Experimental cross-validation of DSM-IV types of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the discriminant validity of DSM-IV attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) types by testing the hypothesis that types are associated with specific kinds of functional impairment and to compare overlap of DSM-IV and DSM-III-R ADHD.


METHODS
Consecutive referrals (n = 692) to a pediatric subspecialty clinic for ADHD were classified into 1 of each of the 3 DSM-IV types of ADHD using parent and teacher checklist ratings of ADHD symptoms. The resulting types were compared on clinical correlates and on whether the children also met criteria for DSM-III-R ADHD.


RESULTS
The validity of DSM-IV types was supported by dimension-specific impairment and other distinct correlates. Academic problems aggregated in the 2 types defined by extreme inattention, and externalizing problems aggregated in the 2 types defined by extreme hyperactivity.


CONCLUSIONS
DSM-IV appeared superior to DSM-III-R in subcategorical homogeneity and in exhaustiveness (ability to classify all apparent cases).
McBurnett
K
K
Department of Psychiatry, University of Chicago, IL 60637, USA. kmcburne@yoda.bsd.uchicago.edu
Pfiffner
L J
LJ
Willcutt
E
E
Tamm
L
L
Lerner
M
M
Ottolini
Y L
YL
Furman
M B
MB
D000293:Adolescent; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000145:classification* / Q000175:diagnosis*; D002140:California; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008370:Manuals as Topic; D015203:Reproducibility of Results