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VADPRS (Vanderbilt ADHD Diagnostic Parent Rating Scale) and VADTRS (Vanderbilt ADHD Diagnostic Teacher Rating Scale)

Making the correct diagnosis in pediatric attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is especially important today. The Vanderbilt Rating Scales follow closely the criteria set forth in DSM-IV (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual – IV) and have been customized to observations made in the home and classroom environments.
When the forms are returned to the mental health professional, the scoring allows the clinician not only to make a diagnosis of ADHD, if present, but also to categorize the problem into one of its various subtypes: inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive, or combined. The Vanderbilt Scales also look for symptoms of frequent comorbidities, such as oppositional defiance, conduct disorder, anxiety, and depression.
The Vanderbilt scales were developed by Mark L. Wolraich, MD and colleagues. Dr. Wolraich is currently the Shaun Walters Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Oklahoma Health Science Center in Oklahoma City.
Download VADPRS Form (PDF)
Download VADPRS Scoring Instructions (PDF)

Download VADTRS Form (PDF)
Download VADTRS Scoring Instructions (PDF)
More about Childhood ADHD and the Vanderbilt Rating Scales
Jay M. Pomerantz, MD
Assistant Clinical Professor of Psychiatry
Harvard Medical School, Boston

A large number of psychiatric tests, scales, and forms have been created over the years to help in diagnosing mental illness and assisting in treatment and follow-up. This Web-based service offers copies of some of the most popular and useful instruments. The hope is that healthcare professionals—whether in specialty practices, primary-care settings, or emergency services—will find this format convenient and useful, allowing them to find the right instrument quickly, print it out for immediate use with patients, and add the findings to their records. Since most of the tools are designed for repeated use over time, they will provide not only a longitudinal view but also document the medical record.

In addition to the forms themselves, you will find instructions on how to administer and score the scales as well as related articles and links to other useful guidance. When appropriate, we will supply video resources for additional insights.

These scales have demonstrated high levels of accuracy and validity and the results can give important clues to possible mental disorders that warrant follow up. However, please remember that they depend on the skills of the clinicians administering them and the accuracy of the information provided by the patients.