Conners Comprehensive Behavior Rating Scale
Conners Comprehensive Behavior Rating Scale
Adolescents from 8-18 years can complete the Self-Report Forms. The
instrument includes DSM-IV-TR symptom scales that assess the following
disorders:
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Conners CBRS–Self-Report
Assessment Report
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This Assessment report is intended for use by qualified assessors only, and is not to be shown or presented
to the respondent or any other unqualified individuals.
Introduction
Conners Comprehensive Behavior Rating Scale–Self-Report (Conners CBRS–SR) is an assessment tool
that prompts the youth to provide valuable information about herself. This instrument is helpful when
information regarding a number of childhood disorders and problem behaviors is required. When used in
combination with other information, results from the Conners CBRS–SR can provide valuable information to
guide assessment decisions. This report provides information about the youth’s score, how she compares to
other youth, and which scales are elevated. See the Conners CBRS Manual (published by MHS) for more
information.
This computerized report is an interpretive aid and should not be given to clients or used as the sole criterion
for clinical diagnosis or intervention. Administrators are cautioned against drawing unsupported
interpretations. Combining information from this with information gathered from other psychometric
measures, as well as from interviews and discussions with the youth, will give the practitioner or service
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provider a more comprehensive view of the youth than might be obtained from any one source. This report is
based on an algorithm that produces the most common interpretations for the scores that have been
obtained. Administrators should review the client’s responses to specific items to ensure that these typical
interpretations apply.
Assessment of Validity
Inconsistency Index.
Positive Impression
Raw score = 0 (Probably valid)
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The following section provides Emily’s scores for the Positive and Negative Impression scales and the
The Positive Impression score does not suggest an overly positive response style.
Negative Impression
Raw score = 1 (Probably valid)
The Negative Impression score does not suggest an overly negative response style.
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Inconsistency Index
Raw score = 3, Number of absolute differences ≥ 2 = 0 (Probably valid)
The responses to similar items are consistent with one another.
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T-score ±
Scale Raw SEM Guideline Common Characteristics of High
Score (Percentile) Scorers
Emotional 34 63 ± 2.3 (89) Elevated Score (More concernsWorries a lot (including possible social
Distress than are typically reported) anxieties); may feel nervous. Low
self-confidence. May show signs of
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depression. May have physical
complaints (aches, pains, difficulty
sleeping); may have repetitive thoughts or
actions.
Aggressive 2 45 ± 3.1 (39) Average Score (Typical levels Physically and/or verbally aggressive; may
Behaviors of concern) show violence, bullying, destructive
Academic
Difficulties
Hyperactivity/
Impulsivity
20
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75 ± 3.6 (97) Very Elevated Score (Many
more concerns than are
typically reported)
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DSM-IV-TR Overview
This section of the report provides the following information for each DSM-IV-TR diagnosis on the Conners
CBRS–SR:
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alter the Total Symptom Count. See the Conners CBRS Manual for details on how each
criterion status is determined.
Interpretive Considerations
Results from the Conners CBRS–SR are a useful component of DSM-IV-TR based diagnosis, but cannot
be relied upon in isolation. When interpreting the Conners CBRS–SR DSM-IV-TR Symptom scales, the
assessor should take the following important considerations into account. Please refer to the Conners
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CBRS Manual for further interpretative guidelines.
· The Conners CBRS–SR contains symptom-level criteria, not full diagnostic criteria for DSM-IV-TR
diagnosis. Additional criteria (e.g., course, age of onset, differential diagnosis, level of impairment,
pervasiveness) must be met before a DSM-IV-TR diagnosis can be assigned.
· The Conners CBRS–SR items are approximations of the DSM-IV-TR symptoms that are intended to
represent the main clinical construct in a format that most youth can understand. As a result, some
aspects of the DSM-IV-TR criteria may not be fully represented. Before using any diagnostic labels, the
assessor must consider all criteria that are required for DSM-IV-TR diagnosis, including the symptoms
from the Conners CBRS–SR.
· The Conners CBRS–SR provides information relevant to the DSM-IV-TR diagnoses from two different
perspectives: absolute (Symptom Count) and relative (T-score). Results of the DSM-IV-TR Symptom
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Counts can contribute to consideration of whether a particular DSM-IV-TR diagnosis might be
appropriate. A T-score for each DSM-IV-TR diagnosis facilitates comparison of this individual's
symptoms with his or her peers. At times there may be discrepancies between the Symptom Count
and T-score for a given diagnosis. This is to be expected, given that they are based on different
metrics (i.e., absolute versus relative). The following points provide some concrete guidelines for
interpretation of this pair of scores (DSM-IV-TR Symptom Count and T-score).
