Kutcher Adolescent Depression Scale
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About Kutcher Adolescent Depression Scale
Scale Name
Kutcher Adolescent Depression Scale
Author Details
Dr. Stan Kutcher
Translation Availability
Many

Background/Description
The Kutcher Adolescent Depression Scale (KADS) is a tool specifically developed to assess the presence and severity of depressive symptoms in adolescents. It was designed to detect early signs of depression and monitor changes over time, especially during treatment. This scale is widely used in both clinical and research settings, providing an accessible way to screen for depression in youth.
There are multiple versions of the KADS, including the KADS-11 (the full version with 11 items) and the KADS-6 (a shorter version with 6 items), which is used primarily as a screening tool in primary care settings. These versions assess various aspects of depressive symptomatology, such as low mood, hopelessness, sleep problems, and energy levels.
The KADS has been tested and validated as an effective tool to assess depression severity, evaluate treatment outcomes, and assist in diagnosis when used in combination with other clinical tools.
Administration, Scoring and Interpretation
The KADS can be administered as either a 11-item or a 6-item scale. Each item is rated on a 4-point Likert scale ranging from 0 (Hardly ever) to 3 (All the time).
Reliability and Validity
The Kutcher Adolescent Depression Scale has been demonstrated to have high internal consistency and validity in both clinical trials and population studies. It shows strong correlations with other depression scales such as the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), but is particularly sensitive to changes in depression levels over time. The KADS is particularly useful in monitoring the effects of antidepressant treatments, making it a practical tool in pediatric and adolescent psychiatry.
In a comparison study, the KADS performed equally well or better than the BDI in terms of identifying depressive symptoms in adolescents. This makes it a reliable tool for early intervention in youth.
Available Versions
11-Items
06-Items
Reference
Brooks, S. (2004). The Kutcher adolescent depression scale (KADS). Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology News, 9(5), 4-6.
LeBlanc, J. C., Almudevar, A., Brooks, S. J., & Kutcher, S. (2002). Screening for adolescent depression: comparison of the Kutcher Adolescent Depression Scale with the Beck Depression Inventory. Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology, 12(2), 113-126.
Brooks, S. J., Krulewicz, S. P., & Kutcher, S. (2003). The Kutcher Adolescent Depression Scale: assessment of its evaluative properties over the course of an 8-week pediatric pharmacotherapy trial. Journal of child and adolescent psychopharmacology, 13(3), 337-349.
LeBlanc, J. C., Almudevar, A., Brooks, S. J., & Kutcher, S. (2002). Screening for adolescent depression: comparison of the Kutcher Adolescent Depression Scale with the Beck Depression Inventory. Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology, 12(2), 113-126.
Important Link
Scale File:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the KADS used for?
The Kutcher Adolescent Depression Scale (KADS) is used to screen for depressive symptoms in adolescents and to monitor treatment outcomes for depression.
How many versions of the KADS are there?
There are two primary versions: the KADS-11 and the KADS-6, with 11 and 6 items respectively.
Is the KADS diagnostic?
No, the KADS is a screening tool, and further clinical assessment is needed for a formal diagnosis.
How long does it take to complete the KADS?
The KADS-6 takes about 2-3 minutes to complete, while the KADS-11 takes about 5-7 minutes.
Who can administer the KADS?
The KADS can be administered by healthcare professionals, researchers, and educators who work with adolescents.
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