Psychometric study of the Aberrant Behavior Checklist in Fragile X Syndrome and implications for targeted treatment

Stephanie M Sansone, Keith F Widaman, Scott S Hall, Allan L Reiss, Amy Lightbody, Walter E Kaufmann, Elizabeth Berry-Kravis, Ave Lachiewicz, Elaine C Brown, David Hessl, Stephanie M Sansone, Keith F Widaman, Scott S Hall, Allan L Reiss, Amy Lightbody, Walter E Kaufmann, Elizabeth Berry-Kravis, Ave Lachiewicz, Elaine C Brown, David Hessl

Abstract

Animal studies elucidating the neurobiology of fragile X syndrome (FXS) have led to multiple controlled trials in humans, with the Aberrant Behavior Checklist-Community (ABC-C) commonly adopted as a primary outcome measure. A multi-site collaboration examined the psychometric properties of the ABC-C in 630 individuals (ages 3-25) with FXS using exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis. Results support a six-factor structure, with one factor unchanged (Inappropriate Speech), four modified (Irritability, Hyperactivity, Lethargy/Withdrawal, and Stereotypy), and a new Social Avoidance factor. A comparison with ABC-C data from individuals with general intellectual disability and a list of commonly endorsed items are also reported. Reformulated ABC-C scores based on this FXS-specific factor structure may provide added outcome measure specificity and sensitivity in FXS clinical trials.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Standardized factor loadings and factor correlations for the six-factor model. Boxes represent domain representative parcels.Long arrows include factor loadings and short arrows represent measurement error. Curved arrowsrepresent factor inter-correlations

Source: PubMed

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