The A-B neuropsychological assessment schedule (ABNAS): the further refinement of a patient-based scale of patient-perceived cognitive functioning

Epilepsy Res. 2001 Mar;43(3):227-37. doi: 10.1016/s0920-1211(00)00198-4.

Abstract

Purpose: To provide further evidence of the reliability and validity of the ABNAS as a measure of patient-perceived cognitive side effects of antiepileptic drug treatment.

Methods: The measure was developed specifically to assess patient-perceived cognitive side effects of antiepileptic drug treatment. Evidence of its reliability and validity has been previously documented and this evidence has been further extended by administration of a battery of 400 questionnaires to two groups (200 people with epilepsy, PWE; and 200 controls who do not have epilepsy). The questionnaire packs consisted of the ABNAS, HADS, the everyday memory questionnaire, and the Adverse Events Profile. Data were analysed using MAP-R and SPSS.

Results: Further evidence of the psychometric properties of the scale demonstrated that it had excellent reliability (Cronbach's alpha=0.96) and good face, congruent, content and construct validity. The sensitivity of the instrument was demonstrated through analysis of floor and ceiling levels.

Conclusions: The ABNAS is a reliable, tool for the detection of cognitive impairments associated with epilepsy and its treatment. We have provided further evidence of its criterion validity. This measure has the potential to be a useful tool for both clinical practice and clinical trials.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Anticonvulsants / adverse effects*
  • Cognition* / drug effects
  • Epilepsy / drug therapy
  • Epilepsy / psychology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neuropsychological Tests*
  • Psychometrics
  • Reproducibility of Results

Substances

  • Anticonvulsants