Parent‐Child Agreement on Symptoms Assessed via a Clinical Research Interview for Children: The Child Assessment Schedule (CAS)

Abstract

This study examined the relationship between symptom type and parent-child agreement, as reflected in symptom scores on a structured diagnostic interview, the Child Assessment Schedule (CAS). Forty-eight psychiatric inpatients (mean age of 10 years) were administered the CAS. Their mothers were interviewed independently with the parent form. The average time between interviews was 12 days. High parent-child agreement was found for conduct/behavioral problems and moderate agreement for affective symptoms. Parents reported more conduct-related problems; children reported more anxiety and somatic symptoms and more family problems. The pattern of parent-child differences was the same as observed for other interviews.