The Utility of Neuropsychological Measures on the Differential Diagnosis of ADHD-Inattentive Type Versus Anxiety in a Pediatric Outpatient Behavioral Health Population
Year: 2019
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: This study examined the differences in inattention and executive function between a group of children diagnosed with ADHD and a group diagnosed with anxiety disorders to establish differential profiles for these two disorders. This study evaluated the differences among children with ADHD and anxiety disorders, using parent-report and performance-based measures of inattention and anxiety. A retrospective chart review was completed for a total of 58 patients who met the criteria for an anxiety disorder or for ADHD-C and ADHD-I at the completion of the neuropsychological assessment. Analyses compared the ADHD group and the Anxiety group on select scales and subscales of the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Functioning (BRIEF), Behavior Assessment System for Children (BASC), and Conners Continuous Performance (CPT) via an independent samples t-test and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), with age included as a covariate. The ADHD group demonstrated deficits in attention, processing speed, and efficiency, whereas the Anxiety group did not demonstrate these deficits. Moreover, significant differences exist with respect to profiles of inattention and executive functioning abilities between children with ADHD and anxiety. Findings provide support for distinct profiles of inattention and executive functioning abilities between children with ADHD and those with anxiety. The CPT is also supported as a useful tool in the differentiation of the two presentations.
Author: Emily Stapleton
Language: English
Subfield: Psychiatry and Mental health
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2965114261