ABSTRACT
This chapter is a comprehensive reference manual providing information on the Agitated Behavior Scale (ABS), which is an is an observational scale, designed for patients in the early stages of recovery from traumatic brain injury (TBI). It is intended to be used clinically to improve assessment, monitoring and management of patients during this phase. In addition to TBI, the ABS has been used with patients with anoxia and stroke. A brief history of the instrument's development is provided, along with a description of item content and administration/scoring procedures. Psychometric properties are reviewed and a critical commentary is provided. Key references are cited and in most cases the actual scale is included, giving the reader easy access to the instrument.
