Attention Network Test (ANT)

The ANT is a task designed to test three attentional networks in children and adults: alerting, orienting, and executive control. Efficiency of the alerting network is examined by changes in reaction time resulting from a warning signal. Efficiency of orienting is examined by changes in the reaction time that accompany cues indicating where the target will occur. The efficiency of the executive network is examined by requiring the participant to respond by pressing two keys indicating the direction (left or right) of a central arrow surrounded by congruent, incongruent or neutral flankers.

Note: The ANT is administered to children and adults ages 6-85 years old.

References: Fan, J., McCandliss, B. D., Sommer, T., Raz, A., & Posner, M. I. (2002). Testing the efficiency and independence of attentional networks. Journal of Cognitive Neuroscience, 14(3), 340-7. doi:10.1162/089892902317361886

Adult Self Report (ASR)

The ASR is a 126-item self-report questionnaire for adults (ages 18–59) assessing aspects of adaptive functioning and problems. The questionnaire provides scores for the following syndrome scales: anxious/depressed, withdrawn, somatic complaints, thought problems, attention problems, aggressive behavior, rule-breaking behavior, and intrusive behavior. The questionnaire provides scores for the following DSM-oriented scales: depressive problems, anxiety problems, somatic problems, avoidant personality problems, attention deficit/ hyperactivity problems (inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity subscales), and antisocial personality problems. Additionally, the questionnaire asks about use of the following substances: tobacco, alcohol, and drugs. Items are rated on a 3-point scale: 0-Not True, 1-Somewhat or Sometimes True, 2-Very True or Often True.

Note: The ASR is given to adult participants ages 18-59 years old.

References: Achenbach, T. M., & Rescorla, L. A. (2003). Manual for the ASEBA adult forms & profiles. Research Center for Children, Youth, & Families, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, USA.

Adult Temperament Questionnaire (ATQ)

The ATQ short form is a 77-item self-report questionnaire for adults (ages 18 and over) assessing constructs of temperament and personality. The measure includes constructs of effortful control, negative affect, extraversion/surgency, and orienting sensitivity. Participants are asked to rate how well the items describe them on a 7-point scale: 1-extremely untrue, 2-quite untrue, 3-slightly true, 4-neither true or false, 5-slightly true, 6-quite true, 7-extremely true.

Note: This self-assessment is given to participants ages 16-85 years old.

References: Evans, D.E., & Rothbart, M.K. (2007). Development of a model for adult temperament. Journal of Research in Personality, 41, 868-888.

Behavior Assessment System for Children, 2nd Edition – Parent Rating Scale, 6-11 years old (BASC -2 (6-11))

The BASC-2 (6-11) a 160-item informant-report questionnaire assessing the adaptive and problem behaviors of children (ages 6 – 11) in the community and home setting. It provides scores for the following scales: anger control, bullying, developmental social disorders, emotional self-control, executive functioning, negative emotionality, and resiliency. Informants report on the child’s behavior in the last several months using a 4- point scale: 0-never, 1-sometimes, 2-often, 3-almost always.

Note: This BASC-2 (6-11) is given to guardians of child participants who range in age from 6-11 years old.

References: Reynolds, C. R., & Kamphaus, R. W. (1992). BASC: Behavior assessment system for children: Manual. American Guidance Service, Incorporated.

Behavior Assessment System for Children, 2nd Edition –Parent Rating Scale, 12-17 years old, (BASC – 2 (12–17))

The BASC – 2 (12-17) is a 150-item informant-report questionnaire assessing the adaptive and problem behaviors of adolescents (ages 12 – 17) in the community and home setting. It provides scores for the following scales: anger control, bullying, developmental social disorders, emotional self-control, executive functioning, negative emotionality, and resiliency. Informants report on the adolescent’s behavior in the last several months using a 4- point scale: 0-never, 1-sometimes, 2-often, 3-almost always.

Note: This self-assessment is given to guardians of adolescent participants ages 12-17 years old.

References: Reynolds, C. R., & Kamphaus, R. W. (1992). BASC: Behavior assessment system for children: Manual. American Guidance Service, Incorporated.

Conners Adult ADHD Rating Scale – Self Report, Short Version (CAARS-S:S)

The CAARS-S:S is a 26-item self-report questionnaire assessing ADHD symptoms in adults (ages 18 and up). Individuals are asked to rate themselves on a range of symptoms and behaviors associated with ADHD in adults, using a 4-point scale: 0-Not at all, never, 1-Just a little, once in a while, 2-Pretty much, often, 3-Very much, very frequently.

