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Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale for Children
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About Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale for Children
Scale Name
Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale for Children
Author Details
David Lachar, Sonja L. Randle, R. Andrew Harper, Kathy C. Scott-Gurnell, Kenneth R. Lewis, Cynthia W. Santos, Ann E. Saunders, Deborah A. Pearson, Katherine A. Loveland, and Sharon T. Morgan
Translation Availability
English
Background/Description
The Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale for Children (BPRS-C), developed by Lachar et al. (2001), is a 21-item clinician-rated scale designed to assess psychiatric symptoms in children and adolescents aged 3–18 years. Published in the Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, the BPRS-C evaluates seven symptom domains: Behavior Problems, Depression, Thinking Disturbance, Psychomotor Excitation, Withdrawal, Anxiety, and Organicity. Each domain includes three items, rated on a 7-point Likert scale (0 = “Not present” to 6 = “Extremely severe”) based on clinical observation and interviews. The scale uses descriptive anchors to enhance reliability, particularly for less experienced raters.
Total scores range from 0–126, with higher scores indicating greater symptom severity. The BPRS-C was validated with 547 youths receiving psychiatric services (mean age ≈ 10 years, ~70% male, U.S.-based, medical school department), with a subsample of 90 rated by two observers. Factor analysis identified three second-order scales: Internalization, Developmental Maladjustment, and Externalization. The scale correlates with the Child Behavior Checklist (r ≈ 0.50–0.70) and DSM-IV diagnoses (r ≈ 0.40–0.60). It is used in clinical psychology, psychiatry, and research to assess symptom severity, guide diagnosis, and monitor treatment outcomes in pediatric populations.
Administration, Scoring and Interpretation
- Obtain the scale from Lachar et al. (2001) or authorized sources (e.g., Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry), ensuring ethical permissions.
- Explain to caregivers or clinicians that the scale assesses psychiatric symptoms in children, emphasizing confidentiality and voluntary participation.
- Administer the 21-item scale in a clinical setting via observation and interview (child, caregiver, or both), rating symptoms based on the past week.
- Estimated completion time is 10–15 minutes.
- Ensure a private, supportive environment; provide mental health resources (e.g., crisis hotlines) and adapt for accessibility (e.g., simplified language) if needed.
Reliability and Validity
The BPRS-C demonstrates robust psychometric properties (Lachar et al., 2001). Internal consistency is high for the total score (Cronbach’s alpha ≈ 0.80–0.85) and moderate to high for subscales (0.70–0.80), based on 547 youths. Inter-rater reliability is strong (r ≈ 0.70–0.85 for items, 0.80–0.90 for subscales, N = 90). Test-retest reliability is not explicitly reported but inferred as moderate (r ≈ 0.65–0.80) from similar scales.
Convergent validity is supported by correlations with the Child Behavior Checklist (r ≈ 0.50–0.70) and Conners’ Rating Scales (r ≈ 0.45–0.65). Factorial validity is confirmed by a seven-factor structure, with three second-order factors (Internalization, Developmental Maladjustment, Externalization). Criterion validity is shown by differentiation across seven diagnosis-based groups (e.g., ADHD, mood disorders). Pairing with measures like the Pediatric Symptom Checklist or Children’s Depression Inventory enhances comprehensive assessment.
Available Versions
21-Items
Reference
Lachar, D., Randle, S. L., Harper, R. A., Scott-Gurnell, K. C., Lewis, K. R., Santos, C. W., … & Morgan, S. T. (2001). The brief psychiatric rating scale for children (BPRS-C): Validity and reliability of an anchored version. Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 40(3), 333-340.
Important Link
Scale File:
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale for Children measure?
It measures psychiatric symptoms across seven domains in children and adolescents.
Who is the target population?
Children and adolescents (3–18 years) in clinical settings.
How long does it take to administer?
Approximately 10–15 minutes.
Can it inform interventions?
Yes, it assesses symptom severity to guide diagnosis and treatment planning.
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