# 05 - 5. Scales used in child psychiatry

# 5. Scales used in child psychiatry

© SPMM Course 
5. Scales used in child psychiatry 
 
The Child & Adolescent Functional Assessment Scale: 
 A rating scale to assess the degree of impairment in functioning due to emotional, 
behavioural, or psychiatric problems. 
 It is completed by a clinical staff and takes about 10 minutes. 
 It is useful for assessing outcome over time and for directing case management activities. 
 It measures aggression and conduct problems especially in age between 7 to 17 years. 
 
The Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL): 
 It records the behavioural problems and competencies of children aged 4 through 16, as 
reported by their parents or others (e.g., teachers) who know the child well. 
 The checklist is composed of 113 items in a Likert scale. 
 The instrument provides three scores: a total score and scores on internalizing behaviours 
(fearful, shy, anxious, and inhibited) and externalizing behaviours 
 (Aggressive, antisocial, and under controlled). 
 This instrument can either be self-administered or administered through an interview. 
The CBCL can also be used to measure a child's change in behavior over time or following 
a treatment. 
 Teacher Report Forms, Youth Self-Reports and Direct Observation Forms are also 
available for the Child Behavior Checklist. 
 Two versions of this instrument exist: one for children ages 1 1/2 - 5 and another for ages 6 
- 18. 
 
Diagnostic Interview Schedule for Children (DISC): 
 Originally developed in the early 1990s 
 Fully structured diagnostic interview for making DSM-based diagnoses in children. 
 
Conners Rating Scales 
 A family of instruments that measure a range of childhood psychopathology 
 Most commonly used in the assessment of ADHD. 
 Teacher, parent, and self-report (for adolescents) versions are available 
 Both short and long (up to 80 items) forms are available with