[Impulsiveness in children with hyperkinetic syndrome]

(Impulsivität bei Kindern mit Hyperkinetischem Syndrom.)

Full Abstract

As research on impulsive behaviour in hyperactive children has been rather neglected, this study first measured impulsivity using several instruments and then compared the outcomes. 31 boys with ADHD participated in this study as well as an equal sized male control group (mean age 9;4 years). Each subject completed two computerised tests of impulsivity: the Delay of Gratification Test (DGT) as well as the Continuous Performance Test (CPT). Additionally, the boy's impulsive behaviour was rated by two questionnaires for teachers (the Teacher Report Form, TRF, and the Conners Teacher Rating Scale, CTRS). Apart from impulsive behaviour the motor activity was measured, as the classification systems ICD-10 and DSM-IV differ on the concepts of "impulsivity" and "hyperactivity". The assessment was undertaken using a radar-actometer in order to find an association between "impulsivity" and "hyperactivity". As expected, there was a significant difference between the two groups concerning impulsive behaviour and motor activity. As opposed to that result, the correlations of the several instruments that measure impulsive behaviour were not constantly significant. The impulsivity-item on the CTRS is not associated with the CPT and correlates moderate significantly with the DGT. These results led to the development of a model that includes the construct of "impulsivity" as separate dimension of ADHD.

Author information

Author/s: Salbach, Harriet (H); Huss, Michael (M); Lehmkuhl, Ulrike (U);

Affiliation: Klinik für Psychiatrie, Psychosomatik und Psychotherapie des Kindes- und Jugendalters, Charité, Medizinische Fakultät der Humboldt Universität, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin. harriet.salbach(-atsign-)charite.de

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: English Abstract; Journal Article

Journal: Praxis der Kinderpsychologie und Kinderpsychiatrie (Prax Kinderpsychol Kinderpsychiatr), published in Germany. (Language: ger)

Reference: -2002 Jul-Aug; vol 51 (issue 6) : pp 466-75

Dates: Created 2002/09/18; Completed 2002/12/04; Revised 2006/11/15;

PMID: 12235711, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 2/18/2009, IMS Date: )

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

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