Separate and overlapping relationships of inattent

Authors: Lauren C Smith Leanne Tamm Carroll W Hughes Ira H Bernstein

Publish Date: 2012/09/21

Volume: 5, Issue: 1, Pages: 9-20

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Abstract

There is debate regarding the dimensional versus categorical nature of attentiondeficit/hyperactivity disorder ADHD This study utilized confirmatory factor analysis to examine this issue ADHD symptoms rated on interviews and rating scales from a large sample of individuals ages 3–17 74  male 75  Caucasian with ADHD were examined n = 242 Four potential factor structures were tested to replicate prior findings in a sample with a wide age range and included only participants who met DSMIVTR diagnostic criteria for ADHD Correlations with executive function measures were performed to further assess the separability and validity of the derived factors The data support a bifactor model with a general ADHD factor and two specific factors inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity Importantly the individual factors were also differentially correlated with executive functioning measures This study adds to a growing literature suggesting both a general component to ADHD as well as dimensional traits of inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity associated with distinct executive functioning profiles The presence of a general underlying factor contraindicates separating the inattentive and combined subtypes of ADHD into distinct disordersWe are grateful for funding from the Sparrow Foundation which supported data collection and data analysis The authors would like to thank Chad Barnes for his work on database development as well as all of the parents and youth who participated The authors have no financial relationships to disclose with the exception of Dr Hughes who receives funding from NIMH R34MH075762 and is a consultant for Biobehavioral Diagnostics Inc

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