From the Guidelines
The Vanderbilt Assessment Scale (VAS) can be used to assess Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in children from ages 6 to 12 years. This standardized rating scale is designed specifically for school-aged children and helps clinicians gather information about ADHD symptoms across different settings. The scale includes parent and teacher versions that evaluate core ADHD symptoms like inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, as well as associated conditions such as oppositional defiant disorder, conduct disorder, anxiety, and depression.
- The VAS is most validated for the 6-12 age range, as stated in the guidelines for diagnosing and evaluating ADHD in children and adolescents 1.
- Some clinicians may use modified versions for adolescents up to age 17, though with less established validity, as the symptoms of ADHD manifest differently in preschool children and adults, requiring different assessment tools 1.
- For younger children (under 6), tools like the ADHD Rating Scale-IV Preschool Version might be more appropriate, while adults typically require adult-specific ADHD assessments, as recommended by the clinical practice guidelines for ADHD diagnosis and treatment 1. The age restriction exists because ADHD symptoms manifest differently in preschool children and adults, requiring different assessment tools.
- Key considerations for using the VAS include its ability to provide a comprehensive assessment of ADHD symptoms and associated conditions, as well as its ease of use in clinical practice, as noted in the guidelines for ADHD diagnosis and treatment 1.
- Overall, the VAS is a valuable tool for assessing ADHD in children, but its use should be tailored to the individual child's needs and age, as recommended by the clinical practice guidelines for ADHD diagnosis and treatment 1.
From the Research
Vanderbilt Assessment Scale Age Limit
The Vanderbilt Assessment Scale (VAS) is used to assess Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in children. According to the provided studies, the age limit for using the VAS is not explicitly stated, but it can be inferred from the studies that it is commonly used for children between 5 to 17 years of age.
- The study 2 mentions that ADHD affects 8.4% of U.S. children between two and 17 years of age.
- The study 3 includes patients with ADHD aged 6-14 years.
- The study 4 also includes patients with ADHD aged 6-14 years.
- The study 5 does not specify the age range of the patients, but it mentions that ADHD is the most common neuropsychiatric disorder in children.
- The study 6 provides national norms for the Vanderbilt ADHD Diagnostic Parent Rating Scale for children ages 5-12 in the United States.
Age Range for Vanderbilt Assessment Scale
Based on the provided studies, the Vanderbilt Assessment Scale can be used for children in the following age ranges:
- 5-12 years: The study 6 provides national norms for the Vanderbilt ADHD Diagnostic Parent Rating Scale for children in this age range.
- 6-14 years: The studies 3 and 4 include patients with ADHD in this age range.
- 2-17 years: The study 2 mentions that ADHD affects children in this age range, but it does not specifically state that the Vanderbilt Assessment Scale is used for this entire age range.