtype | Must score a 2 or 3 on 6 out of 9 items on questions 10–18 AND Score a 4 or 5 on any of the Performance questions 48–55 |
ADHD Combined Inattention/Hyperactivity | Requires the above criteria on both inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity |
Oppositional-Defiant Disorder Screen | Must score a 2 or 3 on 4 out of 8 behaviors on questions 19–26 AND Score a 4 or 5 on any of the Performance questions 48–55 |
Conduct Disorder Screen | Must score a 2 or 3 on 3 out of 14 behaviors on questions 27–40 AND Score a 4 or 5 on any of the Performance questions 48–55 |
Anxiety/Depression Screen | Must score a 2 or 3 on 3 out of 7 behaviors on questions 41–47 AND Score a 4 or 5 on any of the Performance questions 48–55 |
NICHQ Vanderbilt Assessment Scale - Teacher Assessment Scale
Subtype | Scoring Instructions |
Predominantly Inattentive Subtype | Must score a 2 or 3 on 6 out of 9 items on questions 1–9 AND Score a 4 or 5 on any of the Performance questions 36–43 |
Predominantly Hyperactive/Impulsive Subtype | Must score a 2 or 3 on 6 out of 9 items on questions 10–18 AND Score a 4 or 5 on any of the Performance questions 36–43 |
ADHD Combined Inattention/Hyperactivity | Requires the above criteria on both inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity |
Oppositional-Defiant/Conduct Disorder Screen | Must score a 2 or 3 on 3 out of 10 behaviors on questions 19-28 AND Score a 4 or 5 on any of the Performance questions 36–43 |
Anxiety/Depression Screen | Must score a 2 or 3 on 3 out of 7 behaviors on questions 29–35 AND Score a 4 or 5 on any of the Performance questions 36–43 |
References
Original reference
National Institute for Children’s Health Quality: NICHQ Vanderbilt Assessment Scales (Archived).
Other references
Wolraich ML, Bard DE, Neas B, Doffing M, Beck L. The psychometric properties of the Vanderbilt attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder diagnostic teacher rating scale in a community population. J Dev Behav Pediatr. 2013; 34(2):83-93.
Bard DE, Wolraich ML, Neas B, Doffing M, Beck L. The psychometric properties of the Vanderbilt attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder diagnostic parent rating scale in a community population. J Dev Behav Pediatr. 2013; 34(2):72-82.
Specialty: Psychiatry
Objective: Screening
Type: Scale
Year Of Study: 2002
Abbreviation: NICHQ VAS
Article By: Denise Nedea
Published On: July 21, 2020 · 12:00 AM
Last Checked: July 21, 2020
Next Review: July 21, 2025