Note: This self-assessment is given to participants ages 18-85 years old.

References: Conners, C. K., Erhardt, D., & Sparrow, E. (1999). Conners’ adult ADHD rating scales (CAARS). Multi-Health Systems, Inc.

The Child Behavior Checklist – Parent Report Form (CBCL)

The CBCL is a 113-item informant-report questionnaire assessing behavioral competency and behavioral problems in children (ages 6 – 18) within the past six months. The following syndrome scales are assessed: anxious/depressed, withdrawn/depressed, somatic complains, social problems, thought problems, rule-breaking behavior, and aggressive behavior. The following DSM-oriented scales are assessed: affective problems, anxiety problems, somatic problems, attention deficit/hyperactivity problems, oppositional defiant problems, and conduct problems. Additionally, there are 20 social competency items used to obtain parents’ reports of the amount and quality of their child’s participation in sports, hobbies, games, activities, organizations, jobs and chores, friendships, how well the child gets along with others and plays and works by him/herself, and school functioning. Behaviors are rated on a 3-point scale: 0-Not true (as far as you know), 1-Somewhat or sometimes true, 2-Very true or often true.

Note: This self-assessment is given to guardians of children and adolescents ages 6-17 years old. The 20 social competency items are not included.

References: Achenbach, T. M. (1991). Integrative guide for the 1991 CBCL/4-18, YSR, and TRF profiles. Dept. of Psychiatry, University of Vermont.

The Children’s Behavior Questionnaire (Very Short Form) – (CBQ-VSF)

The CBQ-VSF is a 36-item informant-report questionnaire assessing temperament of children (ages 3 – 8). The questionnaire is designed to capture three broad dimensions: surgency/extraversion, negative affectivity, and effortful control. Informants are asked to rate their child based on how they feel that their child’s reaction is likely to be in a variety of situations. Responses are given on a 7-point scale ranging from 1 (extremely untrue of my child) to 7 (extremely true of my child). The questionnaire is designed to capture three broad dimensions: surgency/extraversion, negative affectivity, and effortful control. Participants are asked to rate how well the items describe their child on a 7-point scale: 1-extremely untrue of my child, 2-quite untrue, 3- slightly untrue, 4-neither true nor untrue, 5-slightly true, 6-quite true, 7-extremely true of my child.

Note: This assessment is given to guardians of child participants, ages 6-8 years old.

References: Putnam, S. P., & Rothbart, M. K. (2006). Development of short and very short forms of the children’s behavior questionnaire. Journal of Personality Assessment, 87(1), 102-112.

The Conners ADHD Rating Scale 3 – Parent Short Form

The Conners ADHD Rating Scale 3 Parent Short Form is a 43-item parent report designed to assess attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and evaluate problem behavior in children and adolescents (ages 6 to 18). The measure evaluates inattention, hyperactivity/impulsivity, learning problems/executive functioning, aggression, and peer relations. Parents are asked to rate statements about their child in the past month on a 4-point scale: 0-Not true at all (Never, Seldom), 1-Just a little true (Occasionally), 2-Pretty much true (Often, Quite a bit), 3-Very much true (Very often, very frequently).

Note: This self-assessment is given to guardians of child participants ages 6-17 years old.

References: Conners, K. C. (2008). Conners 3rd edition. Toronto, Ontario, Canada: Multi-Health Systems.

The Conners ADHD Rating Scale 3 – Youth Short Form

The Conners ADHD Rating Scale 3 Youth Short Form is a 39-item self-report for children and adolescents (ages 8 to 18) assessing attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and problem behaviors. Evaluates inattention, hyperactivity/impulsivity, learning problems, aggression, and family relations. Children are asked to rate statements about themselves in the past month on a 4-point scale: 0-Not true at all (Never, Seldom), 1-Just a little true (Occasionally), 2-Pretty much true (Often, Quite a bit), 3-Very much true (Very often, very frequently).

Note: This self-assessment is given to child and adolescent participants ages 8-18 years old.

References: Conners, K. C. (2008). Conners 3rd edition. Toronto, Ontario, Canada: Multi-Health Systems.

Diagnostic Summary

Study staff, following completion and review of the SCID and ACDS or KSADS, completes the diagnostic summary.

Note: Item level data for the follow assessments are not released.