· Both scores are elevated (i.e., DSM-IV-TR Symptom Count probably met, DSM-IV-TR T-
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Type typically reported)
Conduct Disorder 0 43 ± 4.0 (26) Average Score (Typical levels of concern)
Oppositional Defiant Disorder 6 55 ± 4.1 (72) Average Score (Typical levels of concern)
Major Depressive Episode 11 61 ± 3.7 (91) Elevated Score (More concerns than are
typically reported)
Manic Episode 9 64 ± 5.3 (93) Elevated Score (More concerns than are
Social Phobia
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
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Note: SEM = Standard Error of Measurement
15
10
6
5
typically reported)
64 ± 3.8 (96) Elevated Score (More concerns than are
typically reported)
60 ± 3.7 (80) Elevated Score (More concerns than are
typically reported)
59 ± 5.0 (83) Average Score (Typical levels of concern)
58 ± 4.4 (79) Average Score (Typical levels of concern)
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Symptom Count
Scale DSM-IV-TR Symptom Count
as indicated by
Requirements
Conners CBRS–SR
Separation Anxiety Disorder At least 3 out of 8 symptoms 5
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Results from the Conners CBRS–SR suggest that the Symptom Count requirements
are probably not met for the following DSM-IV-TR diagnoses:
Symptom Count
Scale DSM-IV-TR Symptom Count
as indicated by
Requirements
Conners CBRS–SR
ADHD Predominantly
Inattentive Type (ADHD In)
ADHD Predominantly
Hyperactive-Impulsive Type
(ADHD Hyp-Imp)
ADHD Combined Type
Conduct Disorder‡
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At least 6 out of 9 symptoms
ADHD In: 2
ADHD Hyp-Imp: 2
0
1
1 (A1: not included; A2: not
included)
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Manic Episode Criterion A Elevated Mood and at least 3 out of 7 Criterion A: Elevated mood or
Criterion B symptoms Irritable mood Not Indicated
-or- Criterion B: 2
Criterion A Irritable Mood and at least 4 out of 7
Criterion B symptoms
Mixed Episode Criteria must be met for both Major Depressive Major Depressive Episode: 1
Episode and Manic Episode (A1: not included; A2: not
included)
Manic Episode: Criterion A:
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‡
The Conners CBRS–SR does not assess Criterion A7 (i.e., forced sexual activity) due to the sensitive nature of this
criterion.
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37 ü
A1b. 101 ü Indicated
A1c. 9 ü Not Indicated
129 ü Not Indicated
A1d. -and-
103 ü
A1e.
A1f.
A1g.
A1h.
A1i.
Hyperactivity
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28
116
65
154
1
Rating
2 3 ?
Not Indicated
Not Indicated
Not Indicated
Not Indicated
Not Indicated
Criterion Status
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A2a. 51 ü Not Indicated
A2b. 110 ü Not Indicated
114 ü Indicated¹¹
A2c. -or-
86 ü
A2d. 82 ü Not Indicated
29 ü Indicated
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A2e. -or-
71 ü
A2f. 76 ü Not Indicated
Impulsivity
A2g. 25 ü Not Indicated
A2h. 99 ü Not Indicated
A2i. 17 ü Not Indicated
¹Criterion A2c states that in adolescents, overactivity may be experienced as subjective feelings of restlessness.
Follow-up is recommended to ensure Criterion A2c has been met for younger children.
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A11. 96 ü Not Indicated
A12. 43 ü Not Indicated
A13. 162 ü Not Indicated
A14 64 ü Not Indicated
A15. 67 ü Not Indicated
A1.
A2.
A3.
A4.
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Note: The Conners CBRS–SR does not assess Criterion A7 (i.e., forced sexual activity) due to the sensitive nature of
this criterion.
ü
1
ü
ü
Rating
2 3 ?
Criterion Status
Not Indicated
Not Indicated
May be Indicated
Not Indicated
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A5. 88 ü Not Indicated
A6. 148 ü Not Indicated
A7. 143 ü Not Indicated
A8. 20 ü Not Indicated
R = This item is reverse scored for score calculations.
