What is the SNAP-IV?

The Swanson, Nolan and Pelham-IV (SNAP-IV) is a widely used rating scale for assessing ADHD symptoms in children and adolescents. It is based on DSM-IV criteria and includes core ADHD symptoms plus additional behavioral items.

Purpose and Use

• ADHD Assessment: Comprehensive evaluation of attention and hyperactivity symptoms
• Multi-informant: Designed for parents, teachers, and caregivers
• Treatment Monitoring: Track symptom changes over time
• Research Tool: Standardized measure for clinical studies

What It Measures

• Inattention: 9 DSM-IV symptoms of attention difficulties
• Hyperactivity/Impulsivity: 9 DSM-IV symptoms of hyperactive-impulsive behavior
• Oppositional Defiant: Additional behavioral problems
• Academic Performance: School-related functioning

Scoring and Interpretation

• Rating Scale: 0 (Not at all) to 3 (Very much)
• Domain Scores: Separate scores for Inattention and Hyperactivity/Impulsivity
• Cutoff Scores: Based on normative data for age and gender
• Percentiles: Compare to normative samples

Clinical Applications

• Diagnosis: Support ADHD diagnostic assessment
• Treatment Planning: Identify specific symptom targets
• Monitoring: Track treatment response
• School Settings: Teacher ratings for educational planning

Advantages

• Based on DSM criteria
• Extensive normative data
• Multiple informant versions
• Free to use
• Well-validated psychometric properties

Limitations

• Based on DSM-IV (not DSM-5)
• Requires multiple informants for best results
• Cultural considerations in interpretation
• Not diagnostic by itself