Psychometric Properties and Factor Structure of the Short Form of the Affective Lability Scale in Adult Patients With ADHD

J Atten Disord. 2019 Aug;23(10):1079-1089. doi: 10.1177/1087054717690808. Epub 2017 Feb 2.

Abstract

Objective: Affective lability is an important dimension of adult ADHD, associated with marked impairments and worse outcomes. A valid and quick tool to measure affective lability may therefore be of interest. Method: In 187 adult ADHD patients, we explored psychometric properties of the Affective Lability Scale-Short Form (ALS-18 items). We analyzed the construct validity and the external validity of the scale. Patients were compared with 48 healthy adult controls. Results: The three-factor structure of the ALS-18 presented a good fit and a good internal consistency. The correlations between the ALS-18 and ADHD symptoms and other psychological dimensions were, respectively, low and moderate. ALS-18 scores were higher in patients than in healthy adults. Conclusion: ALS-18 showed good psychometric properties in ADHD adult patients, allowing us to recommend the implementation of ALS-18 in assessing affective lability for clinical and research purposes. Use of ALS-18 should improve the clinical assessment of affective lability in adult ADHD patients.

Keywords: ADHD; Affective Lability Scale; adult; psychometric properties; self-report.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity*
  • Humans
  • Psychometrics