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86 ü Indicated
A5. -or-
26 ü
A6. 137 ü Not Indicated
118 ü Not Indicated
A7. -or-
A8.
A9.
PL 135
12
-or-
147
146
ü
ü
ü
ü
Not Indicated
Not Indicated
¹Emily does not report a change in weight or appetite (Criterion A3). Follow-up is recommended to examine possible
failure to make expected weight gains.
Notes:
When considering DSM-IV-TR symptom criteria for Major Depressive Episode, the assessor needs to ensure the youth
experiences these symptoms nearly every day.
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Presence of absence of a Major Depressive Episode is one important component of DSM-IV-TR diagnoses such as
Major Depressive Disorder, Bipolar Disorder I, or Bipolar Disorder II. Please see the DSM-IV-TR for further guidance
regarding these diagnoses.
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B7. 166 ü Not Indicated
¹Although Criterion A was not indicated, follow-up is required to determine whether the youth ever required
hospitalization due to persistent elevated, expansive, or irritable mood. If hospitalization was necessary, the DSM-IV-TR
does not require that the symptoms last for 1 week.
Note: Presence or absence of a Manic Episode is one important component of DSM-IV-TR diagnoses such as Bipolar I
Disorder. Please see the DSM-IV-TR for further guidance regarding this diagnosis.
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Identifying a Mixed Episode requires the examination of symptoms for both Major Depressive Episode and
Manic Episode. Please see the Major Depressive Episode and Manic Episode symptom tables above.
Please also see the DSM-IV-TR for additional guidance.
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C5. 13 ü Not Indicated
10 ü Not Indicated
-or-
1 ü
C6. -or-
70 ü
A1.
A2.
A3.
A4.
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DSM-IV-TR Separation Anxiety Disorder
DSM-IV-TR Symptoms: Criterion A
-or-
158
Item
Number 0
61
24
145
151
ü
1
ü
ü
ü
Rating
2
ü
3 ?
Criterion Status
Not Indicated
Indicated
Not Indicated
May be Indicated
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14 ü Not Indicated
A5. -or-
140 ü
A6. 127 ü May be Indicated
A7. 49 ü May be Indicated
A8. 52 ü May be Indicated
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DSM-IV-TR Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
DSM-IV-TR Symptoms: Criterion A Item Rating Criterion Status
Criteria A, B, C and D Number 0 1 2 3 ?
Obsessions
A1.
A2.
A3.
A4.
Compulsions
A5.
A6.
PL 94
2
22
31
54
119 ü
ü
ü
ü
ü
ü
Not Indicated
Not Indicated
Not Indicated
Not Indicated
Not Indicated
Not Indicated
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Conners CBRS–SR Assessment Report for Emily Admin Date: 10/23/2007
Impairment
Emily’s report of her level of impairment in academic, social, and home settings is presented below.
Not true at Just a little Pretty much Very much
all/never true/occasionally true/often true/very often
Academic
Emily indicated that her problems seriously affect her schoolwork or grades never (score of 0).
Social
Emily indicated that her problems seriously affect her friendships and relationships never (score of 0).
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Home
Emily indicated that her problems seriously affect her home life occasionally (score of 1).
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The following graph presents the Conners Clinical Index score that was calculated from Emily's ratings. The
Conners Clinical Index score is calculated from 24 items that were statistically selected as the best items for
distinguishing youth with a clinical diagnosis (including Disruptive Behavior Disorders, Learning and
Language Disorders, Mood Disorders, Anxiety Disorders, and ADHD) from youth in the general population.
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Among clinical and general population cases, individuals with a clinical diagnosis obtained this score 63%
of the time. Based on this metric, a clinical classification is indicated, but other clinically relevant information
should also be carefully considered in the assessment process. Please see the Conners CBRS Manual for
further information about interpretation.
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150 Panic Attack: shortness of breath ü
90R PDD: inflexibility ü No need for further
152 PDD: problems with peer relations ü investigation is indicated
160R PDD: social or emotional reciprocity ü
ü No need for further
98 Pica
investigation is indicated
55
139
59
168
68
141
Substance Use: alcohol PL
PTSD: traumatic event involving self
PTSD: traumatic event involving others
Specific Phobia
ü
ü
ü
Further investigation is
recommended
No need for further
investigation is indicated
No need for further
investigation is indicated
No need for further
investigation is indicated
No need for further
investigation is indicated
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No need for further
105 Substance Use: tobacco
investigation is indicated
ü Further investigation is
95 Tics: motor
recommended
ü Further investigation is
21 Tics: vocal
recommended
ü No need for further
124 Trichotillomania
investigation is indicated
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Rating: 0 = Not true at all (Never, Seldom); 1 = Just a little true (Occasionally); 2 = Pretty much true (Often, Quite a bit);
3 = Very much true (Very often, Very frequently); ? = Omitted item.
