Integrity of Neuropsychological Processes in Children with Attention- Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and Comorbid Conditions
Year: 2010
Type: dissertation
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: This study investigated the neuropsychological and behavioral profiles seen in children diagnosed with ADHD inattentive type (IA), inattentive type plus an internalizing disorder (IA + INT), combined type (CT), and combined type plus an externalizing disorder (CT + EXT). Subjects were 63 unmedicated children aged 6 to 16 who had been assessed with the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children–Fourth Edition (WISC–IV), Conners’ Continuous Performance Test-Second Edition (CPT–II), and the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL). Group differences were found for the WISC–IV Digits Backward subtest (IA + INT IA and IA + INT), and externalizing behavior scales on the CBCL and TRF (IA + INT>IA, CT + EXT > CT). Forced-entry discriminant analyses were used to investigate whether the neuropsychological and behavioral measures could accurately predict group membership and to more generally evaluate the utility of a combined neuropsychological/behavioral approach in ADHD assessment. Combined methods resulted in correct classification rates of 88.9% and even 100% when the Teacher Report Form (TRF) was included, as compared to 68.3% to 71.4% for separate approaches. Results support meaningful distinctions among ADHD IA, IA + INT, CT, and CT + EXT groups, and the utility of the WISC–IV, CPT–II, CBCL, and TRF in differentiating these groups. Results further illustrate the heterogeneous nature of ADHD and the value of using a combined neuropsychological/behavioral approach in ADHD assessment.
Author: Julie N. Henzel
Language: English
Subfield: Psychiatry and Mental health
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W1552874903