The Validity of the SNAP-IV in Children Displaying ADHD Symptoms

The Swanson, Nolan, and Pelham Rating Scale (SNAP-IV) is a widely used scale that measures the core symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). However, there are contradictory findings regarding factor structure. Factor structure and measurement equivalence/invariance analysis on p...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Assessment (Odessa, Fla.) Fla.), 2020-09, Vol.27 (6), p.1258-1271
Main Authors: Hall, Charlotte L., Guo, Boliang, Valentine, Althea Z., Groom, Madeline J., Daley, David, Sayal, Kapil, Hollis, Chris
Format: Article
Language:English
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Summary:The Swanson, Nolan, and Pelham Rating Scale (SNAP-IV) is a widely used scale that measures the core symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). However, there are contradictory findings regarding factor structure. Factor structure and measurement equivalence/invariance analysis on parent and teacher SNAP-IV for children referred for an ADHD assessment (N = 250; 6-17 years), revealed a two-factor structure provided the best fit. SNAP-IV scores were also compared with clinician diagnosis of ADHD and research diagnoses of ADHD and hyperkinetic disorder. Parent ratings of inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity were good predictors of research but not clinician diagnosis. For teacher ratings, only hyperactivity/impulsivity scores were associated with research and clinician diagnosis. SNAP-IV scores showed high sensitivity but low specificity to clinician diagnosis. The SNAP-IV is a valid outcome measure for use in randomized controlled trials and clinical settings, and is best used as a screening rather than a diagnostic tool for ADHD.
ISSN:1073-1911
1552-3489
DOI:10.1177/1073191119842255