R = This item is reverse scored for score calculations.
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72 Helplessness
investigation is indicated
ü No need for further
16 Hopelessness
investigation is indicated
ü No need for further
135 Worthlessness
investigation is indicated
Rating: 0 = Not true at all (Never, Seldom); 1 = Just a little true (Occasionally); 2 = Pretty much true (Often, Quite a bit);
Item
Number
170
Item Content
Uses a weapon
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3 = Very much true (Very often, Very frequently); ? = Omitted item.
The following table displays Emily’s ratings of her behavior with regard to several Severe Conduct Critical
Items. Endorsement of any Critical item indicates the need for immediate follow-up.
0
ü
ü
1
Rating
2 3 ?
Recommendation
Additional Questions
The following section displays additional comments that Emily has about herself.
Item Item Content Rating
Number
178 Additional problems This item was omitted.
179 Strengths or skills Math, soccer, running, and being an athlete.
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Follow-up
Content Areas Possible IDEA Eligibility Category
Recommended
Conners CBRS–SR Content Scales
Emotional Distress ü DD-Emotional, ED
Aggressive Behaviors DD-Emotional, ED
Academic Difficulties ü DD-Communication, LD, S/L
Hyperactivity/Impulsivity
Separation Fears
Violence Potential
Physical Symptoms
DSM-IV-TR Symptom Scales PL
ADHD Predominantly Inattentive Type
ADHD Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Type ü
ADHD Combined Type
Conduct Disorder
ü DD-Emotional, ED, OHI
DD-Emotional, ED
DD-Emotional, ED
DD-Emotional, ED, OHI
Social Phobia ED
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Autism, ED
DD = Developmental Delay, ED = Emotional Disturbance, LD = Specific Learning Disability; OHI = Other Health
Impairment; S/L = Speech or Language Impairment
Note: The category of Developmental Delay applies only to children through age 9 years.
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Trichotillomania ED
Critical Items
Self-Harm DD-Emotional, ED
Severe Conduct ü ED
DD = Developmental Delay, ED = Emotional Disturbance, LD = Specific Learning Disability; OHI = Other Health
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Impairment; S/L = Speech or Language Impairment
Note: The category of Developmental Delay applies only to children through age 9 years.
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Item Responses
Emily entered the following response values for the items on the Conners CBRS–SR.
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Response key:
0 = In the past month, this was not true at all. It never (or seldom) happened.
1 = In the past month, this was just a little true. It happened occasionally.
2 = In the past month, this was pretty much true. It happened often (or quite a bit).
3 = In the past month, this was very much true. It happened very often (very frequently).
? = Omitted Item
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This feedback handout explains scores from ratings of this youth’s behaviors and feelings as
assessed by the Conners CBRS–Self-Report Form (Conners CBRS–SR). This section of the report
may be given to parents (caregivers) or to a third party upon parental consent.
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What is the Conners CBRS?
The Conners CBRS is a set of rating scales that are used to gather information about the behaviors and
feelings of children and adolescents. These rating scales can be completed by parents, teachers, and youth.
The Conners forms were developed by Dr. Conners, an expert in child and adolescent behavior, and are
used all over the world to assess youth from many cultures. Research has shown that the Conners scales
are reliable and valid, which means that you can trust the scores that are produced by the youth’s ratings.
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Why do youth complete the Conners CBRS?
Information from the youth about his or her own behavior and feelings is extremely important, as the youth
knows how he or she feels better than anyone else. Self-reports provide invaluable information about the
youth’s own perceptions, feelings, and attitudes about his or her behavior that parents and teachers may not
be aware of. Unlike parent and teacher ratings which provide information about either home or school
settings, youth are able to give information about their feelings and behaviors across settings and situations.
They know how they feel and behave all of the time.
