Reynolds Adolescent Depression Scale - 2nd Edition

Reynolds Adolescent Depression Scale 2nd Edition (RADS-2)

Assessment Details

Why is it important to screen for depression?

How much does it cost?

Who should take this assessment?

Introductory Kit: $160

Includes: 1 professional manual

25 test booklets

25 summary/profile forms

Additional test booklets can be purchased in packs of 25 for $62

The RADS-2 was designed for adolescents from age 11-20.

It would work well for middle and high school students.

• approximately 2.2 million adolescents suffer from depression
• according to the CDC, suicide is the third leading cause of death for people age 10 to 24
• 14.5% of adolescents have seriously considered suicide
• early identification of depressive symptoms can lead to early intervention and treatment
• can lead to a reduction of depressive symptoms in the future
• depression can be a risk factor for other issues, including anxiety and substance abuse

How long does it take?

It only takes 5 to 10 minutes to administer the RADS-2!

It takes about 10 minutes to score the assessment.

What is the Reynolds Adolescent Depression Scale - 2nd Edition (RADS-2)?

How does the RADS-2 work?

• A screening tool for depression symptoms and their severity
• Does not diagnose depression
• Measures 4 Dimensions of Depression:

1. Dysphoric Mood

2. Anhedonia/Negative Affect

3. Negative Self-Evaluation

4. Somatic Complaints

• 30 Self-Report Questions
• Paper and pencil format

Is this an effective assessment?

• 30 question assessment is administered to the students
• Students record their response to each statement on a scale from 1 to 4 ("almost never" to "most of the time")
• The scores are totaled and can range from 30 to 120 with higher scores indicating more severe symptoms
• Scores are reported on a summary/profile form

• Yes! Statistics show that the RADS-2 assessment has high reliability and validity.
• It has high validity because it is consistent with the DSM-IV diagnostic criteria for major depressive disorder.
• It has been compared to other depression assessments and is shown to be a great indicator of depression symptoms.
• The assessment was standardized with an ethically diverse group of adolescents from both genders and a wide range of ages, so it can be used with all students

Recommendation

Benefits of the RADS-2

• Can identify students who may be at risk of suicide and provide them with guidance and support
• Fast and easy to administer and score
• Written at a 3rd grade reading level so it is easy to understand
• Inexpensive assessment
• Valid and reliable content
• Designed for adolescents so it is ideal for middle and high school students
• Can be administered to an entire group or to individual students

The Reynolds Adolescent Depression Scale - Second Edition should be implemented for use with any middle and high school student that exhibit emotional issues.

The RADS-2 should be used as an initial evaluation of depression symptoms. Students with high scores can be provided with intervention and possible referrals to psychiatrists for additional help.

By: Stephanie Williams