• Adult ADHD Clinical Diagnostic Scale (ACDS) V 1.2: This is a semi-structured interview that establishes both current adult symptomatology and the presence of any ADHD symptoms in childhood. The 18 items in the ACDS match the 18 symptom domains of ADHD noted in DSM-IV. As the SCID does not cover ADHD it is used in conjunction in order to help make or rule out this diagnosis. Note: This semi-structured interview is administered to all adult participants ages 18-85 years old. (References: Kessler, R. C., Green, J. G., Adler, L. A., Barkley, R. A., Chatterji, S., Faraone, S. V., . . . Van Brunt, D. L. (2010). Structure and diagnosis of adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: Analysis of expanded symptom criteria from the adult ADHD clinical diagnostic scale. Archives of General Psychiatry, 67(11), 1168-78.)
• Kiddie Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia (K-SADS): The K-SADS is a semi-structured interview designed to assess current and past episodes of psychopathology in children and adolescents, according to DSM-IV criteria. Probes and objective criteria are provided to rate individual symptoms. Note: This semi-structured interview is administered to all child participants ages 6-17 years old. The interview is first completed with the guardian of the child and is then completed with the child in order to determine past and current diagnoses. (References: Kaufman, J., et al. (1997). Schedule for affective disorders and schizophrenia for school-age children-resent and lifetime version (K-SADS-PL): Initial reliability and validity data. Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 36(7), 980-988).)
• Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV-TR Axis I Disorders – Non-Patient Edition (SCID-I/NP): A diagnostic semi-structured interview designed to assess current and past episodes of psychopathology in adults, according to DSM-IV criteria. Probes and objective criteria are provided to rate individual symptoms. Note: This semi-structured interview is administered to all adult participants ages 18-85 years old. (References: First, M., B., Spitzer, R. L., Gibbon, M., and Williams, J.B.W.: Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV-TR Axis I Disorders, Research Version, Non-patient edition (SCID-I/NP, 1/2010 revision). New York: Biometrics Research, New York State Psychiatric Institute, November 2002.)

Digit Span (WISC-R for children, WMS-R for adults)

For Digit Span Forward, the participant is read a sequence of numbers and recalls the numbers aloud in the same order. For Digit Span Backward, the examinee is read a sequence of numbers and recalls the numbers aloud in reverse order. The test measures simple attention, short term memory, and working memory.

Note: The Digit Span is administered to children and adults ages 6-85 years old.

References: Ivnik, et al (1992) Mayo’s older Americas normative studies: WAIS-R norms for ages 56 to 97. The Clinical Neuropsychologist, 6, 1-30.

Kaufman, A. (1975) Factor analysis of the WISC-R at 11 age levels between 6 ½ and 16 ½. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 43, 2, 135-147.

Dot Probe

In this task, a pair of faces, one threat-related and one either neutral or happy, are shown briefly side-by-side. A small probe replaces one of the faces immediately following offset. Participants are then required to respond as quickly as possible by pressing keys on a keyboard to indicate which face was replaced by a dot without compromising accuracy. The face stimuli are usually photographs of 16 different individuals (8 male, 8 female) taken from the NimStim set.

Note: The Dot Probe is administered to children and adults ages 6-85 years old.

References: Abend, R., Pine, D.S., Bar-Haim, Y. (2014). The TAU-NIMH Attention Bias Measurement Toolbox. Retrieved from http://people.socsci.tau.ac.il/mu/anxietytrauma/research/.

MacLeod, C., Mathews, A., & Tata, P. (1986). Attentional bias in emotional disorders. Journal of Abnormal Psychology, 95, 15-20. doi:10.1037/0021-843X.95.1.15

The Early Adolescent Temperament Questionnaire (Revised) Parent Report (EATQ-R)

The EATQ-R (Parent Report) is a 62-item assessment of temperament and behavior in children and adolescents (ages 9 to 15 years old). The following scales are included: activation control, affiliation, attention, fear, frustration, high-intensity pleasure, inhibitory control, shyness, and aggression and depressive mood. Parents are asked to rate how true the characteristics and behaviors are of their child on a 5-point scale: 1-Almost always untrue, 2-Usually untrue, 3-Sometimes true, sometimes untrue, 4-Usually true, 5-Almost always true.

Note: This self-assessment is administered to the guardian of child participants ages 9-15 years old.

References: Ellis, L. K., & Rothbart, M. K. (2001, April). Revision of the Early Adolescent Temperament Questionnaire. Poster presented at the biennial meeting of the Society for Research in Child Development, Minneapolis, MN.

Penn CNP

The Penn Computerized Neurocognitive Battery is a computerized battery that takes an average of one hour to complete and provides measures of accuracy and speed in nine neurocognitive domains: abstraction/flexibility, attention, working memory, episodic memory, language, spatial, sensorimotor, motor speed, and emotion identification.