The most common reason for using the Conners CBRS scales is to better understand a youth who is having
difficulty, and to determine how to help. The Conners CBRS scales can also be used to make sure that
treatment services are helping, or to see if the youth is improving. Sometimes the Conners CBRS scales
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are used for a routine check, even if there is no reason to suspect the youth is struggling with a problem. If
you are not sure why the youth was asked to complete the Conners CBRS, please ask the assessor listed at
the top of this feedback form.
How does the Conners CBRS work?
Emily read 179 items, and decided how well each statement described herself, or how often each behavior
happened in the past month (“not at all/never,” “just a little true/occasionally,” “pretty much true/often,” or
“very much true/very frequently”). Emily’s responses to these 179 statements were combined into several
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groups of items. Each group of items describes a certain type of behavior (for example, problems with mood
or anxiety). Emily’s responses were compared with what is expected for 11-year-old girls. The scores for
each group of items showl how similar Emily is to her peers. This information helps the assessor know if
Emily is having more difficulty in a certain area than other 11-year-old girls.
Results from the Conners CBRS–Self Form
The assessor who asked Emily to complete the Conners CBRS will help explain these results and answer
any questions you might have. Remember, these scores were calculated from how Emily described herself
in the past month. The self-report ratings help the assessor know how Emily acts at home, school, and in
the community. The results from the self-report ratings on the Conners CBRS should be combined with
other important information, such as interviews with Emily and her parent, other test results, and
observations of Emily. All of the combined information is used to determine if Emily needs help in a certain
area and what kind of help is needed.
As you go through the results, it is very helpful to share any additional insights that you might have, make
notes, and freely discuss the results with the assessor. If the scores do not make sense to you, you should
let the assessor know so that you can discuss other possible explanations.
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Emily’s responses to the 179 items were combined into groups of possible problem areas. The following
table lists the main topic areas covered by the Conners CBRS–Self-Report form. These scores were
compared with other 11-year-old girls. This gives you information about whether Emily described typical or
average levels of concern (that is, “not an area of concern”) or if she described “more concerns than
average” for 11-year-old girls. The table also gives you a short description of the types of difficulties that are
included in each possible problem area. Emily may not show all of the problems in an area; it is possible to
have “more concerns than average” even if only some of the problems are happening. Also, it is possible
that Emily may describe typical or average levels of concern even when she is showing some of the
problems in an area.
It is important to discuss these results with the assessor listed at the top of this feedback handout. This
feedback handout describes results only from the Conners CBRS Self-Report form. A checkmark in the
“more concerns than average” box does not necessarily mean that Emily has a serious problem and is in
need of treatment. Conners CBRS results must be combined with information from other sources and be
confirmed by a qualified clinician before a conclusion is made that an actual problem exists.
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Academic Difficulties
More concerns than
Not an area of concern Problems that may exist if there are more concerns than
average
(good/average score) average
(elevated score)
Struggles with reading, writing, spelling, and/or math; difficulty
Inattention
Not an area of concern
(good/average score)
ü
average PL ü
(elevated score)
keeping up in school.
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Extreme worries about being separated from his/her
ü family/caregivers; refusal to leave home, nightmares, physical signs
of anxiety.
Anxiety about social situations; worries about embarrassment;
ü avoids doing things in front of other people.
Thinks about certain things repetitively; even though they are
ü upsetting; does certain behaviors repetitively.
Emotional Distress
Not an area of concern
(good/average score)
Physical Symptoms
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More concerns than
average
(elevated score)
ü
Problems that may exist if there are more concerns than
average
Worrying; nervous; low self-confidence; symptoms of depression
and/or physical complaints; gets “stuck” on certain ideas or
behaviors.
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More concerns than
Not an area of concern Problems that may exist if there are more concerns than
average
(good/average score) average
(elevated score)
Complains about aches, pains, or feeling sick; sleep, appetite, or
ü weight issues.
Validity
Information about the validity of the Conners CBRS results should be considered when the assessor
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· Symptoms of panic
· Exposure to a traumatic event
· Tics
· Behaviors associated with extreme misbehavior
· Features in common with youth who have a clinical diagnosis
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When asked to rate whether the problems described on the Conners CBRS Self-Report Form
affected Emily's functioning, she responded:
Emily indicated that her problems never seriously affect her schoolwork or grades.
Emily indicated that her problems never seriously affect her friendships and relationships.
Emily indicated that her problems occasionally seriously affect her home life.
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Assessor comments:
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