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

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.