References: Gur, R.C., et al. (2009). A cognitive neuroscience-based computerized battery for efficient measurement of individual differences: Standardization and initial construct validation. Journal of Neuroscience Methods, 187(2010), 254-262.

Medical History Questionnaire-Adult

This questionnaire is designed to get a detailed and comprehensive history of the participant’s medical and psychiatric history. Participants respond Yes or No to a list of possible medical issues, and for some are asked to specify type.

Note: This assessment is given to all adult participants, ages 18-85 years old.

References: Merikangas, K., project in development.

Medical History Questionnaire-Child

This questionnaire is designed to get a detailed and comprehensive history of the participant’s medical and psychiatric history. Parents are asked to respond Yes or No to a list of possible medical issues about their child, and for some are asked to specify type.

Note: This assessment is completed by guardians of child participants, ages 6-17 years old.

References: Merikangas, K., project in development.

RVIP Assessment

The rapid visual information processing task measures sustained attention ability as well as working memory. The task is administered using custom software that conforms to literature describing its original implementation in the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB; see Sahakian & Owen, 1992). As a behavioral task, the RVIP provides a number of possible outcome measures. In the release, the following variables will be provided: Total targets, Hits, Misses, false alarms, mean rate, hit rate, false alarm rate, A’ (A’ is an alternative to the more common d’ in signal detection theory, both of which reflect a ratio of hits to false alarms; for more details see e.g., Stanislaw & Todorov, 1999).

References: Sahakian, B.J. & Owen, A.M. (1992). Computerized assessment in neuropsychiatry using CANTAB: discussion paper. Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine, 85, 399-402.

Stanislaw, H. & Todorov, N. (1999). Calculation of signal detection theory measures. Behavior Research Methods: Instruments & Computers, 31: 137-149.

Wesnes K, Warburton DM (1984). Effects of scopolamine and nicotine on human rapid information processing performance. Psychopharmacology 82: 147–150.

Short Imaginal Process Inventory (SIPI)

The SIPI is a 45-item, self-administered, Likert scale questionnaire designed to measure aspects of daydreaming style and content, mental style, and general inner experience. Items are rated on a five-point scale: 1-Very true or strongly characteristic of me, 2-Moderately true or characteristic of me, 3-Neither particularly characteristic nor uncharacteristic of me, 4-Moderately untrue or uncharacteristic of me, 5-Definitely untrue or strongly uncharacteristic of me.

References: Huba G. J., Aneshensel C. S., Singer J. L. (1981). Development of scales for three second-order factors of inner experience. Multivariate Behav. Res. 16 181–206

Strengths and Weaknesses of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Symptoms and Normal Behavior Scale (SWAN)

The SWAN is an 18-item parent questionnaire for children and adolescents (18 years and younger). This rating scale includes positive “weaknesses” and negative “strengths” scoring, assessing symptoms of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. Parents are asked to compare their child’s behavior in a variety of settings over the past month to other children on a 7-point: 3-Far below, 2-Below, 1-Slightly below, 0-Average, -1-Slightly average, -2-Above, -3-Far above. Higher scores indicate greater symptomology.

Note: This assessment is given to guardians of child participants, ages 6-17 years old.

References: Swanson, J., Schuck, S., Mann, M., Carlson, C., Hartman, K., Sergeant, J., . . . McCleary, R. (2001). The SWAN rating scale. Available from http://www.adhd.net.

Youth Self-Report (YSR)

The YSR is a 112-item self-report designed for children and adolescents (ages 11-17), that assesses behavioral competency and behavioral problems and parallels the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL). Behaviors are rated on a 3-point scale: 0-Not true, 1-Somewhat or sometimes true and 2-Very true or often true, based on the preceding 6-months. The questionnaire provides scores for the following syndrome scales: anxious/depressed, withdrawn/depressed, somatic complains, social problems, thought problems, rule-breaking behavior, and aggressive behavior. The questionnaire provides scores for the following DSM-oriented scales: affective problems, anxiety problems, somatic problems, attention deficit/hyperactivity problems, oppositional defiant problems, and conduct problems. There are 20 social competency items that measure the child’s participation in hobbies, games, sports, jobs, chores, friendship, and activities.

Note: This self-assessment is given to all child participants, ages 11-17. The 20 social competency items are not included.

References: Achenbach, T. M. (1991). Manual for the Youth Self-Report and 1991 profile. Burlington, VT: University of Vermont, Department of Psychiatry.