The PAS-ADD Checklist: independent replication of its psychometric properties in a community sample.

BACKGROUND The development of reliable, valid measures of psychopathology in people with intellectual disabilities is an important task. However, independent replication studies are rarely reported. AIMS To report data on the psychometric properties of the Psychiatric Assessment Schedule for Adults with Developmental Disabilities (PAS-ADD) Checklist. METHOD The PAS-ADD Checklist was completed for 226 adults as part of the assessment process for a specialist mental health service for people with intellectual disabilities. RESULTS Internal consistency was acceptable. Factor analysis revealed one main factor that was characterised by items related to mood. The Checklist was sensitive to differences between diagnostic groups and had an overall sensitivity of 66%; its specificity was 70%. CONCLUSIONS The PAS-ADD Checklist is a quick and easy to use screening tool. Although at present it is the best measure available, it should not be the only method used to identify psychiatric disorders in people with intellectual disabilities.