Comparisons of two assessment measures for ADHD: the ADHD Behavior Checklist and the Integrated Visual and Auditory Continuous Performance Test (IVA CPT) were examined using undergraduates (n=44) randomly assigned to a control or a simulated malingerer condition and undergraduates with a valid diagnosis of ADHD (n=16). It was predicted that malingerers would successfully fake ADHD on the rating scale but not on the CPT for which they would overcompensate, scoring lower than all other groups. Analyses indicated that the ADHD Behavior Rating Scale was successfully faked for childhood and current symptoms. IVA CPT could not be faked on 81% of its scales. The CPT's impairment index results revealed: sensitivity 94%, specificity 91%, PPP 88%, NPP 95%. Results provide support for the inclusion of a CPT in assessment of adult ADHD.

Comparisons of two assessment measures for ADHD: the ADHD Behavior Checklist and the Integrated Visual and Auditory Continuous Performance Test (IVA CPT) were examined using undergraduates (n=44) randomly assigned to a control or a simulated malingerer condition and undergraduates with a valid diagnosis of ADHD (n=16). It was predicted that malingerers would successfully fake ADHD on the rating scale but not on the CPT for which they would overcompensate, scoring lower than all other groups. Analyses indicated that the ADHD Behavior Rating Scale was successfully faked for childhood and current symptoms. IVA CPT could not be faked on 81% of its scales. The CPT's impairment index results revealed: sensitivity 94%, specificity 91%, PPP 88%, NPP 95%. Results provide support for the inclusion of a CPT in assessment of adult ADHD.

Spielberger’s state-trait theory of anger was investigated in adolescents (n = 201, ages 10–18, 53% African American, 47% European American, 48% female) using Deffenbacher’s five hypotheses formulated to test the theory in adults. Self-reported experience, heart rate (HR), systolic blood pressure (SBP), and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) responses to anger provoking imagery scripts found strong support for the application of this theory to adolescents. Compared to the low trait anger (LTA) group, adolescents with high trait anger (HTA) produced increased HR, SBP and DBP, and greater self-report of anger to anger imagery (intensity hypothesis) but not greater self-report or cardiovascular reactivity to fear or joy imagery (discrimination hypothesis). The HTA group also reported greater frequency and duration of anger episodes and had longer recovery of SBP response to anger (elicitation hypothesis). The HTA group was more likely to report negative health, social, and academic outcomes (consequence hypothesis). Adolescents with high hostility reported more maladaptive coping with anger, with higher anger-in and anger-out than adolescents with low hostility (negative expression hypothesis). The data on all five hypotheses supported the notion that trait anger is firmly entrenched by the period of adolescence, with few developmental differences noted from the adult literature.

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Early onset bipolar spectrum disorder (EOBPSD) is difficult to diagnose because of symptom overlap with other disorders and nearly ubiquitous comorbidity. A thorough assessment of EOBPSD should include the following: 1) a timeline of the child's development, from birth to present, showing the episodic nature of EOBPSD; 2) a structured clinical interview determining comorbidity and differential diagnosis; 3) a family history genogram to ascertain familial loading and environmental stressors, which informs case conceptualization; 4) depression and mania rating scales to assess symptom severity and track treatment outcome; 5) global rating scales to obtain cross-informant data and inform broad-based treatments; and 6) a current mood log to document baseline functioning and track treatment outcome. Examples of a timeline, family history genogram, and current mood log are presented. This comprehensive approach to assessing EOBPSD, a severe and possibly lifelong disorder, is strongly advocated. No scale, instrument, or technique alone is adequate to diagnose EOBPSD.