French version of the strengths and weaknesses of ADHD symptoms and normal behaviors (SWAN-F) questionnaire.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate internal and external consistency of a French adaptation of the SWAN (a 7-point rating strength-based scale, from far below to far above average) and its accuracy as a diagnostic test among children with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

METHOD: Parents of 88 children referred for ADHD were interviewed using the SWAN-F, a structured interview (DISC-4.0) and the Conners' Rating Scale. Internal consistency and divergent and convergent validity of the SWAN-F were examined using the DISC-4.0 and Conners' Rating Scales as reference standards for four dimensions: Inattention, Hyperactivity/Impulsivity, ADHD, Oppositional Defiant Disorder.

RESULTS

The internal consistency of SWAN-F was within acceptable ranges for all dimensions (Cronbach's alpha greater than 0.80). Scores of the SWAN-F subscales were strongly associated with the DISC-4.0 diagnostic assignments and Conners' Rating Scales, following logical patterns of correspondence between diagnoses. Its accuracy as a diagnostic test was comparable to Conners' Rating Scale, with a lower rate of false positives.

CONCLUSIONS

The information gathered with the SWAN-F is compatible with that obtained using the DISC-4.0 and Conners' Rating Scale. Strength-based rating scales have the potential to evaluate the normal distribution of behaviors and to provide reliable cut-off defining abnormal behavior.