The ARCH Lab has contributed to a recent study published in Psychiatry Research that evaluated the Ontario Child Health Study Emotional Behavioural Scales (OCHS-EBS) in a clinical setting. These scales measure symptoms of seven common mental health disorders in children and youth—such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, and conduct disorder—based on DSM-5 criteria.
Researchers analyzed data from over 3,000 caregivers and nearly 2,000 youth aged 4 to 17 receiving outpatient mental health services in Ontario. They assessed whether the OCHS-EBS provides accurate, consistent, and meaningful results when used in clinical practice. The findings were clear: the scales demonstrated strong reliability (scores were stable over time) and validity (they measured what they were intended to measure). Internal consistency and test-retest reliability were high, and the expected seven-factor structure was confirmed. The scales also distinguished between groups with known differences, such as youth who reported self-harm or school suspension.
Importantly, the study provides clinically significant change thresholds, helping clinicians and researchers track progress over time. The OCHS-EBS is freely available in English and French, making it an accessible tool for intake assessments and outcome monitoring. With norms from the general population and evidence of strong psychometric performance in clinical samples, the OCHS-EBS offers a comprehensive, practical way to measure mental health symptoms in children and youth.
