The HIDEA School-Based Screening Scale for Teachers to Detect ADHD Markers in Elementary Students.

Background: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is associated with academic difficulties both short- and long-term. The aim of the study was to provide a new brief ADHD screening scale that could be easily used by teachers and educational professionals in elementary schools. Method: Participants were teachers of 158 children with a prior diagnosis of ADHD and 169 children without a diagnosis of ADHD. An initial pool of 38 items was generated from ADHD symptoms of both DSM-5 and CIE-10 criteria, as well from Conners 3, EDAH, SDQ and ADHD-RS-IV scales. Results: A 5-item model showed the best fit (x(2) = 7.04; d.f. = 5; p =.218; RMSEA =.035; CFI =.999; TLI =.999). The HIDEA total score was highly correlated with both ADHD-IN (p =.93; p<.001) and ADHD-HY (p =.87; p<.001). The ROC curve for the HIDEA total score gave an AUC value of .998 (95%, CI = [.994, 1.000]). HIDEA scale showed a good sensitivity (97%) and very good specificity (3%). Conclusion: The HIDEA scale has shown adequate psychometric properties. It is potentially useful for screening ADHD in elementary grade as part of a preventive strategies in school settings.