Beyond ADHD Behavior Scales: Functional Impairments at Time of Assessment

Young school-age children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder have identifiable functional impairments and mental health comorbidities that should guide treatment.

Behaviors are the diagnostic cornerstone of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children. Functional status (mental health, academic performance, and peer problems) reflects factors associated with a child's developmental trajectory. Investigators examined functional status in a community-based sample of children aged 6 to 8 years attending urban public schools in Australia.

Complete parent and teacher screening data based on the Connors ADHD index were available on 3532 eligible children (60%). Among children who screened positive, 179 eligible cases were confirmed with a face-to-face standardized diagnostic interview. Cases were compared with 212 matched controls without ADHD.

Based on standardized measures, children with ADH…

Reviewing Author

Martin T. Stein, MD

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory boardPearson Neuroscience Advisory Board

Speaker’s bureauAmerican Academy of Pediatrics

RoyaltiesElsevier, Inc.

Editorial boardsJournal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics