Comparison of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder symptom subtypes in Ukrainian schoolchildren.
OBJECTIVE
This study used a parent-completed, DSM-IV-referenced rating scale to examine prevalence rates of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) behaviors and differences between subtypes in 10- to 12-year-old Ukrainian children.


METHODS
During 1997, a total of 600 parents and children residing in Kyiv, Ukraine, and their teachers participated in extensive clinical assessments using standard Western measures.


RESULTS
The screening prevalence rate of ADHD behaviors was 19.8%: 7.2% for inattentive (I), 8.5% for hyperactive-impulsive (HI), and 4.2% for combined (C). Post hoc comparisons indicated a number of significant (p < .05) group differences. Mothers of children with ADHD symptoms reported higher rates of disruptive behavior, negative mother-child interactions, and physical punishment than the non-ADHD group. Teachers rated children with ADHD as more hyperactive and inattentive, but only the HI subtype was rated more oppositional than non-ADHD students. The I subtype was less academically proficient and socially adept (but less likely to have behavior problems). The C subtype was the most behaviorally disruptive (mother ratings), and their fathers were more likely to be aggressive and abuse alcohol. The HI subtype also had problems with disruptive behavior but were less socially impaired.


CONCLUSIONS
Although symptom prevalence rates are higher in Ukraine than the United States, this study provides additional evidence supporting DSM-IV ADHD subtypes as distinct clinical entities.
Gadow
K D
KD
Department of Psychiatry, State University of New York, Stony Brook 11794-8790, USA.
Nolan
E E
EE
Litcher
L
L
Carlson
G A
GA
Panina
N
N
Golovakha
E
E
Sprafkin
J
J
Bromet
E J
EJ
D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000145:classification* / Q000453:epidemiology*; D002648:Child; D015331:Cohort Studies; D015897:Comorbidity; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010287:Parent-Child Relations; D011210:Power Plants; D015995:Prevalence; D018788:Radioactive Hazard Release; D014455:Ukraine / Q000453:epidemiology