Three-year predictive validity of DSM-IV attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children diagnosed at 4-6 years of age.
OBJECTIVE
Predictive validity is a fundamental consideration in evaluating the DSM-IV diagnostic criteria for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), particularly for younger children.


METHODS
The authors conducted four annual assessments of ADHD and functional impairment using multiple informants in 255 probands and matched comparison children who were 4-6 years old in wave 1.


RESULTS
Nearly all children who met full criteria for ADHD in wave 1 met full criteria for ADHD over the next 3 years and continued to display marked functional impairment relative to comparison children, even when intelligence, co-occurring psychopathology, and demographic characteristics were controlled.


CONCLUSIONS
These findings support the validity of the DSM-IV diagnosis of ADHD in younger children by demonstrating that the symptoms and associated impairment are likely to persist well into elementary school.
Lahey
Benjamin B
BB
Department of Psychiatry (MC 3077), University of Chicago, 5811 South Maryland Avenue, Chicago, IL 60637, USA. blahey@yoda.bsd.uchicago.edu
Pelham
William E
WE
Loney
Jan
J
Kipp
Heidi
H
Ehrhardt
Ashley
A
Lee
Steve S
SS
Willcutt
Erik G
EG
Hartung
Cynthia M
CM
Chronis
Andrea
A
Massetti
Greta
G
D000367:Age Factors; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D019955:Conduct Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology; D039721:Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010290:Parents / Q000523:psychology; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011594:Psychometrics; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013663:Teaching / Q000706:statistics & numerical data