Evidence-based assessment/Instruments/Disruptive behavior disorders rating scale

The Disruptive Behavior Disorders Rating Scale (DBDRS) is a 45-question screening measure, completed by either parents or teachers, designed to identify symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, oppositional defiant disorder, and conduct disorder in children and adolescents.

Scoring and interpretation
Three subscales are included in the Disruptive Behavior Disorders (DBD) Rating Scale: attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, oppositional defiant disorder, and conduct disorder. The respondent must choose a response of “pretty much” or “very much” in order for a symptom to be counted as significant.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

 * ADHD Inattentive Type:: At least six of nine questions must be endorsed as “pretty much” or “very much” by a parent or teacher from items 9, 18, 23, 27, 29, 34, 37, 42, and 44.
 * ADHD Hyperactive-Impulsive Type:At least six of nine questions must be endorsed as “pretty much” or “very much” by a parent or teacher from items 1, 7, 12, 19, 22, 25, 30, 33, and 35.
 * ADHD Combined Type: The criteria for both subtypes must be met.

Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD)
To meet criteria for ODD, at least four of eight questions must be endorsed as “pretty much” or “very much” by a parent or teacher from items 3, 13, 15, 17, 24, 26, 28, and 39.

Conduct disorder (CD)
To meet the criteria for CD, three or more items from the following categories must be endorsed by a parent or teacher as “pretty much” or “very much”:


 * 6, 20, 31, 32, 36, 40, and 45: Addresses aggression to people and animals.
 * 16 and 41: Addresses destruction of property.
 * 4, 8, and 43: Addresses deceitfulness or theft.
 * 2, 11, and 38: Addresses serious violation of rules.