Research article summary (published 30 Aug 2004):

Comparison of ADHD symptom subtypes as source-specific syndromes.

Full Abstract

BACKGROUND: This study examines differences between the three subtypes of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), inattentive (I), hyperactive-impulsive (H), and combined (C), in a heterogeneous sample of 248 boys (ages 6 to 10 years) with emotional and behavioral problems who were recruited for participation in a diagnostic study. METHOD: The boys and their mothers participated in an extensive evaluation that involved multiple assessments of cognitive, behavioral, academic, and family functioning. ADHD subtypes were defined on the basis of teacher alone, mother alone, and mother/teacher ratings of DSM-IV symptoms. RESULTS: Results indicated ADHD symptom groups showed a differential pattern of impairment socially (H,C>I) and cognitively (I,C>H). The C and H groups were the most and least impaired overall, respectively, and all subtypes were differentiated from the nonADHD clinical control or NONE (N) group in a manner consistent with the primary findings. External validation of group differences was limited, and there were marked inconsistencies in the pattern of findings depending on how groups were defined. For the most part, although the mother/teacher grouping strategy (compared with either alone) captured a greater diversity of differences between subtypes, it also obscured some. CONCLUSIONS: Observed findings are consistent with the notion that mothers and teachers interpret symptom statements in terms of behaviors that are most relevant for their daily concerns.

Author information

Author/s: Gadow, Kenneth D (KD); Drabick, Deborah A G (DA); Loney, Jan (J); Sprafkin, Joyce (J); Salisbury, Helen (H); Azizian, Allen (A); Schwartz, Joseph (J);

Affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, State University of New York, Stony Brook, New York 11794-8790, USA. Kenneth.Gadow(-atsign-)Stonybrook.edu

Grants: MH44733 (Agency:NIMH NIH HHS)

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article; Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

Journal: Journal of child psychology and psychiatry, and allied disciplines (J Child Psychol Psychiatry), published in England. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2004-Sep; vol 45 (issue 6) : pp 1135-49

Dates: Created 2004/07/19; Completed 2004/11/30; Revised 2007/11/14;

PMID: 15257670, status: MEDLINE (last retrieved date: 2/18/2009)

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

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MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MeSH Headings (categories) shown below.

Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity - classification; diagnosis; epidemiology Child Cognition Disorders - diagnosis; epidemiology Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Female Humans

Male Mother-Child Relations Questionnaires Social Behavior Disorders - diagnosis; epidemiology Social Environment Syndrome

Note: Bold headings indicate primary MeSH headings or qualifiers.

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