Abstract
DSM-IV-TR defines ADHD-Predominantly Inattentive as allowing up to five symptoms of hyperactivity/impulsivity, while theories of the inattentive type usually assume a group that is hypoactive and characterized by processing speed and cognitive interference deficits. In a community-recruited sample of 572 children and adolescents, a pure inattentive subtype of ADHD (ADD) was defined as those who met DSM-IV-TR criteria for ADHD-PI but had two or fewer hyperactive/impulsive symptoms. Processing and output speeds of those with ADD were compared to those identified with DSM-IV-TR ADHD combined type and non-ADHD controls. These results were then contrasted with those found when DSM-IV-TR defined ADHD-PI was compared with ADHD-C and controls. Processing and output speed were assessed with the Trailmaking A and B and the Stroop Naming Tests. Cognitive interference control was assessed with the interference score from the Stroop Task. Slower cognitive interference speed was found in the ADD vs. ADHD-C and controls comparisons, but not the ADHD-PI versus ADHD-C and controls comparisons. On output speed measures, ADD exhibited the slowest performance, significantly different from controls and the effect size for the set-shifting speed contrast (Trailmaking B) was double that of the ADHD-PI vs. control comparison. ADHD-Inattentive type as defined by the DSM-IV-TR is a heterogeneous condition with a meaningful proportion of those affected exhibiting virtually no hyperactive/impulsive symptoms. This subgroup may represent a distinct inattentive condition characterized by poor cognitive interference control and slow processing or output speed.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 577-591 |
| Number of pages | 15 |
| Journal | Child Neuropsychology |
| Volume | 16 |
| Issue number | 6 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 1 Nov 2010 |
| Externally published | Yes |
Bibliographical note
Funding Information:This research was supported by NIH National Institute of Mental Health Grant R01-MH63146, R01-MH59105, and R01-MH70542 to Joel Nigg. Martel was supported by NIH F31 MH075533. Address correspondence to Timothy L. Goth-Owens, PhD, Department of Psychology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824. E-mail: [email protected]
Copyright:
Copyright 2011 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.
All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes
- Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health
- Neuropsychology and Physiological Psychology
- Developmental and Educational Psychology